Last month Hydrex performed underwater thruster operations on two vessels simultaneously in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico.

Repairs were carried out on both azimuth thrusters of an FPSO, while the blade and shaft seals of the stern thruster of a 180-meter heavy load carrier were replaced.

The stern thruster tunnel of the heavy load carrier was sealed off with our flexible mobdocks. All water was then emptied from the tunnel, creating a dry workspace around the thruster unit. The divers could then carry out repairs in drydock-like conditions. Hydrex team replaced the four blade seals and three shaft seals were also replaced.

The scope of work of the operation on the FPSO required repair on both azimuth thrusters of the vessel. The repair on the starboard thruster consisted only of the replacement of the oil distribution box, while the portside azimuth thruster required more comprehensive repair work on the unit. Once the thruster was secured, the unit was detached from the vessel. Hydrex carried out several repairs to the unit including the replacement of the blade seals, the liner, the bearings and the oil distribution box.

The thruster was repositioned and reattached allowing the vessel to sail for another 18 months, when a full overhaul of the azimuth thrusters is scheduled.