that the markets in which the ship is active in supports the higher cost of repair and maintenance in order to keep the dry docks as well as the shipowner in business. Clearly, this has not always been the case. Only a few weeks ago, the dry dock facil- ity on the Canadian Seaway, Port Weller Dry Docks, announced its bankruptcy. There has been some movement
and, thankfully there continues to be an increased focus on trying to extend the dry-dock intervals by means of allowing different and trusted methods of inspection to be carried out in lieu of hoisting or lifting the vessel out of the water. In addition, anti-fouling and paint systems have become better and are capable of protecting the hull
longer. Technology for carrying out re-
pairs, whether emergency or not, inspections, and maintenance under water has also vastly improved. Underwater repair is allowing ship owners and operators to carry out intermediate hull inspections virtual- ly in any location. Moreover, in case there is a leaking seal or, even worse, hull damage that requires steel re- pairs, the underwater experts are able to perform a vast array of these repairs, with the vessel in the water, using divers, ROVs (remotely oper- ated vehicles), tipping the vessel or even installing a temporary dive bell allowing a dry compartment to be created at the location of the repair or maintenance. The safety and general condi-
tion of the vessel and its crew is, of course, of primary importance. Usually a classification society and/ or Port State Control verifies the in- ternational as well as state-imposed rules and regulations that a vessel must follow. In Canada and the Unit- ed States, this would be Transport Canada and the U.S. Coast Guard, respectively. Recently, a move to allow extend-
ed dry-docking intervals has been inaugurated. For now, this applies only to container, general cargo and multipurpose dry cargo vessels, excluding any vessels of single-hull construction. In addition, vessels will need to be fitted with shaft bear- ing and sealing systems whereby regular monitoring procedures and devices are implemented. Also, a
Opposite: Isolated from harbour water a technician completes a stern tube seal bonding as if he were in dry dock. Below: Also isolated from harbour water a technician performs an underwater rudder repair.
Photo: Hydrex 8
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41