Concurrent Repairs On Berthed Cruise Ship
Asked to perform a detailed underwater inspection on a 293m cruise ship experiencing problems with the rudder, Hydrex mobilized an inspection team to the Azores. The survey revealed that the lower pintle of the hinged flap rudder was missing which caused the bottom of the flap to shift out of its normal position, thereby blocking the mechanism. In cooperation with the manufacturer it was decided to have a new pintle made with a conic top to make sure that the rudder and the flap would align themselves automatically during the insertion of the pintle insofar as this would still be necessary. At the same time it was also requested to arrange for the replacement of a propeller blade that had been damaged and repaired earlier but was still causing speed loss.
Once all the information was gathered, it was decided to perform both repairs during the vessel’s next scheduled stop in Kiel, Germany. In advance of the vessel’s arrival, Hydrex made all arrangements for both repairs in the company’s fast response centre. Two diver-technician teams remained on standby and mobilized immediately when the vessel arrived in Europe. The first part of the pintle repair consisted of the re-alignment of the rudder and the flap. This was done transversally with a hydraulic jack and longitudinally with chain blocks. Next the diving team inserted the new pintle and stopper plate.
In the meantime the other team started the blade replacement on the fixed pitch build up propeller by extracting the bolts and removing the damaged blade. The new blade was then positioned and specially designed bolts were used to secure it. These bolts were designed in cooperation with Aegir Marine Propulsion Systems. After the bolts were put on torque, they were secured with wire.
Having a very wide complement of logistics, tools, workboats and diving support equipment available at all times, Hydrex underwater teams are always prepared for all operations, including those that present unexpected conditions. By working in two teams and in shifts, Hydrex was able to finish both repairs at the same time and within 36 hours.