Emergency Overboard Renewal with Cofferdam
Repairing a vessel’s piping system is crucial for operational safety.
Recently, an incident occurred onboard a RORO vessel in Zeebrugge, Belgium after the stub piece in the generator’ cooling system required renewal after it was found fully corroded and caused a leakage. The stub piece was temporarily repaired with a cement box for operational safety.
The vessel required a full renewal of its DN 300 overboard pipe. Utilizing our own experienced divers and dry welders, along with our established welding procedures, we executed the operation entirely in-house. This required meticulous planning, coordination and execution to minimize downtime
To address the urgency of the situation, we provided a turnkey in situ repair solution, endorsed by class. Our diving and welding teams were immediately deployed to carry out the operation.
Given the need for the generator in cargo operations, the repair couldn’t coincide with its usage, resulting in vessel off-hire. So, to refine our operational plan and ensure a seamless repair without further delays, one of our technicians conducted a preliminary inspection onboard prior to the commencement of the renewal.
Preparation involved extensive planning and prefabrication of the new components at our workshop. The cofferdam was designed and fabricated to fit precisely against the hull, ensuring a watertight seal. This setup allowed us to work safely and efficiently from inside the vessel.
After installing and securing the cofferdam, we drained the area inside the cofferdam. The old pipe was then cut and removed from the inside, preserving the elbow for accurate measurement of the new pipe’s angle and finalizing this on the new pipe.
The new pipe was fitted and welded into the hull plating using a full penetration weld. This type of weld is approved by class and makes it a permanent repair.
Upon completion of all welding work, all joints underwent Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) to verify the weld quality. The results were satisfactory, confirming the installation’s soundness. Final checks included pressure testing the new pipe to ensure it was leak-free and could withstand operational pressures. The pressure testing was successful, and all necessary approvals were obtained.
Our team’s effectiveness and efficiency were evident as the repair was completed within our estimated timeframe, allowing the vessel to maintain its schedule. This successful project underscores the importance of detailed planning and precise execution.
Sign up to our newsletter to receive regular updates from DM Group Services.
Talk To Our Team
