Seadock simplifies stern tube seal repairs
Netherlands based AEGIR-Marine has recently joined into a cooperation agreement with Underwater Propulsion Engineers B.V. (UPE).
The first result of their collaboration has been the development of a ‘new’ improved underwater habitat for divers effecting underwater stern tube sea repairs.
The AEGIR-UPE teamwork aimed to give the engineer on duty more working space, improve the stability of the equipment, make the transport of the habitat easier and if possible at lower cost, and make one habitat suitable for a wide range of shaft sizes.
They believe they succeeded on all set key points and, after extensive tests, the UPE Sealdock was approved and ready for its first job.
It had soon completed the first AEGIR-UPE under water job in Italy using the new equipment. Instead of sending the Sealdock separately, it was hand carried by the team itself. The new habitat performed above expectations and the job was done well within the available time allocation.
The engineer on duty reported back that the working space had improved dramatically. The new Sealdock felt stable and an unexpected extra was the sound level within the habitat. It was much lower then in any units he had previouslyworked in.
Ruud Muis of AEGIR-Marine said: “Altogether this means that the new Sealdock is bound to be a success. A far more comfortable working space will improve the quality of the work. One size fits all will simplify the job and hand carried transport will cut costs.”
