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Hydrex bow thruster repair avoids drydocking

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Hydrex diver/technician during thruster blade removal

APRIL 7, 2014 — Earlier this month Hydrex carried out bow thruster blade replacements on a 270-meter containership in Barcelona.

After cracks were detected in the old blades, a condition of class was issued  forcing the vessel to go off hire until a solution was found.

As soon as Hydrex’s technical department received the call from the owner, a team and all the required equipment was mobilized to the vessel’s location.

When the diver/technicians arrived, the replacement blades were on board the container vessel. The new blades were prepared for installation while the rest of the Hydrex team readied the bow thruster tunnel for the operation.

Hydrex flexible mobdocks were then installed on both sides of the thruster tunnel, allowing the team to evacuate all water from the tunnel to create a dry working environment.

The diver/technicians then removed the first blade of the bow thruster. They brought it to the surface. Next a replacement blade was lowered into the water and taken to the thruster tunnel. The team positioned the new blade on the bow thruster and bolted it on. This procedure was repeated for the other blades.

After the blades had been replaced they were put on torque. Leakage tests were carried out successfully and the divers removed the flexible mobdocks.

During the replacements the superintendent of the vessel was present. He followed the operation and gave his approval.

The Hydrex team worked in shifts around the clock to finish the job as soon as possible.

By performing the operation on-site and underwater, Hydrex made it possible for the owner to have the condition of class removed without drydocking the vessel.

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