Ships In Spain & Belgium Undergo Underwater Stern Tube Seal Repairs

Two vessels underwent urgent stern tube seal replacements in Spain and Belgium after experiencing oil leaks. The repairs, conducted by specialised diver-technician teams, were carried out underwater using advanced repair technology.

This method prevented the need for costly and time-consuming drydocking, allowing the ships to continue operations without delays.

The first repair took place in Algeciras on a 225-meter container ship, while the second was completed in Antwerp on a 295-meter RoRo vessel. Both ships faced stern tube seal failures, which required immediate intervention to prevent worsening oil leaks.

The repair teams successfully replaced the seals on-site by deploying a flexible mobdock, a specialised dry workspace created underwater.

Recent innovations from the company’s R&D department, including lightweight equipment, have made underwater stern tube seal replacements faster and more efficient.

Experts state that if stern tube seal damage is left unaddressed, it can lead to worsening oil leaks or water ingress, causing severe operational and environmental issues.

The repair method used in these cases is designed to handle all types and sizes of shaft seals, even in challenging conditions.

Since stern tube configurations vary, repairs can be complex, particularly when dealing with worn or grooved liners.

However, the experienced diver-technician teams ensured that both vessels were restored to full operational condition.

Once the repair operation in Algeciras was confirmed, the response team quickly mobilised necessary equipment from their fast-response center.

Upon arrival, divers set up a monitoring station next to the vessel before beginning a detailed underwater inspection of the stern tube seal assembly.

The process involved removing the rope guard, cleaning the seal assembly, and installing the flexible mobdock. This setup created a controlled dry environment, replicating drydock conditions.

The damaged seals were then taken apart, and the split ring was removed and brought to the surface for cleaning. After thoroughly cleaning the assembly, the team installed new seals, bonding them one by one to ensure proper sealing.

Once the replacement was complete, leakage tests were carried out to confirm the repair’s success. The mobdock was then removed, and the rope guard was reinstalled.

The vessel was cleared to resume operations without any further oil leaks.

Shortly after the Algeciras operation, another team was sent to Antwerp to conduct a similar repair on the RoRo vessel. The team used the same method, ensuring a quick and effective seal replacement.

Within a short period, the vessel was operational again, with all leaks eliminated.

The company managing the repairs handled the entire process, eliminating the need for the vessel owners to make separate arrangements. Original spare parts from the seal manufacturer were used to ensure the highest quality.

A technician from the manufacturer was present to oversee the operation and ensure that everything was conducted according to industry standards.

The company’s repair teams are equipped with the latest tools and technologies to handle underwater maintenance and stern tube seal replacements efficiently.

All procedures are class-approved and carried out at lay-by berths or alongside docks, ensuring that commercial operations remain uninterrupted.

Such underwater operations, which use advanced repair techniques, experienced divers, and high-quality spare parts, allow ships to stay afloat, operational and profitable without unnecessary delays.

Reference: hydrex

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