The Hydrex team on the road were contacted and immediately and they turned around and headed back to Le Havre. Once there they did an inspection together with the Class representative.

The main damage amounted to two holes in the bulbous bow.

These were approximately 75cm x 40cm and smaller one of 15cm x 5cm. The problem was that both holes were inside an indent and so it was not possible to simply weld a doubler over the holes as there were no flat surfaces next to the hole and the indent itself was quite irregular in shape.

The Hydrex team came up with a solution for a temporary repair so that the vessel could sail back to dry-dock in Greece.

It was approved right away by the owner and the Classification society and at this point Antwerp sent the needed equipment and extra divers to Le Havre whilst the existing team started on the job immediately.

Two temporary doubler plates were to be fitted over the whole external area of the indent. This in itself was difficult due to the irregularity of the indent. The damage was also all underwater so this required additional skills.

The first step was to make a template of the damaged areas.

This was done and brought to the surface. A metal doubler was then cut out to the shape needed - an irregular half circle.

Once wet-welding equipment and the additional staff arrived from Antwerp work began on welding the doubler in place.

This was carried out according to Hydrex' approved underwater welding procedure and was welded in three runs all around the plate.

This stopped the flow of water into the bulbous bow.

The crew could then pump the water out from the hold and do some other internal temporary repairs. The ship was then serviceable and the temporary repair was given a green light by Class without any additional work needed. The ship was then able to take its cargo on to Greece and thereafter go to dry-dock for a full repair.

Hydrex started on Saturday at noon and work was completed on Sunday evening.

MJ Information No: 19531