Last month Hydrex replaced two pipes on a 228-meter tanker while the vessel was berthed in Rotterdam. Both pipes were leaking and a fast on-site solution was needed to remove a condition of class. These repairs were performed afloat with our cofferdam technique. This gave the owner a cost effective alternative for drydock.
An overboard pipe needed to be replaced on both starboard and port side. This would stop the leaks and secure the integrity of the hull.
While preparations for the welding work were ongoing inside the engine room, two mob docks were installed and secured underwater over the location of the pipes.
The team first disconnected the old scrubber overboard pipe on the port side. The hull plating and the new pipe were then prepared for fitting. Once the pipe was positioned, welding of the hot pass was done according to the Hydrex class approved welding procedures. This connected the overboard pipe to the ship’s hull. The same procedure was then repeated for the starboard side overboard pipe.
An ultrasonic test was carried out by an independent tester. This showed that the repairs had been performed successfully. Both cofferdams could then be removed. Finally a visual inspection was made on the outside by our team. The repair was approved by the representative of the classification society who had been present during the operation.
Conclusion:
Overboard pipe repairs are vital for a vessel because there is a direct connection between the outside hull and the pipes. This means that any damage to the pipes can compromise the integrity of the hull. For this reason the classification society will very strictly monitor the condition of the pipes and will demand a fast and thorough repair of the damage.
Hydrex offers permanent afloat solutions for situations like this. We bring a high standard of care and professionalism to any operation to guarantee that a ship can sail safely afterwards. Our divers always strive to meet these standards and make sure that the service is delivered in as short a time period as is possible. By performing the two replacements in one operation our divers did exactly this and kept the downtime to a minimum.
Source: Hydrex.
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