The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

Ecofix restores corroded running gear

(Posted on 08/08/19)

Ecofix is a filler product which is used in combination with the Subsea Industries’ award-winning Ecoshield hard coat system. Ecofix is specifically developed to provide ship owners and Original Equipment Manufacturers with a cost-effective solution for the repair of corroded or pitted steel surfaces.

When a rudder or other piece of underwater ship gear has not been properly protected, the surface will become severely pitted and corroded. The steel needs to be restored to its original shape with a smooth surface prior to recoating.

This is where Ecofix comes in. It is a superior, tested and proven filler. Because it uses the same basic resin as Ecoshield, the coating can be applied just one hour after the filler. The bonding and hardness are extraordinary. This is the effective alternative to metal facing or very expensive alternative fillers. Because it is part of the Subsea Industries family, it is fully compatible and homogeneous with the company’s other coating systems.

Rudders and thruster tunnel repaired and protected from further damage

Recently the rudder of a LPG tanker was given the full treatment in Setubal, Portugal. First Ecofix was applied to restore the surface of the damaged rudder back to its original condition. Next it was coated with Ecoshield. This will protect the rudder from ever suffering corrosion and cavitation damage again.

Ecoshield and Ecofix are also suitable for stabilizer fins, thrusters, nozzles and other underwater ship gear which needs special protection from corrosion. Now these items can also be repaired prior to recoating when other, less effective coatings have permitted corrosion and cavitation damage to occur.

For this reason the corrosion damage on the rudder as well as in the thruster tunnel of a container vessel was repaired in Rotterdam with Ecofix last month before Ecoshield was applied.

Subsea Industries offers a full package; Ecofix restores the surface of the rudder or other underwater gear and Ecoshield will protect the area from ever suffering corrosion and cavitation damage again.