The cost of this work and cancellations would cost Cunard a further £1 million. Captain Bob Arnott was in command throughout the work period.
TECHNICAL AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES WORK
Work that could not be completed in June would be finished during this period.
Turbines
The second stage repair to QE2’s starboard low pressure turbine was completed during the allotted refit time. A new rotor and inner casing was fitted.
Boilers
In addition to the turbine repair, the redesign calling for additional tubing was carried out in the troublesome starboard boiler. Initial operating experience confirmed that this redesign was effective as superheater temperatures had been reduced significantly back to within their design limitations. This same modification was carried out on QE2’s port and aft boilers in the November 1983 refit.
Lifeboats
The lifeboats were inspected and Boat No 9 was sent away for repairs before being returned on 30 July.
Other Work
• Bilge modifications were made.
• Telecommunication improvements were undertaken.
PASSENGER AREAS
Platehouse work was initiated in the Tables of the World Restaurant as well as other USPH improvements being undertaken.
PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION
60 additional passengers cabins of the Code I category were refurbished which left 64 Code I cabins to be refurbished by the end of the fiscal year.
RETURN TO SERVICE
On 1 August QE2 put to sea for engine trials in the Channel. The next day she sailed for New York with 1,750 passengers and performed almost flawlessly.
Due to a failure by John Brown to correctly assemble a reduction gear box, QE2’s departure from Southampton was delayed on 2 August. After reassembly by John Brown QE2 sailed 12 hours late with passengers expecting to board in (the now-cancelled) port of Cherbourg being flown to Southampton.
Vosper’s performance during this second refit period was considered by Cunard to be troublesome. Sea trials had been delayed by one full day due to Vosper’s work force leaving no slack to find errors such as John Brown’s. Further it was necessary for Cunard’s Operations Director to meet with the Confederation of Labour to quiet disputes – boiler clean work being carried out had to be cancelled due to the disputes.
