Hydrex carries out underwater rudder repair
Underwater repairs conducted far from drydock (Source: Hydrex)
Hydrex has completed underwater repairs on a 120m-long trawler operating off the coast of the Shetland Islands, fixing a defect in its flap rudder which caused the vessel to steer erratically.
Upon arrival, the team conducted a thorough inspection, discovering that all bolts securing the rudder flap to the link pin had broken. As a result, the rudder flap had become detached, hindering proper steering and posing a risk of further damage without repair. The only viable solution was to secure the flap underwater.
Using detailed measurements and drawings from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the team fabricated eight stiffeners. The rudder and flap were positioned neutrally, and four stiffeners were welded to each side of the rudder by divers, securing the flap. Additional welding plates were used to secure the sliding pin. A successful steering test was conducted after the repair.
Given the remote location of the vessel, there was no drydock nearby, making the underwater repair essential. This temporary fix allowed the ship to navigate safely to a drydock in the Netherlands for a more permanent solution.
