INTRODUCTION

When an issue with the hydraulic system of a platform's rudder was discovered, resulting in sea water contamination, Shearwater mobilised to support with the solution. The initial plan was to investigate this defect using a Rudder Cofferdam, however this could not be fitted successfully. Shearwater developed an alternative solution that involved diver entry into a restricted free flood space.

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CHALLENGE

The challenge was to carry out the in-water repair of the Rudder Ram, given that the Rudder Cofferdam could not be fitted. The repair involved a series of complex tasks that had never been conducted in-water before, requiring innovative solutions, meticulous planning, and collaboration across various stakeholders.

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SOLUTION

SMS and its partners developed a first-of-its-kind in-water repair solution, which included the following key steps:

1. Investigation and repair timeline: Shearwater carried out various activities, including ROV and diver entry, hydraulic leak detection and repair, in-water repair of the Rudder Ram, sourcing a replacement Rudder Ram, and successful pressure testing after the repair.

2. Repair methodology: The repair process involved removing the defective Ram, workshop activities to prepare the new Ram, and fitting the replacement Ram.

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RESULTS

Shearwater successfully completed the in-water repair of the Rudder Ram, overcoming numerous challenges, such as:

• Ram internal slinging within the space

• Slinging of Rudder Ram in/out of the housing

• Tiller Pin Nut removal

• Pilgrim Nuts removal

• Hydraulic Swagelok connections

• Fitting of Bearing Top Hats to the new Ram

• Strength Testing of eye bolts and cleats within the space

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CONCLUSION

Shearwater Marine Services demonstrated exceptional expertise, dedication, and innovation in completing this first-ever in-water repair of the Rudder Ram. By working closely with multiple stakeholders and diving teams, and overcoming numerous challenges, Shearwater delivered a successful repair that was only two days over the scheduled timeline. This case study showcases the capabilities of Shearwater in providing innovative and effective solutions in challenging environments.

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