M/V Kamari – Afloat Rudder Repair in Brazil

Designing the Solution

Working alongside the superintendent onboard and in consultation with TowService BV, Seachios developed a Rudder Securing Plan tailored to the vessel’s specific condition. This was not a “patch job.” It was a strategic engineering plan that needed to:

• Immobilize the rudder at zero degrees.

• Eliminate hammering and vibration.

• Withstand ocean towing conditions.

• Satisfy class and port authority requirements.

Execution in the Field

Our operation took place at anchorage in Brazil between 18 and 22 December 2024. Over the course of four days, Seachios’ professional diving and technical teams executed the following scope of work:

• Installation of pad-eyes, chains, and turnbuckles to lock the rudder in place.

• Use of chain hoists and Tirfor winches to align the rudder underwater.

• Fabrication and underwater welding of custom steel pipes, brackets, and reinforcing bars to eliminate hammering.

• Application of wedges and steel bars for additional rigidity and structural stability.

• Final stabilization ensuring the rudder was immobilized at a zero-degree angle with no residual vibration.

Overcoming Challenges

The hammering motion of the rudder was severe enough to snap slings during the initial attempts. Seachios’ team responded by designing a custom reinforcement method: two steel pipes were welded underwater between the rudder and the hull, reinforced with wedges and steel bars. This innovation neutralized the hammering completely.

Our divers worked in low-visibility, high-risk conditions, yet every stage was carried out with precision, ensuring safety for both personnel and vessel.

Results & Impact

The outcome was a complete success:

• The rudder was immobilized at zero degrees with no hammering or vibration.

• The vessel was declared safe for towing to Spain by the attending superintendent.

• The entire operation was completed in just four days, avoiding the weeks of downtime a shipyard would have required.

• The client saved significant dry dock and towing costs, while maintaining compliance with international class and port authority standards.

This case shows that Seachios can deliver afloat ship repairs in Brazil — even for major structural issues — without the need for dry docking or shipyard entry.