A large containership, just over 330 meters in length, operating in Northeast Asia required urgent underwater repairs to critical steering and hull components following the issuance of multiple class comments. The vessel, operating on a tight schedule, needed corrective action completed quickly and in full compliance with class requirements. Subsea Global Solutions was engaged to deliver a reliable, class-approved underwater repair solution while the vessel remained in service in Busan, South Korea.

The Challenge

The vessel had received several class comments related to corrosion, fractures, and structural damage affecting the rudder skeg, rudder blade bottom, and bilge keel areas. These deficiencies required immediate remediation to maintain class compliance. As a result, the client required absolute confidence that the repairs would be executed correctly the first time.

During execution, adverse weather conditions triggered a gale warning, forcing an emergency relocation of the vessel mid-project. Poor underwater visibility and operational constraints at the alternate repair location further increased the technical complexity of the work.

Scope of Work & Solution

Subsea Global Solutions’ Busan team led the operation, supported by specialist groove welders from the U.S. East Coast and Vancouver to ensure the highest standard of underwater welding quality. Two Subsea Global Solutions dive teams operated onsite on a rotational basis, working continuous 12-hour shifts under direct project management supervision.

The planned scope of work included detailed underwater inspection, surface preparation, and certified underwater welding repairs to multiple damaged areas on the rudder skeg, blade bottom, and bilge keel. Prior to execution, Subsea Global Solutions Busan proactively engaged with a newly appointed local agent and port authorities, successfully securing Busan M9 Anchorage as the initial repair location despite the fact that this anchorage is not typically used for vessels of this type and required extensive coordination with local authorities.

When worsening weather conditions threatened to suspend operations, Subsea Global Solutions executed an emergency relocation to Busan New Port’s multipurpose berth, allowing work to continue without schedule impact. Despite poor underwater visibility and challenging working conditions at the new location, the dive teams maintained strict safety controls and productivity, completing all class-required repairs in accordance with approved procedures. The project was completed over 12 shifts, with continuous operations carried out across both locations within the vessel’s available port windows.

Conclusion

Subsea Global Solutions successfully completed all required underwater rudder and hull repairs on schedule, restoring the vessel’s class compliance despite weather disruptions, logistical challenges, and mid-project relocation. The client expressed high satisfaction with Subsea Global Solutions' proactive problem-solving, clear communication, and ability to deliver class-approved repairs under demanding conditions. The project reinforced Subsea Global Solutions’ reputation as a trusted partner for unscheduled, high-risk underwater repairs where quality and reliability are critical.

Underwater Rudder & Structural Repair with Subsea Global Solutions

Subsea Global Solutions specializes in class-approved underwater rudder and hull repairs, including corrosion remediation, fracture repairs, structural welding, and emergency damage response, all performed while vessels remain afloat and operational. Our experienced commercial diving teams deliver compliant, first-time-right solutions that minimize downtime, reduce risk, and help owners avoid costly rework. Learn more about our underwater rudder repair capabilities.

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