Hydrex Team Performs Permanent Underwater Hull Repairs in Florida


Last month a Hydrex team mobilized from the office in Clearwater, Florida, to a 170-meter roro vessel berthed close by in Port Everglades to perform underwater hull repairs.
Despite the relatively small scale of this operation, it was nonetheless vital for the shipowner. It allowed him to keep his vessel out of drydock and avoid having to go off hire.
Hydrex on-site hull repair services include the renewal of both small and large areas of damaged hull plating.
These repairs can be carried out above or below water, according to the circumstances, with tailor-made mobdocks. Normal commercial activities can therefore continue without disruption.
These operations follow the Hydrex procedure for welding cracks and inserts in the vessel’s shell plating and they are approved by the major classification societies.
Permanent insert repair in Port Everglades
A cavitation hole needed to be repaired in the bottom plating of the ship. A Hydrex diver/technician team therefore carried out a detailed inspection of both the onboard as well as the water side of the affected plating.
Next the team installed a cofferdam over the area.
The cofferdam was modified to fit perfectly over the rounded shape of the hull.
This allowed them to remove the longitudinal frame covering the damage.
The diver/technicians could then cut away the damage and the surrounding area. Next they positioned a new insert plate, measuring 300 x 300 mm.
The insert was then secured following the Hydrex class-approved procedure for insert plates, using a full penetration weld.
An independent tester carried out ultrasonic testing and the repair was approved by the classification surveyor who was present during the operation.
The diver/technicians then refitted the frame and removed the cofferdam, concluding the repair.
Press Release, October 18, 2013


Source: Subsea World News