Worldwide underwater repair capability demonstrated in Lagos propeller intervention

Hydrex has carried out a complex underwater propeller blade seal repair on a hopper dredger in Lagos, Nigeria, in a case the company said highlights its ability to respond to shiprepair requirements globally without the need for drydocking.
The vessel, operating in port at Lagos, had developed oil leakage from a controllable pitch propeller blade, prompting the operator to request urgent underwater intervention to avoid disruption to service. Hydrex mobilised a specialised diving and engineering team to the location to carry out the work.
Following arrival, the team conducted an underwater inspection and identified blade number three as the source of the leak. The repair was completed in situ despite what the company described as challenging operating conditions and logistical constraints linked to customs clearance and local coordination.
Hydrex said divers removed the affected blade, inspected sealing surfaces and confirmed there was no structural damage. New seals and a sealing plate were installed, with components positioned and lubricated to manufacturer and class requirements before the blade was reinstalled under an approved lifting plan. Final leakage and pitch tests were completed successfully.
A customer technical supervisor said the operation had been completed successfully and reported no further leakage, adding that cooperation throughout the project had been positive.
Hydrex said the intervention, carried out during the holiday period, required operational flexibility and coordination between all parties involved. It added that completing the repair on location allowed the vessel to continue operations without the cost, delay or logistical constraints associated with a drydock visit.