Innovative Procedures for Underwater Repairs

UMC have developed procedures and equipment for in water replacement of stabilisers on vessels of varying sizes. The procedures have now been carried out successfully on a number of ships, where not only has the stabiliser been replaced, but the main and inboard bearings have also been renewed before the replacement stabiliser has been installed. This procedure is now considered to be proven and provides a cost-effective alternative to dry docking the ship.

The company has also developed procedures for the in water crack detection of propellers using ACFM (Alternating Current Field Measurement) technology. This procedure has allowed early identification of surface breaking cracks in high stress areas, not only identifying the presence of a crack but also enabling accurate measurement of the defect in terms of depth and length. It can also be used for the crack detection and measurement of hull plating, bilge keels and other underwater appendages. Other procedures developed by UMC include a variety of afloat maintenance tasks such as shaft sealing, replacement of anodes and electrodes, replacement of logs and associated cables.