life.

The ship 387-foot vessel resumed her regular New Jersey-Bermuda following a six-week drydocking in Charleston, South Carolina.

During that time, the four-year-old vessel secured Lloyd's seaworthiness certificates for various aspects of her operations.

But perhaps more importantly, Container Ship Management, the ship's managers, got her ballast tanks completely restored.

Operators had noticed corrosion in the tanks which run the length of the ship's hold.

They returned the vessel to Detyens Shipyard Inc. and, under the builder's guarantee, had the tanks refinished.

Subcontracted workers using airtight body suits and breathing apparatus had to climb through the small openings into each of the tanks and sandblast the surfaces for re-coating.

"It is very tough, hot work,'' one Container Ship Management spokesman said.

Ventilation holes had to be cut in the sides of the ship to promote air flow and reduce dust build-up.

The work, by subcontractor Maine Shipyard, met the approval of CSM.

"The whole bottom of the ship from the inside had to be done,'' a CSM spokesman said.

"We're more than satisfied with the performance. The quality of the work was excellent. We've written a letter to them saying how pleased we are and that we would have no hesitation to recommend them.'' The Lloyd's inspectors were brought in to give the 6,250 metric ton vessel the once-over. CSM decided to take advantage of the drydocking, despite one year remaining before her five-year mandatory inspection.

The inspectors reviewed all aspects of the ship's operations including her engines, drive shaft and rudder before issuing appropriate seaworthy classifications.

She arrived in Bermuda Sunday afternoon carrying 161 containers -- 123 dry and 38 refrigerated.

She also carried four cars, a forklift, two boats on trailers, and two platforms of assorted equipment.

The Oleander sailed Tuesday morning.

Mr. Barry Brewer of Container Ship Management said: "We want importers to know that the Oleander will be back to her regular Sunday schedule.'' In other Docksiders news this week: Meyer Agencies reported the Tuesday arrival of the Bermuda Islander .

She carried 72 containers, six of which were refrigerated, and one boat. She left the same day.

They also reported the arrival of Somers Isle on Sunday morning from Florida.

She discharged 92 containers, eight of which were refrigerated, along with 30 tons of loose bulk cargo including steel pipes, lumber and one boat.

On Monday the cruise ship Horizon arrived carrying 1,276 passengers. She sails today at 3 p.m.

Kloster's Dreamward also arrived on Monday morning with 1,119 passengers. She sails today at 2 p.m.

Meridian came on Monday at 1 p.m. carrying 1,026 passengers. She also sails today.

Yesterday, the Costa Allegra anchored in the Great Sound. She carried 620 passengers and will sail at 4 p.m. today.

The Regal Empress arrives tomorrow in Hamilton and will sail on Saturday. The passenger count was unavailable.

John S. Darrell reported Tuesday's arrival of The Song of America which carried 1,365 passengers.

She docked in St. George's and moved to Hamilton yesterday. She will set sail tomorrow at 2 p.m.

DRYDOCK -- The Oleander gets scrubbed and checked in Charleston, South Carolina.