The team of divers and technicians from Hydrex successfully performed the replacement operation of the bow pipe seal of a 180-meter container ship at the port of Algeciras. The ship experienced water leakage in its air chamber during operations, triggering the leak alarm. These signs indicated damage to the seals and the need for their replacement.
Details of the Seal Replacement Operation
Using flexible Mobdock systems, the team was able to conduct the operation on-site and underwater, which prevented costs and time associated with transferring the ship to dry dock. After the operation was confirmed, all preparation steps were quickly completed, and the necessary equipment was transferred to the ship. Since the ship's mooring location was only accessible by water, the team used a workboat during the operation.
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Execution Steps and Final Results
The operation began with the removal of the rope guard. Divers and technicians measured the shaft wear and cleaned the components of the seal chamber. The flexible Mobdock was installed around the bow pipe seal assembly. Communication systems, cameras, and lighting were installed inside the chamber to create a dry environment similar to dry dock conditions for the technicians' work.
After removing the intermediate rings and thoroughly cleaning the pipe and rings, a fishing net that had become trapped in the damaged seals was removed by divers. The new seals were then installed and sealed, and the intermediate rings were closed again. Finally, leak tests were conducted, and the flexible Mobdock was removed from the ship, and the rope guard was reinstalled.
Despite changes in currents at the site, the team was able to complete the entire operation as scheduled in less than 48 hours. This complete organization by Hydrex meant that the shipowner did not need to make separate arrangements for underwater repairs. The team arrived at the ship with the necessary equipment to perform the seal replacement and complete the operation on-site.
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