The USS Constellation left its landmark slip in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in October to undergo a large renovation of its hull. With the project now complete in dry-dock at the US Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, it is currently waiting out the wintery conditions on the Chesapeake Bay to return home. Atlantic Shrink Wrap of Pasadena Maryland was selected for the task of installing the shrink wrapping needed for the historic ship’s 2 million dollar hull restoration.
The project entailed the repair of extensive rot in the laminated hull planking that was installed during the 1996 – 1999 restoration. This would also prevent the rot from spreading to the ship’s historic fabric. An enclosure was needed to provide protection and control the temperature of the work area from the middle of the ship to the hull while in dry dock. Heavy ice and snow loads were anticipated to fall upon the project during the wintry months. With this in mind, ASI first built scaffolding around the vessel to be used as the infrastructure for the shrink wrap while including ample room for hull repairs inside. Installed in seven separate pieces, the shrink-wrapped cover was able to encase the unique shape of the vessel from bow to stern, including framed-out entrance areas for workers and materials.
ASI is honored to have been a part of the historic preservation of the USS Constellation–a National Historic Landmark. In addition to historic preservation, we also provide our unique services to energy, aerospace and aviation, transportation, and marine sectors. Previously, ASI completed a similar scaffolding project overseas involving the encasement of a 125ft yacht in need of a protected environment to undergo repairs in Bangkok Thailand. ASI is also proud to work with branches of the US Armed Forces, Department of Defense and contractors or private companies who work with the military.