Underwater Steering Rudder Repair for Desert Mariners Shipping

Underwater Steering Rudder Repair for Desert Mariners Shipping

Desert Mariners Shipping, a prominent maritime transport company in the GCC region, operates a fleet of cargo vessels that navigate the busy trade routes of the Arabian Gulf and beyond. One of their key vessels, the MV Al Sahil, began experiencing significant steering difficulties during a routine voyage. The crew reported unusual resistance and delayed responses when attempting to maneuver, raising serious concerns about the vessel's steering rudder functionality.

The initial assessment by the ship's engineers indicated potential damage or obstruction to the steering rudder mechanism. With the MV Al Sahil scheduled for critical deliveries in the coming weeks, any prolonged downtime would result in substantial financial losses and disrupt their supply chain commitments.

Challenge

The primary challenge was to diagnose and repair the steering rudder issue promptly without resorting to dry-docking, which would be time-consuming and costly. Desert Mariners Shipping required an immediate solution that would minimize operational disruption while ensuring the vessel's safety and compliance with maritime regulations.

Solution

El Salam Ships & Boats Repairing Company was commissioned to undertake the underwater inspection and repair of the MV Al Sahil's steering rudder. Leveraging our expertise in underwater marine repairs and our team of certified divers and marine engineers, we proposed an on-site underwater repair operation at the Port of Dubai. This approach would significantly reduce downtime and eliminate the need for expensive dry-docking procedures.

Implementation

Our operation was meticulously planned and executed to ensure safety, efficiency, and minimal impact on the vessel's schedule.

Underwater Inspection

Our dive team conducted a comprehensive underwater inspection using advanced submersible cameras and non-destructive testing equipment. The inspection revealed that the steering rudder had suffered damage due to a collision with submerged debris, causing a deformation in the rudder blade and damage to the rudder stock bearings. Additionally, there was evidence of significant biofouling, which contributed to the steering resistance.

Repair Strategy

A customized repair plan was developed to address the identified issues:

• Rudder Blade Realignment: Utilizing hydraulic underwater straightening tools to correct the deformation.
• Bearing Replacement: Removing and replacing damaged rudder stock bearings with new, high-grade components.
• Biofouling Removal: Cleaning the rudder surface to eliminate marine growth and improve hydrodynamic efficiency.
• Protective Coating: Applying anti-corrosive and anti-fouling coatings to prevent future biofouling and corrosion.

Execution

Our team coordinated the delivery of specialized equipment and materials to the repair site. The operation was carried out over seven days, with the following key steps:

1. Safety Preparations: Implemented strict safety protocols, including continuous communication between divers and surface teams, and environmental protection measures to prevent pollution.

2. Rudder Blade Realignment: Divers installed hydraulic jacks and straightening rigs to carefully realign the rudder blade to its original specifications.

3. Bearing Replacement: The damaged bearings were carefully extracted and replaced with precision-engineered parts. Alignment checks were performed to ensure optimal functionality.

4. Biofouling Removal and Surface Treatment: High-pressure water jets and scrapers were used to remove marine growth. Anti-fouling coatings were then applied to the rudder surfaces.

5. Final Inspection and Testing: Conducted a thorough inspection to verify the repairs. The vessel underwent sea trials to confirm the steering system's restored performance.

Outcome

The underwater repair was completed successfully within the seven-day timeframe. The MV Al Sahil resumed operations with fully restored steering capabilities, ensuring the vessel met its delivery schedule without any further issues.

Benefits to the Client

• Cost Savings: Avoided the substantial costs associated with dry-docking and extended downtime.
• Time Efficiency: Minimized operational disruption by completing repairs without taking the vessel out of service.
• Enhanced Safety: Restored steering functionality ensured the vessel's compliance with safety regulations and reduced the risk of future incidents.
• Improved Performance: Removal of biofouling and application of protective coatings enhanced the vessel's maneuverability and fuel efficiency.

Client Testimonial

"El Salam's prompt and professional response was crucial in resolving our steering rudder issue. Their expertise allowed us to avoid a potentially lengthy and costly dry-docking process. We are extremely satisfied with the quality of their work and the efficiency of their team."
— Ahmed Al Mansouri, Fleet Manager, Desert Mariners Shipping

Conclusion

This project demonstrated El Salam's ability to deliver high-quality underwater repair services under time-sensitive conditions. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction reinforces our position as a trusted partner in the maritime industry within Dubai and the broader GCC region.