A major cruise operator required the replacement of air lubrication system (ALS) cover plates on one of its largest passenger vessels during routine port calls in Miami. The vessel, measuring approximately 360 meters in length with a beam of 65 meters, required the installation of upgraded cover units designed to improve system efficiency and support ongoing vessel performance initiatives. Subsea Global Solutions was engaged to complete the underwater removal and installation work while the vessel remained in service, ensuring the project could be completed without interrupting the ship’s operating schedule.

The Challenge

The project involved replacing twenty existing ALS cover plates with a newly modified and more efficient design. Because the vessel maintained an active cruise schedule, all work had to be performed during regular port calls with strictly limited working windows. Each cover removed during the operation had to be reinstalled or replaced before the vessel’s departure, leaving no margin for delays.

Additionally, the scale of the vessel and the location of the cover plates required careful underwater rigging and precise coordination between dive teams and topside personnel. The client relied on Subsea Global Solutions based on an established working relationship and confidence in Subsea Global’s ability to execute technically demanding underwater work safely within tight operational constraints.

Scope of Work & Solution

Subsea Global Solutions’ U.S. East Coast team deployed a five-person commercial diving team during scheduled port calls in Miami to complete the ALS cover replacement program.

The scope of work included the removal of twenty existing air lubrication system cover plates and the installation of newly modified replacement units. Each operation required divers to unbolt and remove the existing covers, perform controlled underwater rigging operations, and install the upgraded units using new fastening hardware. The work demanded careful alignment and secure installation to ensure the integrity of the ALS system and vessel hull.

Throughout the project, strict adherence to the vessel’s departure schedule remained the top operational priority. Subsea Global Solutions ensured that any removed cover was fully reinstalled or replaced before the vessel sailed, eliminating operational risk and ensuring the ship could depart each port call on time.

Conclusion

Subsea Global Solutions successfully completed the ALS cover replacement program across multiple port calls without impacting the vessel’s operating schedule. The project demonstrated Subsea Global’s ability to coordinate complex underwater mechanical work within limited service windows while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

The client reported that while the service met operational expectations, the professionalism of the SGS team and the quality of the installation exceeded expectations, reinforcing the trusted partnership between the cruise operator and Subsea Global Solutions.

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Underwater Installation Services

Subsea Global Solutions provides specialized underwater installation, retrofit, and mechanical repair services that allow vessel upgrades to be completed while ships remain afloat and operational. Our commercial diving teams are experienced in installing and replacing complex subsea components, including air lubrication system hardware, propulsion components, hull fittings, and structural assemblies, during scheduled port calls or alongside operations. By performing these installations underwater, Subsea Global Solutions enables shipowners to implement efficiency upgrades and critical repairs without requiring costly drydock periods, minimizing downtime while ensuring high standards of safety, precision, and quality.