Back in November a fully loaded bulk carrier contacted Subsea Global Solutions with a shaft seal issue. Initial reports from the vessel were that they were losing all stern tube oil into the vessel, they were experiencing heavy water ingress through the FWD seal system into the engine room, and the internal seal system clamp ring shifted approximately 70mm inboard. By this report, it was immediately known this was not a typical shaft seal repair.

The vessel was towed from an anchorage in Russia across the Black Sea to a more favorable location in Eastern Europe. Teams from Subsea Global Solutions offices in Vancouver, Miami, Long Beach, Halifax, Houston, and Tampa were sent to attend.

Once inspections began, it was found that the tail shaft had dropped outside acceptable tolerances due to bearing failure. This bearing failure  was the root cause of the initial reports.

A plan was put together for an emergency repair for the vessel so it could continue on its way to  deliver cargo and then go to dry dock. Working alongside the responsible Class society, it was decided that if the shaft seal integrity could be reinstated and a running test could be conducted with Class in attendance to their satisfaction, the vessel would be allowed to sail.

For the seals to be brought

back into eccentricity with the shaft, modifications to the seal housing flange were conducted. This consisted of disassembly of the entire split type seal system inside the Subsea Global Solutions Transhab habitat and the housing flange mofified in accordance with specifications developed by Subsea Global Solutions' engineering department with consultation with the seal supplier.  Once machined, the system was assembled with new bonded shaft seals. The aft seal assembly was aligned with the shaft eccentricity within original tolerances.

The internal seal assembly and clamp ring was put back into radial and axial alignment and backed up by an additional hold back fabricated onsite as extra precaution.

After working around

the clock in extreme weather, the running test was conducted pier side. All testing was completed and Class approved for the vessel to make a one way trip to its next port of call for cargo discharge. The vessel arrived without fail, discharged it’s cargo and entered the dry dock for permanent repair.  Throughout this transit the vessel maintained close  contact Subsea Global Solutions by providing continuous updates to Subsea Global Solutions technicians.

Subsea Global Solutions has pioneered the methodology to performing permanent repairs and replacements to shaft seals underwater in a wet or dry environment. By working closely with our OEM partners, Subsea Global Solutions sets the standard for shaft seal renewal while a vessel remains afloat and in service.  With the largest wholly owned footprint of any company in underwater ship repair, we are THE ONE SOURCE FOR GLOBAL UNDERWATER SOLUTIONS.

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