The work was done whilst conditions were extreme, with the sea around the vessel partially frozen and dredging operations in the harbour reducing visibility to less than 30 m. The Hydrex team suited up and went underwater to determine the damage. Video and photographic evidence of the propeller's condition was recorded and showed that significant sections of each of the four blades were damaged.

In consultation with the Superintendent the team decided to start cropping the propellers.

Measurements were made and the propeller cutting machine was installed on the first blade.

Each of the blades had to be cropped so that they would balance against each other.

Therefore, the underwater work required that just the right cut was made to each blade to maintain hydrodynamic balance and efficiency.

Finally, all blade edges were smoothed and the corners were shaped in a correct radius.

After the repairs were completed a video inspection was again done to ensure that everything was in order and all parties were happy. The work itself was carried out over a period of two days, regardless of the freezing conditions that the diving team had to work in. On the first day, all the propellers were cropped to the correct size and on the second day the smoothing and rounding of the blades was completed.

The vessel was able to sail again towards the end of the second day with a correctly balanced propeller and with only a relatively short delay.

MJ Information No: 21132