The Priestman Dredge

Another large contract undertaken by Glasgow Engineering in 1938 was the construction of a large Dredge Pontoon (barge) for the Marine Board of Launceston to carry a steam driven Priestman bucket type dredging plant with slewing gear.

The new pontoon was 71 ft. long, had a beam of 25 ft., a depth of 8 ft. the estimated total weight was 100 tons and was built at a cost of £4000. Having hired the old wooden floating dock from the M.B.L., work was completed in 11 weeks. During the winter month’s rain was encountered almost every day, including the day of the launching. This vessel was built entirely using a hand riveted process.

Using pneumatic riveting guns, the work was carried out by one gang from Glasgow Engineering Co. and a crew conscripted from Melbourne. Alfred Taylor of Melbourne marked out all the wooden templates. The dredging plant, which was removed from the original vessel Wombat, was installed in the new barge and successfully tested. The steam engine was eventually replaced by a diesel motor in later years.