Underwater Stern Tube Seal Replacements Done for Ships in Belgium and Spain

Hydrex recently dispatched diver/technician teams to ships in Belgium and Spain for stern tube seal replacements. The first operation took place in Algeciras on a 225-meter container ship, followed by another in Antwerp on a 295-meter RoRo vessel. Both ships were experiencing oil leaks, necessitating immediate on-site repairs. Using Hydrex’s flexible mobdocks, the teams completed the operations underwater, avoiding costly and time-consuming drydocking.

Thanks to recent technological advancements and lightweight equipment, Hydrex’s teams can now complete stern tube seal repairs even faster. In Algeciras, the team quickly mobilized lightweight equipment from the fast-response center and established a monitoring station beside the vessel. The process involved underwater inspections, removal of the rope guard, cleaning, installation of the mobdock, seal replacement, and leakage tests. The operation concluded successfully with the reinstallation of the rope guard.

In Antwerp, a team followed the same procedure to replace the seals on the RoRo vessel, allowing it to resume operations without oil leaks. Hydrex oversaw the entire process, eliminating the need for the owner to make repair arrangements. Working with the OEM ensured the supply of original spare parts and the presence of a technician from the seal manufacturer to oversee the operation. This collaboration guaranteed the highest quality materials for the repair.

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