When a vessel reported seawater ingress into its shaft seal system, leaking into the internal oil tank at a rate of 100 liters per hour, Subsea Global Solutions was called in to respond quickly and effectively. Working at the Galveston City Docks, our team delivered an innovative, time-critical solution that allowed the seal to be replaced without the use of a habitat or dry dock.

Fast Action, Smart Planning

One of our trusted regional partners, Technosub, flagged the issue to Subsea Global Solutions’ Director of Technical Repairs, Kevin Peters. The client was promptly connected with Subsea Global to explore repair options, ultimately selecting a method that offered the least disruption to the vessel’s schedule.

Subsea Global Solutions’ US Gulf Coast led the project, supported by an experienced bonder from our Vancouver office. The teams executed all repair operations, including the installation of a specially engineered scaffolding system that enabled dry access to the stern tube without the use of our standard habitat.

Project Scope and Execution

The team’s goal was to complete a full shaft seal exchange while keeping the vessel on schedule for its route from Mexico to New Orleans. The approach included:

• Removing the rope guard underwater

• Installing a dry scaffolding system for seal access

• Ballasting the vessel to bring the stern tube above water

• Completing a full seal exchange using OEM materials

• Pressure testing and reinstallation of the rope guard

• Re-trimming the vessel to its normal draft for departure

The project overcame multiple logistical challenges, including:

• Delayed seal delivery from the OEM  

• A malfunctioning support boat, which required rapid replacement

• Limited OEM support on seal bonding specs, requiring the team to reverse-engineer critical parameters

Despite these issues, the Subsea Global Solutions team delivered a successful dry repair on a tight timeline using an unconventional method not often applied to vessels of this size.

Results That Set a Standard

Thanks to adaptability, technical expertise, and 24/7 coordination, the repair was completed within the client’s strict four-day lay berth window. The vessel experienced only a minor half-day delay before returning to trim and continuing its journey fully operational and leak-free.

Client Satisfaction and Recognition

Both the client and their insurance surveyor praised the Subsea Global Solutions team’s professionalism, transparency, and ability to work under pressure. Our daily progress updates and commitment to overcoming each challenge reinforced our reputation as the go-to provider for critical underwater repairs.

Subsea Global Solutions once again demonstrated that even the most complex seal repairs can be executed efficiently with the right team, the right plan, and zero compromise on safety or quality.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your next underwater maintenance project.

Shaft Seal Repair by Subsea Global Solutions

Subsea Global Solutions specializes in class-approved underwater shaft seal repairs that minimize vessel downtime and eliminate the need for dry docking. Our highly trained dive teams and certified seal technicians use OEM-compliant procedures and custom-designed habitats to safely access and replace damaged or leaking shaft seals whether on main propulsion shafts or thruster systems.

We support a wide range of vessels and seal types, offering both emergency response and planned maintenance solutions. Our global network enables rapid mobilization, and our turnkey service includes rope guard removal, seal system disassembly, bonding of new seals, testing, and reassembly all performed to the highest industry and safety standards.

Whether afloat or alongside, Subsea Global Solutions delivers proven, efficient, and reliable shaft seal repairs, keeping your vessel on schedule and in service.

Learn more about our underwater welding services.