Hydrex Underwater Technologies, a global leader in underwater ship repair and maintenance, has successfully executed an emergency stern tube seal repair on a 170-meter tanker in the Port of Rotterdam. The rapid-response operation ensured the vessel was returned to service ahead of schedule, preventing a prolonged and costly drydocking interruption.
After the inquiry was received in the morning, the technical department provided a quotation within two hours which was accepted almost immediately. The operation was scheduled to start Thursday August 7th.
Two teams of five diver/technicians each (day and night shifts) mobilized to the Port of Rotterdam. The night shift started the job late on August 7th. They went on board to carry out safety procedures, then began diving, starting with an inspection, removing the rope guard, taking wear down measurements and then assembling the habitat ready for the day shift to begin the seal replacement in the morning of the 8th.
All four stern tube seals were replaced. The stern tube assembly was reassembled and tested. The job was completed on Sunday, August 10th early in the morning with the ship ready to sail. The total time the team needed for the job was several hours less than the estimate. The customer was very pleased with the results and with Hydrex’s performance throughout.
About Hydrex:
Antwerp-headquartered Hydrex is renowned for bringing drydock-like conditions to ships and offshore units. This helps owners to extend their vessels’ drydock interval and eliminates the loss of time and production brought about by drydocking. Using its patented mobdock concept (mobile mini drydock), Hydrex diver/technicians can perform permanent repairs to all parts of the underwater ship propulsion system, as well as steel work or crack repairs in drydock-like conditions.
Because of the nature of repair work, it is often necessary for solutions to difficult problems to be worked out in a short time period, sometimes even after an operation has already started. Through a worldwide network of offices and service stations, Hydrex can provide start-to-finish solutions economically at any location.
