Lifeboats/Davits Removal 2016 and Discussion After That

[Rod]

This is terrible news, but after the removal of the lifeboats it is what could be expected.  I wonder what will be next to go!

What would be the metal of the davits? Could they be looking at how to finance the conversion of the ship by bit by bit removing metal or item of value?

I really do not know what to say! Very sad news.

Lynda, you probably would not recoup your removal costs at scrap value.

[June Ingram]

When QE2 first went to Dubai, a diagram of the ship was put forth that showed the funnel removed and set up on the pier as an entrance.  A glass funnel with suites and a pool was supposed to be put on QE2 in the funnel's place.  In that same diagram, there is a caption saying that the lifeboats will be removed. 

While the work progressing seems to be at a slow pace, perhaps because of money?, do you suppose Dubai are going back to their original plan of conversion which did include removal of the lifeboats ?

[Louis De Sousa]

When QE2 first went to Dubai, a diagram of the ship was put forth that showed the funnel removed and set up on the pier as an entrance.  A glass funnel with suites and a pool was supposed to be put on QE2 in the funnel's place.  In that same diagram, there is a caption saying that the lifeboats will be removed. 

While the work progressing seems to be at a slow pace, perhaps because of money?, do you suppose Dubai are going back to their original plan of conversion which did include removal of the lifeboats ?

Slow pace of work has nothing to do with money its other reasons.Her owners are not going back to her original or the Asian plan.This now is other plan and the lifeboats most likely are not part of it.The main is thing is there is a budget,a plan.QE2 has a future but not as a ship.

[Rob Lightbody]

On historic objects, including buildings, it is quite often relatively cheap to remove something, but extremely expensive or impossible to ever put it back.  That's why conversions of anything important have to be treated with extreme care and expertise, or you ruin what you have.

SS Rotterdam looks exactly the same externally as when in service. This is the correct approach.  They altered what they needed to, to create a viable hotel, but the ship itself was mostly left alone.

Another example is Queen Mary's engine rooms and the bulkheads they removed which caused structural problems and prevented the beautiful pool ever being used.  Short sighted.

Making space on the boat deck makes sense. It's practical. But that just doesn't apply to special old objects. You can't just "improve"them Willy nilly for their new role.  She's historic.  Be careful with her.

[QE2forever]

This now is other plan and the lifeboats most likely are not part of it.The main is thing is there is a budget,a plan.QE2 has a future but not as a ship.

Oh, gosh… I fear that they're doing something like the Chinese did with the Minghua (ex-Ancerville) at Shekou:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minghua_Ship_of_Shekou_Marine_World_at_dusk.JPG

[holynougat]

Really terrible.
Well, we all wondered how it would end and now it looks like we have a pretty good idea.

[Michael Gallagher]

Interesting to get a good view of the officers cabins windows under the funnel and aft Penthouse block. Cunard always wanted to build new balcony Penthouses there but the obstruction by lifeboats always stopped the plan - even though such rooms were built on Vistafjord

Perhaps this is what Dubai plans - more (unobstructed) balcony cabins?

[Bruce Nicholls]

Not in the least surprised by any of this. Are the life boats for sale? They definitely have some value locally.

[pete cain]

Rob, got to be hopeful here (but I admit I'm not at all) the davits were bolted to the deck & superstructure, they are steel & insulated from the aluminium by thick rubber type gaskets, I doubt the steel value is worth much, however the historical value is untold, if they aren't scrapped , at least they can be bolted back into position. I have my suspicion that they may form some hideous arch en-route to the abortion she is rapidly becoming  . So sad, so incomprehensible, so what I hear them say!!.

[cunardqueen]

  Not in the least surprised by any of this. Are the life boats for sale? They definitely have some value locally.   

Pageing Peter Knego

[Twynkle]

Hopefully they are Very definitely Not For Sale and just 'resting', whilst the fittings for the davits are restored.
(Although, if they are to be left off the ship, they would make magnificent Museum exhibits in many ports that loved QE2).

[Bob Flett]

Wonder how much they would be worth, who would not love to own a lifeboat from QE2 ?

[Twynkle]

Hi Louis
Thank you again - it's a beautiful image that you posted this morning.

Please - Is there any further information regarding the future of the Lifeboats?
I've heard from a good friend abroad who has suggested that they may need to be  rescued and bought back Home - and possibly the sooner the better - because as he writes, If QE2 doesn't survive, or does in another disguise, without them - the Lifeboats could be the only things 'floaty things left with Queen Elizabeth 2 on them'.
All the best
Rosie

[Louis De Sousa]

30th August 2016 A close up of QE2 with the missing davits,photo taken this late afternoon,the guy was be stay un named

[June Ingram]

 Her surgery is not for the better !