Diver Training Key to Underwater Vessel Repair
After delays of almost two weeks following an unsuccessful repair to the hull of a 180m bulk carrier that ran aground offshore Las Palmas, Spain, Hydrex Underwater Technologies was approached to get the vessel sailing again. Hydrex Production Executive Dave Bleyenberg explained, “The classification society said to the owner the repair would be more likely to get the green light if we were involved because they knew we had the needed certificates and experience.” Once Hydrex’s involvement was approved, a small inspection team was flown to Las Palmas to perform a detailed underwate
Hydrex to Expand Antwerp Facility
center with three diving tanks and a workshop for constructing equipment, tools or replacement items for underwater repairs. A new storage warehouse has also been added. “Asiadok is the ideal location for the rapid deployment of our dive teams and workboats, said Hydrex Production Executive Dave Bleyenberg. “With direct access to the Scheldt and beyond, we can swiftly carry out emergency ship repairs in Belgium, the Netherlands and France from fully equipped dive support vessels that can be mobilized at moment’s notice.” The Antwerp Port Authority also extended the space available
Propeller Repairs Increase as Winter Approaches
Hydrex Underwater Technology has registered an increase in the number of vessels experiencing propeller damage. Dave Bleyenberg, Hydrex Production Executive, explained: “While winter months usually result in an increase in propeller repairs, this normally occurs between January and March. But we have already attended a number of vessel inspections on propeller blades broken or damaged by ice or debris.” In November, a Hydrex team was called out to Taranto, Italy, to inspect a 27,500dwt general cargo ship, whose engineers had reported excessive vibration from its five blade, 5m
Hydrex Response Repairs Stern in Record Time
found the temporary fix had not completely stopped the oil leak. All four stern tube seals needed to be replaced. However, because the vessel had just been fully loaded, trimming the vessel was not an option so the repair had to be carried out in-situ, underwater. Hydrex Production Executive Dave Bleyenberg said: “We have been replacing seals underwater for 15 years with our award-winning flexible Mobdock technique. Use of the Mobdock allowed us to devise a repair plan very quickly after the inspection and expedite seal replacement without having to disrupt the owner’s schedule. We
February 2024
