Bühler GmbHGeneva DrySailors SocietyVan AalstPort of StocktonVigan
  • Vigan
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Geneva Dry
  • Van Aalst
  • Bühler GmbH
  • TMS Awards 2023

Rudder repairs prevent damage

Rudder repairs prevent damage

(Posted on 03/10/19)

Hydrex teams have carried out several recent rudder repairs on ships in Belgium and France. In all cases cracks were found that needed to be repaired to prevent them from spreading and causing further damage to the rudders.

Hydrex can perform repairs at anchorage on any type of rudder or while the vessel is berthed. In most cases this can be done without interrupting cargo operations. The following case studies give an account of some of the recent examples of this.

A 230-meter roro ship in Zeebrugge had suffered cracks on both sides of the rudder flap. On the starboard side a branching crack was found while a single crack was present on the port side.

Hydrex divers first drilled arrests on all extremities of the cracks to prevent them from spreading. They then positioned C-shaped plates over the crack arrests and secured these with wet welding.

This allowed the owner to sail his ship without having to worry about the condition of the rudder. He can have a permanent repair carried out during the ship’s next scheduled drydock visit at a more convenient time and location.

On two 229-meter sister bulker ships in Le Havre and Dunkirk respectively, cracks were found on the upper pintle corner of the hinge that connects the rudder flap to the main rudder blade. Fortunately these cracks could be repaired by grinding them out after a crack arrest had been drilled. The affected area was then filled with clad welding.

The cracks on these rudders were spotted during an underwater inspection before they caused problems for the ship. This once again shows the benefits of having regular inspections carried out by competent divers, followed by comprehensive and accurate reports. Hydrex teams can detect any problem so that they can be corrected early and prevent the more costly repair which neglect and further damage would bring about.

Latest News

Associated Terminals advances marine cargo innovation with two Liebherr CBG 500 E Cranes

(Posted on 20/06/25)

Associated Terminals has announced the commissioning of two Liebherr CBG 500 E cranes, customised with... Read more


Marlow Navigation enhances fleet data security with Dualog Drive

(Posted on 20/06/25)

Marlow Navigation, a leading name in global ship and crew management, has strengthened its fleet-wide... Read more


Latvian port receives electric KG MHC for lower-emission operations

(Posted on 15/06/25)

Stena Line Ports Ventspils JSC in Latvia has taken delivery of its first electric Konecranes Gottwald... Read more


Wärtsilä hybrid propulsion solution for four new Dutch vessels

(Posted on 15/06/25)

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply an integrated hybrid propulsion solution for four... Read more


Electric Liebherr LHM 280 strengthens Saga Fjordbase’s sustainable port operations

(Posted on 15/06/25)

Saga Fjordbase’s investment in the Liebherr LHM 280 mobile harbour crane underscores its... Read more


Tymor Marine transforms draft surveying with AI-powered DRFT MRKS App

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Tymor Marine has unveiled a groundbreaking solution to one of the maritime industry’s most persistent... Read more


Telestack’s instrumental role in groundbreaking Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Telestack has played an instrumental role in the supply of two mobile shiploading systems to one of... Read more


NAVTOR partners with Chris-Marine to enhance data collection

(Posted on 06/06/25)

NAVTOR has taken another step in its mission to ‘make life easier’ for shipping crews and... Read more


Kaiko to streamline bulker hold inspection with an AI-powered app

(Posted on 02/06/25)

Kaiko Systems has announced the launch of a new product to provide an efficient and more streamlined... Read more


PT Bahtera Bahari Shipyard’s innovative milestone in transshipment

(Posted on 30/05/25)

PT Bahtera Bahari Shipyard (PT BBS) has taken a bold step in advancing Indonesia’s maritime capabilities... Read more


CimbriaTBA GroupPort of South LouisianaTMS Awards 2023Telestack
  • Telestack
  • TBA Group
  • Sailors Society

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping