East Yorkshire ship specialist’s major contribution to Extreme E race series

A specialist East Yorkshire business has overseen the multi-million pound refit of a former South Atlantic ferry ready for its new role as a floating motor racing paddock.

The former Island of St Helena Royal Mail ship is in the final stages of a transformation into an ultra-efficient floating hub to transport the new Extreme E electric rally car racing series around the globe.

Hessle-based WYM Group has spent the past 18 months completely refitting the vessel, which until an airport was built four years ago provided the only transportation for both people and cargo on the British Overseas Territory.

She is now set to become the crucial logistics focus for the emerging competition, which includes a team run by Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and former winner Nico Rosberg.

Led by Austen Brunton, WYM Group’s technical project manager, a team of 30 are closing in on completing the project, having finished work which has included refurbishing the interior, renewing steelworks, hydro blasting and a full repaint of the hull and substructure.

Mechanically, all systems have been overhauled with engines stripped and components renewed or replaced, while propellers were refurbished to reduce friction and improve efficiency.

A new black and green livery, including the Extreme E logo, was seen for the first time recently as St Helena sailed along the River Mersey to Bidston Dock, where the final interiors are now being completed.

The hull has also been painted in the latest self-polishing anti-fouling paint, making the vessel more streamlined, helping further reduce CO2 emissions.

“Everything you see on St Helena has been overhauled,” said Mr Brunton, who is based at WYM Group’s headquarters in Hessle, East Yorkshire.

“As a 30-year old ship she needed quite a lot of work to get her ready for her new role with Extreme E and some adaptations to make her suitable for both passenger and cargo use.

“Seeing her re-enter the water was a very proud moment for myself and all my team.”

The Extreme E series, scheduled to start in 2021 and launching next week, takes in the likes of Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Greenland, and Brazil – chosen as they have already felt the impact of climate change.

It will see battery-electric 400kw sports utility vehicles showcased, boasting 0-60 in less than 4.5 seconds.

The vessel will also be home to scientific research activity and outreach programmes during the voyages.

WYM Group’s ship management division will oversee all aspects the ship’s operation for Extreme E, including technical and crew management, accounting, operations, provisions, and insurance.

Reflecting on the 2018 purchase, which underlines the credentials of long-haul travel too, managing director Allan Wilson said: “The St Helena was chosen by Extreme E as its freight and logistics hub due to her versatility and ability to carry a mixture of cargo, which will include the cars, as well as passengers in 62 cabins.

“It was tremendous to see the new livery when she was back in the water and her transformation has been a credit to our team.

“There are many more challenging and exciting days ahead as we manage what will be a unique project, but one which also is essentially our daily bread and butter as a ship management specialist.”