Hydrex has performed a permanent insert repair on a 175-meter tanker after it suffered cavitation damage to the inside shell plating of one of its ballast water tanks.

The Hydrex team sailed with a workboat and all necessary equipment to the ship which lay at anchorage in Algeciras.

The divers started the operation by installing a cofferdam on the waterside of the affected plating. Next they removed the bellmouth pipe covering the area on the inside. They could then remove the plug and the cement box which had been installed as a temporary solution. The damaged plating was then cleaned and prepared for the operation.

The team then cut away an area measuring 350 x 300 mm, prepared the edges of the hole for the insert and positioned the new plate. The insert was then welded using a full penetration weld.

According to Hydrex, the repair was approved by the classification surveyor who was present during the operation. Following the inspection, Hydrex reinstalled the bellmouth pipe and removed the cofferdam.

In addition, one of the pipe reducers in the engine room was also replaced by Hydrex team.