Hydrex completes underwater stern tube seal repairs in Algeciras and Antwerp

Hydrex recently carried out successful stern tube seal replacements on two vessels in Belgium and Spain. The first operation took place in Algeciras on a 225m-long container ship, followed by a second operation on a 295m-long RoRo vessel in Antwerp.

Both ships were experiencing oil leaks and required immediate on-site repairs. Using Hydrex’s flexible mobdocks, the operations were completed underwater, saving the vessels from costly and time-consuming drydockings.

Thanks to recent advances in Hydrex's R&D department and the introduction of new lightweight equipment, the teams were able to complete the repairs more quickly than before.

In Algeciras, the team swiftly mobilised the necessary equipment, establishing a monitoring station beside the vessel. After a thorough inspection, the rope guard was removed, the assembly cleaned, and the flexible mobdock installed, providing a dry underwater workspace. The seals were replaced and bonded, followed by successful leakage tests and reinstallation of the rope guard.

The team then moved to Antwerp, where the same procedure was applied to the RoRo vessel, ensuring it was free of oil leaks and able to resume operations. Hydrex coordinated the entire process, with original spare parts supplied in collaboration with the OEM, ensuring the highest quality materials for the repair.