Global mobilization for seal repairs
(Posted on 18/04/19)
Hydrex has developed a flexible mobdock repair method that enables the underwater replacement of all types and sizes of shaft seals. This technology has been successfully used by their diver/technicians for over a decade. It allows ship owners to keep their vessel sailing, saving precious time and money.
Damaged stern tube seals will cause an increasing amount of oil leaking or water ingress as the damage worsens. By replacing the seals when the damage is first discovered, Hydrex keeps the down time low. The ship can keep its schedule as seal repairs can be performed during cargo operations. The company does this by creating a dry underwater working environment around the shaft.
It is not always straightforward to replace seals, because there can be quite a bit of variation in the configurations of the stern tube itself. There can also be complications with the liners, which can be worn down and show ruts. All this is routinely handled by Hydrex teams on the jobs.
All shaft seal repairs are performed in cooperation with the OEM. Hydrex usually supplies the equipment but the owner is free to supply his own OEM seals. The teams can handle all type of seals from all manufacturers.
One of the Hydrex diver/technician team carried out underwater stern tube seal repairs on a 225-meter bulk carrier during the vessel’s stop in Ghent. The ship’s stern tube was suffering an oil leak, making a quick on-site repair necessary.
The company’s divers have been using this flexible mobdock technology successfully for almost twenty years and the teams have carried out many underwater shaft seal replacements in that period. As a result the Hydrex technical department was able to offer a repair plan to the customer very quickly.
Once the operation was approved all preparations were handled swiftly. The diver/technicians mobilized to the ship with one of the Hydrex workboats. These are fully equipped as dive support stations.
During the operation the team removed the damaged seals and replaced them with new ones. Working together with the OEM allowed them to provide the customer with original spare parts which guarantees the best quality material. A technician of the seal manufacturer was also present during the operation.
Taking advantage of the Hydrex flexible mobdock technique the team was able to carry out the entire repair on-site and underwater. Because all the required material is ready to be transported at all times, no time is lost making preparations. As a result the owner of the bulk carrier did not have to delay his ship’s schedule unnecessary, let alone arrange a costly and unwelcome trip to drydock.
The Hydrex fast response centers are equipped with all the latest facilities, lightweight equipment and tools. This allows for a timely arrival of teams on any location around the world with everything they need to successfully complete the job.
Latest News
LR and Marshall Islands certify Helm CONNECT electronic record books
(Posted on 14/11/25)Helm Operations has announced that nine electronic record books within Helm CONNECT Logbook have been... Read more
Sailors’ Society launches increased support for Chinese seafarers
(Posted on 13/11/25)International maritime welfare charity Sailors’ Society has announced a significant expansion... Read more
NORDEN signs two-year contract with US wood pellet producer
(Posted on 10/11/25)NORDEN has signed a two-year Contract of Affreightment (COA) with Enviva to transport a significant... Read more
Algoma reports strong core results and continued fleet growth
(Posted on 10/11/25)Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended 30 September... Read more
Damen unveils Combi Freighter 5000 ICE
(Posted on 10/11/25)Damen Shipyards Group has unveiled the latest platform in its successful cargo vessels portfolio. The... Read more
Wallem Group reaches a century in Hong Kong
(Posted on 04/11/25)Wallem Group, a leading global maritime partner, is celebrating the centenary of moving its headquarters... Read more
INTERCARGO celebrates record membership ahead of 45th Anniversary
(Posted on 04/11/25)The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) is marking its 45th anniversary in... Read more
NORDEN reports net profit of US$26m in Q3 2025
(Posted on 04/11/25)Net profit for the Group amounted to USD 26 million (DKK 166 million) in the third quarter of 2025,... Read more
ClassNK releases 'Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)'
(Posted on 04/11/25)ClassNK has released 'Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)' first in... Read more
InterManager urges Seafarer participation in Enclosed-Space Safety Survey
(Posted on 27/10/25)Following the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) newly tightened rules on enclosed... Read more
