Asia Poseidon recently made the journey from her home berth in Pattaya to Clearvac Engineering Asia’s yacht refit facility in Bangkok, where an intensive four-week dry docking period saw the full scope of her refit works successfully completed.
Once secured in Dry Dock 2, “it was all hands on deck”.
As part of the refit, diesel fuel was extracted and transferred to an on-site storage tank, where it underwent fuel polishing using an advanced carbon filtration system. All fuel, freshwater, black, and grey water tanks were thoroughly cleaned to allow for internal inspection. The hull was stripped of barnacle and algae build-up to restore a smooth surface, ahead of fresh antifoul application and the installation of new hull anodes and through-hull scoops.
In line with RINA survey requirements, the yacht’s propellers, shafts, and rudders were removed for inspection and testing. New shaft cutlass bearings and rudder bush bearings were installed, and laser alignment of the bore, shafts, and gearbox was carried out. New chockfast was applied, and the propellers were dynamically balanced, polished, and reinstalled, followed by a coating of Propspeed.
Further works included removal of the swim platform for fibreglass repairs to hinge components, with all related hydraulic systems overhauled. All through-hull valves, manifolds, and sea strainers were also removed, serviced, and pressure-tested to meet class survey standards.
Additional exterior work involved Awlgrip paint repairs to multiple areas and full recaulking of all teak decking. HVAC systems received air hygiene services, including cleaning and disinfecting of all ductwork, fan coils, and air handling units.
To eliminate fire hazards, the galley and laundry extraction systems were cleaned, and ozone treatments were applied throughout interior spaces to ensure complete sanitisation and the removal of any lingering odours following the refit. Mechanical engineering tasks also included a bow thruster overhaul and installation of a new bilge pump.
Reflecting on the strategic advantage of Bangkok as a superyacht refit destination, Robert ‘Doc’ Taylor, Managing Director of Clearvac Engineering Asia, offered the following insight:
“Bangkok is fast becoming a global hotspot for superyacht refits, and this facility is proud to be at the forefront of that evolution. With access to skilled local labour and regionally sourced materials, the shipyard is able to deliver high-quality workmanship with notable cost and time efficiencies. The local workforce includes experienced craftsmen and engineers with specialist expertise in luxury yacht systems and the complex demands of refit projects.
For vessels operating within the Asia-Pacific region, this strategic location offers clear advantages—removing the need for long-distance transits and providing convenient access for yachts based in or chartering throughout Southeast Asia’s premier cruising grounds. Efficient processes allow for quick turnarounds, which is ideal for yachts on tight schedules. Combined with world-class capabilities and the kind of warm hospitality that makes time in Bangkok enjoyable for owners and crew alike, the city is well-positioned to become a leading destination for global refit work.”
