Underwater propeller blade replacement in Amsterdam by Hydrex
A 173-meter, heavy load carrier needed to have one of its propeller blades replaced during the ship’s stop in Amsterdam. Hydrex therefore sent a team to the vessel’s location to perform the operation underwater.
Oil was leaking from beneath one of the propeller blades of ship and the blade seal needed to be replaced. A fast, on-site solution was essential to keep the ship on schedule.
The team started the repair with the installation of chain blocks to rig the first blade. The bolts could only be removed by cutting them with the aid of special equipment. The propeller blade was then lifted, and the damaged blade seal was replaced with a new one. After the seal was installed, the replacement blade was positioned, and secured with new bolts.
A successful oil pressure test and underwater inspection of the entire propeller were performed, concluding the repair.
Because there is always a large stock of state-of-the-art tools ready in the Hydrex fast response center, mobilization to this or any other kind of operation can be almost immediate. This enabled the owner to sail his ship on schedule. No costly drydock visit had to be planned.