(In-depth case study)
The Battleship Texas is a symbol of American naval history. It is recognized for its groundbreaking advancements in warfare technology and distinguished service in World War I and II. From early 2019 until late 2024, Valkor Energy Services (VES) played a central role in managing the ship’s extensive restoration, ensuring this iconic vessel was preserved for future generations
of the Battleship Texas
Commissioned in 1914, the USS Texas (BB-35) historic impact was both critical and long lasting:
Despite its legacy, decades of exposure left the vessel structurally compromised, necessitating a comprehensive and technically demanding restoration effort.
VES’s Role in the Restoration
(2019–2024)
At Valkor Energy Services (VES), we ensure that your vendors uphold the highest standards of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC). Our role is to witness QA/QC procedures and verify that vendors conduct the necessary checks and balances according to project specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. We don’t perform the tests ourselves; instead, we act as your trusted, boots-on-the-ground representative to confirm that the vendor conducts all inspections, tests, and documentation thoroughly and accurately
Key responsibilities included:
• Initial feasibility study contracted by the Battleship Texas Foundation (BTF) [make hyperlink to www.battleshiptexas.org] to assist in securing state funding for the restoration.
• Testified on behalf of BTF to Texas State Legislature restoration was feasible, safe, permittable and insurable.
• Developed a robust and thorough vessel preparation and tow plan for the voyage to Galveston, Texas, through the Houston Ship Channel, one of the busiest waterways in the world.
• Assisted a Galveston shipyard to secure a dry dock capable of docking the Battleship.
• Coordinated the flawless tow through the ship channel with the Texas Historical Commission, USCG, Houston and Galveston Pilots, tugboats, and insurance underwriters on August 31, 2022.
• On-site supervision of an 18-month duration in dry dock accomplishing the following activities:
– Removal of nearly 750,000 gallons of closed-cell, polyurethane foam installed for the voyage to the shipyard.
– Removal and replacement of the ship’s “Blister Tanks”, which were installed between World War I and World War II and severely wasted and no longer structurally sound or watertight.
– Replaced nearly 700 tons of steel at and below the waterline, in total, restoring the vessel’s watertight integrity
– Repainted entire exterior hull.
– Began wood deck restoration campaign, including repair and repainting of steel subdeck.
• Shipyard management required:
– Daily supervision involving 100+ personnel from multiple trades, vendors, and contractors.
– Developed construction and restoration plans for the 100+ year old vessel, streamlining workflows to improve cost efficiency
– Developed, managed, and executed daily contingency planning to maintain production schedule.
– Ensure optimal resource utilization for a time-and-materials contract to maximize repair efforts within budget constraints.
– Rapid decision making when encountering consistent challenges of working with a vessel over a century old.
• Refloated the Battleship after 18 months in dry dock.
• Managed mooring design and USCG coordination during Category 1 Hurricane Beryl in Summer of 2024, which the ship remained in port, moored alongside pier at the shipyard.
Key Phases of the Restoration
Initial Assessment and Planning
(2019–2022):
• Comprehensive evaluation of ship’s condition to identify safety and feasibility of towing through Houston Ship Channel.
• Assisting BTF with in-depth discussions of restoration plans with State legislators.
• Developing robust tow plan, minimizing risk, obtaining historical permit and insurance underwriter approvals.
• Coordinated closely with USCG Waterways Management and the Captain of the Port for Sector Houston-Galveston.
• Development of detailed restoration timelines, risk mitigation strategies, and vendor coordination plans.
Preparation and Tow
(2020–2022):
• Conducted thorough marine survey and structural assessment to evaluate ships condition and develop preparation plan.
• Qualified and selected premier marine salvage contractor to assist with vessel preparations and tow through ship channel.
• Selected tow methodology after comprehensive concept engineering including cost and risk evaluations.
• Installed nearly 750,000 gallons of closed cell foam in the most critical tanks to improve watertight integrity and minimize risk during tow. Foam
installation was executed over a six-month duration during the height of COVID-19 pandemic.
• Dredged nearly 40,000 cubic yards of silt for seamless pull from San Jacinto Battleship berth.
• Received approval from USCG Vessel Traffic Services for temporary, rolling complete closure of traffic in Houston Ship Channel for the tow.
• Successfully and seamlessly towed Battleship to Galveston, Texas on August 31, 2022.
Dry Docking and Hull Repairs
(2022–2024):
• Assisted Galveston shipyard to purchase and relocate adequate dry dock for the Battleship project including a sinkhole to allow for the 30’ Battleship pre-repair draft.
• Removed foam installed for tow preparation.
• Removed and rebuilt blister tanks, which were installed between World War I and World War II for torpedo protection.
• Developed construction methodologies for working with 100+ year old vessel with original rivet construction.
• Installed nearly 700 tons of new steel on the underwater hull and blister tanks.
• Repainted hull and inside of new blister tanks to improve life expectancy of the repairs.
• Successfully refloated Battleship on March 5, 2024 after 18 months in dry dock.
Superstructure and Historical Restoration
(2023–2024):
• Assisted the Battleship Texas Foundation with superstructure and historical repairs including:
– Restoring gun platforms and replacing historically significant structural components.
– Collaborated with specialized contractors to ensure compliance with historic preservation standards.
– Painting of entire superstructure exterior after restoration.
– Removal and repair of Foretop, which is the topmost structure on the ship.
• Began wood deck replacement on bow including steel subdeck repair and repainting.
• Relocated Battleship from one pier to second pier to allow longer duration and further repairs at the shipyard within the budget constraints.
Final Touches and Public Engagement
(2024–2025):
• The BTF continues to perform various repairs including:
– Cosmetic repairs and repainting of public interior spaces.
– Interior refurbishments and system upgrades.
– Continuation of the wood deck repair.
• More information can be found on www.battleshiptexas.org for up to
date status and information on public tours and educational experiences.
The complexity of restoring a century-old battleship presented numerous challenges:
• Structural Uncertainties: Aging materials and decades of deterioration led to unforeseen structural complications.
• Operational Complexities: Coordinating with multiple vendors and specialists required advanced planning and seamless collaboration.
• Environmental Challenges: Unpredictable weather conditions and the effects of dry docking necessitated flexible planning and swift decision-making.
VES’s solutions included:
• Implementing proactive contingency plans to respond to unexpected developments quickly
• Building strong partnerships with vendors to enable real-time problem-solving and rapid adjustments
• Leveraging on-site leadership to ensure timely decisions, minimize downtime, and keep the project on schedule
Outcome and Legacy
VES’s role in the restoration showcases the company’s unmatched expertise in managing large-scale, high-stakes projects with precision, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
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