A large ocean-going commercial vessel calling at Vancouver required underwater maintenance to improve propulsion efficiency during a scheduled anchorage period in English Bay, British Columbia. The vessel had originally requested a full hull cleaning to address performance concerns; however, local environmental regulations prohibit in-water hull cleaning in Vancouver. Subsea Global Solutions was engaged to perform an underwater propeller polishing service as an alternative solution to help restore propulsion efficiency while the vessel remained at anchorage.

The Challenge

The vessel’s operator indicated that cleaning was urgently required, suggesting the vessel had likely experienced significant hull and propeller fouling leading to increased hydrodynamic drag and higher-than-expected fuel consumption. Because hull cleaning was not permitted in the port, the challenge was to identify an alternative service that could still deliver measurable performance improvements.

Additionally, when the vessel’s schedule shifted to a nearby anchorage instead of alongside berth operations, the original plan would have resulted in higher service costs for the client. The condition of the propeller itself presented another complication: once underwater operations began, the divers discovered that the propeller was heavily fouled, significantly increasing the effort required to complete the polishing work.

Scope of Work & Solution

Subsea Global Solutions’ Vancouver office mobilized a four-diver team to attend the vessel at English Bay Anchorage. The planned scope of work included a full propeller polish to remove marine growth and restore the smooth hydrodynamic surface necessary for optimal propulsion performance.

During the operation, the dive team confirmed that the propeller was extremely fouled, requiring additional cleaning and polishing effort to achieve the desired finish. Despite the increased workload, the team completed the polishing process within a single operational shift.

In addition to the contracted propeller polish, the team performed a complimentary stern inspection covering the area from the rudder to the sea chests, providing the client with valuable condition insights at no additional cost.

To further support the client, Subsea Global Solutions proactively offered to perform the work at the anchorage rather than alongside berth, reducing the total cost of the operation by approximately 25 percent.  

Conclusion

Subsea Global Solutions successfully restored the vessel’s propeller surface condition during its anchorage period in Vancouver, helping to reduce hydrodynamic drag and improve propulsion efficiency. The project demonstrated Subsea Global Solutions’ ability to adapt to regulatory constraints, identify cost-saving opportunities for clients, and deliver high-quality underwater maintenance services even under challenging conditions.

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Propeller Polishing Services

Subsea Global Solutions provides professional underwater propeller polishing services designed to improve vessel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Marine growth and surface roughness on propeller blades can significantly increase hydrodynamic drag, impacting propulsion performance and operating costs. Using specialized underwater polishing equipment, Subsea Global Solutions commercial diving teams restore propeller surfaces to optimal smoothness while vessels remain afloat and operational. These services help shipowners maintain peak performance, lower fuel usage, and avoid unnecessary drydock visits. To learn more about our underwater propeller maintenance capabilities, visit subseaglobalsolutions.com or contact Subsea Global Solutions to discuss your vessel’s service requirements.

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