Face Type and Lip Type seals can be completely renewed and serviced with Original Equipment Manufacturer approval same as dry dock. Face Type seals can be completely rebuilt "wet" where Lip type seals can be renewed, including the bonding of new seal rings, completely underwater using TransHab systems, the transportable habitats of Subsea Global Solutions.
The TransHab system is a light weight, inflatable habitat that is fitted around the stern seal between the stern tube and propeller, thereby providing a dry environment large enough for two technicians to carry out repairs. Using stock adapters TransHab is designed to fit any seal arrangement, including azipod drives, with liner sizes from 280mm - 1200mm.
Professional Diver/Technicians trained and certified by the major seal manufacturers to carry out repairs previously possible only out of the water. Bonding new seal rings, removal or installation of spacer rings, and even complete replacements can be performed at anchor or during cargo handling operations without interference with the vessel's schedule.
SGS is the Authorized Global Service Agent for: SKF Marine (Simplex Seals), the Global Service Partner for Wartsila Seals- JMT (Japan Marine Technology), Deep Sea Seals and Cedervall Seals.
* Exclusive Service Agent - North America and Caribbean for Lagersmit Supreme Seals.
* UW global service agent for SKF
As part of the system development, representatives of various seal manufactures witnessed test bonding of seal ring samples inside the TransHab at a seawater depth of 12 m. Destructive testing of the samples proved strength values same as that of dry-dock bonding, resulting in the OEM approval and acceptance as permeant with classification societies.
TransHab systems, including electrically powered diving support equipment, are packaged and stored in several compact crates HAZMAT free, allowing them to be shipped anywhere by commercial airlines with little notice.
