Winter on the Kiel Canal in 1986

In this episode of Beyond the Engine Room, Rob takes us back to a bitterly cold winter of 1986, where he found himself in Rendsburg, Germany, at a shipyard on the banks of the Kiel Canal. The mission? Preparing the Stena Seatrader for her next journey and keeping her in peak condition through brutal northern temperatures and challenging conditions. Rob shares a vivid look at life behind the scenes—working alongside the engine room crew, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the intricate machinery that kept the vessel running. From braving the biting winds of the German winter to adapting to the quirks of the Seatrader, this story captures the heart of life aboard a working ship in one of Europe's coldest winters. Join us as we explore the camaraderie, the hard work, and the spirit that thrives beyond the engine room.