The QE2 Story would like to thank Michael Gallagher for giving his permission to extract information from information he had compiled on refits and allowing us to make this information available on the QE2 Story Forum.
Source: Michael Gallagher, Cunard PR Manager and Historian
Date of refit: 6 April – 22 April 1970
Timescale: 3 weeks
Contractor: Vesper Thornycroft, Southampton
Total Cost: £248,290
Captains: W E Warwick and G E Smith
Drydock:
Problems were encountered after QE2 entered the King George V dry-dock on 8 April 1970 (where she remained until 19 April) - while the water was being pumped out a fuel oil spill occurred during the night. The emptying operation was stopped and bales of straw were used in an attempt to contain the oil while workmen in barges began the arduous and dirty job of removing it.
General and Technical Work:
Low Pressure Starboard Rotor : The £50,000 rotor was lifted on board on 14 April and lowered into the engine room where technicians were waiting to install it. The old rotor was reconditioned and kept as a spare.
The port side propeller and shaft was removed for inspection.
Lifeboats 3, 7, 9, 15, 17 and 19 were surveyed.
Passenger Areas:
The stage in the Queens Room received work.
The Theatre Bar and its pantry and passageway received work at a cost of £2,034.
The Seven Deck Gymnasium carpet was replaced.
Crew Areas:
The Crew Gymnasium space on Six Deck was converted into five two-berth crew cabins and additional washing space – the new cabins being similar to the existing crew accommodation.
Return to Service:
QE2 left dry-dock on 19 April and returned to the Ocean Terminal where work in public rooms and cabins continued. It was established that approximately 90% of the work was complete by the time QE2 re-entered service.
