Hydrex recently executed an urgent underwater rudder repair operation on a 120-meter trawler experiencing a critical defect with its flap rudder while operating off the rugged coast of the Shetland Islands. The malfunction severely compromised the vessel’s ability to navigate safely, prompting an immediate call for assistance.
Upon receiving the enquiry, Hydrex swiftly coordinated the mobilisation of a specialised diver/technician team to the vessel’s location in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. Following immediate approval for the operation, the highly trained Hydrex team deployed without delay.
A comprehensive inspection revealed that all bolts connecting the rudder flap to the link pin were broken. As a result, the rudder flap had come loose. This made it impossible to correctly position the flap, which in turn made steering difficult. To keep on sailing without a repair posed a great risk as there was a real chance that the damage would get worse. Securing the rudder flap was the only possible underwater solution.
During this inspection exact measurements were taken. Combined with drawings received from the OEM, this gave the team all the information necessary to fabricate eight stiffeners.
The rudder and its flap were then put in the neutral position. Four stiffeners were placed on each side of the rudder, securing the flap to it. The plates were welded underwater by the Hydrex divers. Next the sliding pin was also secured with welding plates. A steering test was successfully performed, concluding the repair. The ship had a well calibrated rudder again. Because of the remote location of the vessel there was no suitable drydock close by. By immediately mobilising a team to the Shetland Islands to carry out a temporary underwater rudder repair, Hydrex made it possible for the owner to sail his vessel safely to a drydock of his choice in the Netherlands.
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.
