Clearwater, FL – Dry underwater welding of an insert plate on a tanker was done as a permanent ship hull repair in-situ by Hydrex. A five man team of certified technicians and divers from the Hydrex US office went to the vessel in the Port of Galveston, Texas in order to do the work in a minimal amount of time thus keeping the vessel at sea and in business.

The tanker required an insert of 800 x 490 mm for the bottom of the hull. There was no time for the vessel to go to drydock and the vessels delivery schedule demanded she stay at sea.

First, it was ascertained that the cargo tank and ballast tank were free of chemicals and fumes, and that the atmosphere was safe for both welders and hot work. Then, using their propriety mobdock (short for mobile mini drydock) technology, the Hydrex team was able to create a dry environment in which to do the welding and complete the permanent hull repair while the tanker was in the water. Ultrasonic testing was done to confirm the weld. The Hydrex team coordinated with the Houston DNV (Det Norske Veritas) office and the job site was supervised and approved by ABS (American Bureau of Shipping).

The Hydrex proprietary mobdock is a technology whereby work below the water line is done by taking a small mobile environment to the vessel or offshore structure, rather than by taking the structure to a shore based drydock. Mobdocks can be flexible or hard sided and are ideal for creating a dry environment underwater in which to do steel work, crack repairs, replace stern tube seals and even make localized paint repairs.

“In these tough financial times, it more important than ever for shipowners, operators, and managers to keep their vessels at sea and in businesses as many days as possible. We have a wealth of certified welding divers and technicians available and trained to deploy at a moment’s notice. Our depots are stocked with the equipment needed to get a repair job done quickly while the ship is in the water,” says William Abbott, Hydrex US Operations Manager. “Our Hydrex team thrives on being able to help keep ships in business at sea.”

Underwater welding (http://www.hydrex.BE), ship repair and maintenance company, Hydrex N.V. was founded in Antwerp, Belgium in 1974. The company, serving both the shipping and offshore industry, has grown to become one of the leading international companies providing a comprehensive range of underwater maintenance and repair services including the new Ecospeed coating system. Hydrex specializes in cutting edge underwater repair and maintenance technology and solutions that are performed in-situ resulting in ship owners often finding drydocking is not necessary so time, trouble and expense are saved. Hydrex underwater services cover all types of repair including highly technical repairs or replacements such as thrusters, propellers, rudders, stern tube seals, and damaged or corroded hulls. All job categories are approved by classification societies. For more information on Hydrex and to contact one of their international offices visit http://www.hydrex.be.