Bow thruster reinstalled underwater in Algeciras

Hydrex has reinstalled a bow thruster on a 150m-long RoRo vessel in Algeciras, Spain, about two months after originally removing the unit for overhaul. Carrying out both operations underwater, the company enabled the owner to avoid an unscheduled drydocking while also maintaining the vessel’s operating schedule.

The reinstallation followed the reverse of the removal procedure. A monitoring station was established alongside the vessel while divers conducted a detailed inspection of the bow thruster tunnel. At the same time, technicians prepared the bow thruster room to ensure no water ingress occurred once the unit was reconnected.

Because the thruster had been fully assembled and prepared before installation, the team installed it as a complete unit. This eliminated the need to create a dry environment inside the tunnel, a requirement that can arise when blades are fitted separately. Diver-technicians lowered the thruster into the water, guided it into position within the tunnel, secured it and completed the connection to the bow thruster room.

The operation concluded with the removal of temporary pad eyes and the reinstallation of the tunnel grids. Working in rotating shifts around the clock, the team completed the project within the available maintenance window, allowing the vessel to depart on schedule.

Hydrex noted that such projects require extensive planning, as well as specialist equipment and personnel experienced in complex underwater operations. The company added that thruster removals and reinstallations can also be combined with drydock schedules, allowing overhaul work to proceed independently and helping owners reduce time spent out of service.