Steel Weight Estimation

Introduction

Vessels and ships are exposed to harsh marine environments and over time are affected by the corrosion on their hull structure. This corrosion, if extensive, can cause serious damages to the endurance of the hull structure. The areas affected by corrosion or of other causes of damage (i.e. groundings) must be repaired by replacing the damaged area so as to retain the total endurance of the hull structure. The cost of these kind of hull repairs are calculated in kilos, therefore, prior to hull repairs, weight estimation is necessary. In addition, during hull repairs, experienced personnel is required to follow up the replacement of the damaged areas from the start and until the completion of hull repairs.

Navaltech’s standard procedure for Hull Repairs are:

Visit of the subject vessel and inspection of all areas. Water Ballast Tanks, Cargo Tanks/Holds.
Marking on construction drawings the corroded and suspect areas.
Preparation of the booklet of steel weight estimation together with indicative photos of hull repairs.
Clearly marking of the areas to be repaired.
Follow up of the repair during the repair process (steel cutting, fitting, welding)
NDT (NDT – UT, MT, PT) on welding seams of steel repairs.
Final inspection of steel repairs.

Experience

Steel Hull Repairs require a high-level experience in the specific field. Our team consists of highly trained service engineers (Naval Architects, Marine Engineers), with long-term experience in the field of Steel Hull Repairs. Navaltech further advances the skills of service engineers with seminars, theoretical training courses and on-board practical training.

Immediate availability

Our team of experienced service engineers is available 24/7 worldwide and can efficiently deliver the required services and ensure the full satisfaction of our Clients and Classification Societies. Reliability is a key goal and value for our company, thus, we always make sure that there is constant availability of service engineers so as to undertake urgent requests at any time.

Inspections and Repairs

Lifeboat and Launching Appliances

Annual, 5' yearly Inspections and Repairs of Lifeboats and Launching Appliances.

Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements (U.T.M.)

Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (U.T.M.) is a Non-Destructive Testing method through which we determine, using the appropriate equipment, the corrosion wastage in solid materials.

Cargo Gear Load Testing

Cargo Gear include all lifting appliances (cranes) used for cargo operations. Cargo Gear Inspection involves the visual inspection of all parts that compose a crane, as well as dynamic load tests, replacement of wires (if required) and Magnetic particle Inspection (M.P.I.) of main support bolts.

FFE/ LSA

Inspection of fire fighting equipment is a very significant project that needs to be undertaken only by the most experienced and qualified engineers. Flawless operation of the fire fighting equipment, that is inspected during said surveys, is very crucial for the maintenance of safety on vessels.

Accommodation / Pilot Ladders & Gangways

Ship ladders (pilot, accommodation, wharf) are required to be inspected (annually or 5-yearly load test) by an experienced and competent service engineer as per SOLAS & Flag Rules and Regulations.

Non-Destructive Testing (N.D.T.)

NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) is required by the owner or the Classification Society representative for particular structure items (welding seams, plates, propellers) to inspect the possibility for any structure failure (cracks, blow holes, cavitation, etc.).

Loose Gear Testing

Loose gear (i.e. grabs, shackles, chain blocks, pad eyes) are the equipment used on vessels for the necessary lifting operations. The inspection of loose gear is required in order to ensure the safe operation of lifting weights and also upon charterers’ request.

Ultrasonic Hatch Leak Inspection

Ultrasonic Hatch Leak Inspection is a Non-Destructive Testing (N.D.T.) whereby, with the use of the appropriate equipment, tightness of Hatch Covers can be tested against leakages which can cause charterers claims and affect seaworthiness of vessels.

Brake Hold Capacity Test of Mooring Winches

One of the most crucial inspections carried out onboard ships is the mooring winch brake test. Winches are critical equipment onboard ships and it is essential to monitor their performance.

Bollard Pull Test

Bollard pull tests are carried out in order to certify a tug boat as fit for service, by measuring its power output. The power output of a tug boat determines the pull or towing force it is capable of applying.

Repairs of Lifeboats (FRP & Inflatable)

A vessel’s lifeboats hull, whether made of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) or PVC or hypalon, occasionally can incur damages. In the event of damage, repairs must take place by a very experienced and well-trained service engineer who will ensure the best outcome of the repair.

Replacement of Wires & Socketing

Lifting appliances (cranes, ladders, etc.) may require steel wire replacement in the event of damage; in addition, lifeboat davits must renew their steel wire every 5 years, as required by Flag Authorisation and SOLAS Rules & Regulations

Lashing chains & Pots of Ro-Ro vessels / Pad eyes testing

Lashing chains and pots can be damaged by wrong use or as a result of the load moving in transit, hence the need to inspect them is very crucial.

Anchor Chain Measurements

Anchor Chain Measurements are required by Classification Societies or by the owner at every dry-docking. The purpose of these measurements is to monitor the corrosion wastage of the chain.