Last month a hydrex team removed a bow thruster from a 300-meter container ship. This was done during a stop in Italy. The unit needed to be overhauled and the operation had to be carried out within a very short window that would fit the tight schedule available to the vessel’s charterer.
Together with all the necessary equipment, hydrex team mobilized from the Antwerp fast response center to the vessel’s location. After they set up a monitoring station, the divers started the operation with a detailed inspection of the bow thruster unit and tunnel.
The diver/technicians then detached the blades one by one. In the meantime, initial preparations were made in the bow thruster engine room for the removal of the unit so that there would be no ingress of water once it was taken out.
The next step was to secure the gearbox with hoisting equipment. The team then disconnected the unit from the bow thruster engine room and lowered it onto a cradle. This cradle was designed especially for such thruster operations.
Simultaneously the team sealed off the tunnel from the bow thruster room. Once the unit was lifted onto the quay, it was prepared for transport to the workshop.
Performing a job like this on a tight schedule takes a lot of planning. This can only be done successfully by staff who have familiarity with such operations and have the relevant know-how and equipment.
Off-hire time causes a substantial loss of money. The teams therefore worked in shifts to perform the bow thruster removal within the shortest possible time frame. This saved the owner the time and money which going to drydock would have entailed.
Fulfilling the needs of all parties involved
By performing the operation on-site and underwater hydrex team divers made it possible for the owner to keep the vessel out of drydock.
The Hydrex team worked in shifts around the clock. They finished the job well within the available time frame. This allowed the ship to sail perfectly on schedule, which was a key benefit for the charterer.
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Source: Hydrex
