Sri Lanka Diving Team Goes Beneath The Surface

Following the arrival of M/V Neptune Jasper at the Sri Lankan capitol and port city of Colombo, the vessel's crew spoke of a vibration that was occurring in the propeller shaft. Taking immediate action was the Colombo Engineering dive team who was summoned to examine the 20 ft. diameter prop. Using a JW Fisher DV-2 underwater camera system, the group was able to shoot an underwater video inspection that was then observed by an agent of Lloyd's Register of Shipping, who in turn discovered that one of the vessel's four propeller blades had been sheared off. The JW Fisher camera allowed the shipping agent to perform an accurate assessment regarding the problem as well as the necessary repairs involved.

Actions taken were that the propeller blade opposite the sheared propeller blade should be cut off to balance the rotation. Immediate action was necessary, as the drive shaft bearings would be severely damaged if left unrepaired.

Extensive oxy-arc underwater cutting on the required blade, which measured 97-in. with an 8-in. thickness.

Working around-the-clock, the team was able to successfully complete the job despite obstacles as bad weather and underwater currents. Following this, M/V Neptune underwent sea trials where it was discovered that the vibration had been eliminated and the vessel was able to move on to its destination carrying its consignment of containers.

Circle 86 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 20, Jul 2000

Read Sri Lanka Diving Team Goes Beneath The Surface in Pdf, Flash or Html5 edition of July 2000 Maritime Reporter

Other stories from July 2000 issue

Content

Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.