While undergoing maintenance at a boatyard in Savannah, Georgia, the 230 ft Benetti motor yacht, Freedom (built in 2001), enlisted our team to upgrade its waste treatment system. The original system was outdated and difficult to access, requiring a complete removal and replacement with a Headhunter treatment system. a DNV class boat
As a South Florida-based company, this project was a mobile service, requiring our team to travel to the vessel's location. Most of the work was completed while the yacht was in dry dock.
One of the primary challenges of this project was the tight engine room space and lack of accessibility for such a large piece of equipment. The existing treatment plant was located below deck, most likely installed in the initial phase of construction, accessible only via a narrow staircase in its current form. To accommodate the new system, our team had to remove the staircase, expand the access point, and modify the vessel’s structural framing to allow for proper installation.
The project involved:
- Dismantling & Removal: The original waste treatment plant was fully disassembled and removed in sections.
- Structural Modifications: We fabricated, installed and painted a custom steel skid, designed to support the new treatment plant. This skid was w
elded to the yacht’s framework for stability.
- Installation & Integration: The new Headhunter treatment system was maneuvered between the vessel’s tight engine room and secured onto the skid.
- Piping & Sys
tem Setup: We installed a transfer pump manifold with two transfer pumps, routing new piping from the holding tank to the treatment system, ensuring proper flow and leak-free connections
- Commissioning & Testing: The final phase included wiring and installing the control panel, testing all connections, and commissioning the system to ensure optimal performance.
This project showcased our team’s expertise in custom fabrication, structural modifications, and precision installation, even in highly restricted spaces. By successfully retrofitting the M/Y Freedom with a modern, efficient waste treatment system, we enhanced the vessel’s environmental compliance and operational efficiency.
