Anchor & Chain Inspection and Maintenance

General Overview

On November 17, 2024, Seachios® Marine Services conducted a critical anchor and chain inspection and maintenance operation on the M/V GOODWOOD, a Liberia-flagged Vehicles Carrier (RO-RO) with a gross tonnage of 59,516 and deadweight of 18,611, berthed at the Port of Santos, Brazil. This operation was essential to ensure the vessel’s anchoring system met stringent Lloyd's Register classification standards, maintaining its operational safety and readiness for global maritime logistics.

The operation was executed at the vessel’s berth (TEV Guarujá), a strategic choice that minimized downtime and operational costs compared to a shipyard-based repair. Over the course of 11.5 hours, Seachios® Marine Services inspected and measured both port and starboard anchors and chains, performed maintenance on swivels and kenter links, and secured surveyor approval. A significant challenge arose with the starboard swivel, which remained immobile, but the team successfully restored the port swivel, ensuring the vessel’s immediate operability while flagging the starboard issue for future action. This project highlights Seachios® Marine Services’ expertise in delivering efficient, high-quality maritime maintenance directly at port.

Vessel Specifications

• Name: M/V GOODWOOD

• IMO Number: 9701140

• MMSI: 636016606

• Type: Vehicles Carrier (RO-RO)

• Flag: Liberia

• Gross Tonnage: 59,516

• Deadweight: 18,611

• Year of Build: 2014

• Classification Society: Lloyd's Register

Operation Scope

The operation focused on the following objectives:

• Inspection and Measurement: Assess the condition and dimensions of port and starboard anchors, chains, D-links, enlarged links, end links, and swivels to ensure compliance with maritime standards.

• Maintenance: Perform functionality checks and maintenance on swivels and kenter links, addressing operational issues where possible.

• Compliance: Secure approval from a Lloyd's Register Surveyor to confirm adherence to classification standards (Certificate No. LRXXXXXXXXTM, valid until October 11, 2025).

• Anchor Handling: Safely manage the lowering, inspection, and return of anchors using a barge and tugboat.

Planning and Preparation

Stakeholder Coordination

Seachios® Marine Services managed all aspects of the operation, ensuring seamless execution:

• Leadership: Naval Engineer Ivan Bueno Guimarães led the project, overseeing coordination and technical execution.

• Surveyor: A Lloyd's Register Surveyor provided real-time oversight and final approval.

• Vessel Crew: The onboard team cooperated fully, facilitating access and support throughout the operation.

Resources and Equipment

• Measurement Tool: Digital caliper (MTX, Model 2011/65/EU), nominal range 150 mm, resolution 0.01 mm.

  • Calibrated by Moura Instrumentos on November 11, 2024 (Certificate No. 241122-101).

  • Calibration standards: Mitutoyo Precision Block Set (Certificate No. D12501-22, valid until November 2025) and Cylindrical Ring Calibrator (Certificate No. MI-0359992/23, valid until June 2026).

  • Maximum error: ±0.01 mm, compliant with EA-4/02 standards, ensuring precise measurements critical for compliance.

• Support Equipment:

  • Munck truck for equipment handling support.

  • Barge and tugboat for safe anchor management.

  • Oxy/acetylene kit, lubricants, grease, and mechanical tools (e.g., hammers) for swivel maintenance.

• Safety Protocols: A pre-operation briefing at 08:40 covered safety measures, focusing on risks associated with handling heavy anchors at sea, such as potential equipment failure or personnel injury.

Logistics

The operation was scheduled as a single-day project to minimize disruption to the vessel’s schedule. The at-sea approach at TEV Guarujá eliminated the need for a shipyard visit, reducing logistical complexity and costs. Seachios® Marine Services mobilized early, arriving at 07:00 to set up equipment and prepare the barge, ensuring readiness for the day’s tasks.

Execution Details

The operation spanned 11.5 hours (07:00–18:30), with a detailed timeline of activities:

07:00 - 08:40: Mobilization and Setup

• 07:00: Seachios® Marine Services team arrived at TEV Guarujá, initiating the setup phase.

• 07:30: Munck truck positioned alongside to support equipment handling, ensuring efficient access to tools and materials.

• 08:00: Barge and tugboat aligned at the ship’s bow, preparing for anchor lowering—a critical step for safe handling.

• 08:40: Pre-operation meeting held to finalize procedures and safety protocols, ensuring all team members were aligned.

Observation: The setup phase was completed efficiently within 1 hour and 40 minutes, reflecting meticulous planning. The early alignment of the barge and tugboat minimized delays, setting a strong foundation for the operation.

08:40 - 14:50: Starboard Side Operations

• 09:12: Starboard anchor lowered onto the barge, marking the start of inspection and measurement.

• 09:12 - 12:11: Inspection and measurement completed over 2 hours and 59 minutes.

  • Chain Measurements: Nominal dimension 78.00 mm, with deviations ranging from -1.8% to +3.5%, well within acceptable tolerances.

  • Components Inspected: D-Link, Enlarged Link, End Link, and Swivel, all meeting Lloyd's Register standards for safety and operational performance.

• 12:11: Kenter link verified as compliant by the Lloyd's Register Surveyor, confirming structural integrity.

• 13:30 - 14:50: Swivel maintenance attempted over 1 hour and 20 minutes:

  • Methods Used:

    • Controlled heating with oxy/acetylene to loosen the swivel.

    • Application of lubricants and grease to reduce friction.

    • Mechanical hammering to dislodge any blockages.

  • Challenge: Despite these efforts, the swivel remained immobile. To prevent potential damage, maintenance was halted in consultation with the Surveyor. This decision prioritized equipment integrity, ensuring the swivel could be addressed in a future operation with specialized tools.

• 14:50: Barge repositioned to the port side to begin the next phase.

• 18:17: Starboard anchor secured back on board, concluding starboard operations.

Observation: The starboard swivel issue extended this phase by approximately 1.5 hours, as the team explored multiple methods to resolve the immobility. The decision to halt maintenance was a prudent one, reflecting a risk-aware approach that balanced immediate operational needs with long-term equipment safety.

14:50 - 17:50: Port Side Operations

• 14:50: Port anchor lowered onto the barge, initiating inspection and measurement.

• 14:50 - 17:00: Inspection and measurement completed over 2 hours and 10 minutes.

  • Measurements mirrored the starboard side, with chain deviations within the -1.8% to +3.5% range, confirming compliance.

  • Kenter link verified as structurally sound by the Surveyor.

• 17:00 - 17:50: Swivel maintenance completed in 50 minutes:

  • Process:

    • Thorough cleaning of external components to remove debris and corrosion.

    • Application of lubricants and grease to reduce friction.

    • Mechanical adjustments to unlock the swivel, followed by functionality testing.

  • Outcome: The swivel was successfully restored to full functionality, ensuring reliable operation for the port anchor system.

• 17:50: Port anchor secured back on board, concluding port side operations.

Observation: The port side operation was notably more efficient, completed in 3 hours compared to the starboard’s 5.5 hours. The successful swivel maintenance demonstrated the team’s technical proficiency and ability to adapt after the starboard challenge.

17:50 - 18:30: Finalization

• 17:50 - 18:17: Both anchors fully secured on board, ensuring the vessel’s readiness for operation.

• 18:17 - 18:30: Final documentation completed, including:

  • Detailed logs of measurements and maintenance outcomes.

  • Video footage (e.g., files named with prefix 20241117-WA) capturing key activities for future reference.

  • Surveyor approval confirming compliance with Lloyd's Register standards.

Observation: The finalization phase was completed in 40 minutes, reflecting efficient documentation practices. The inclusion of video footage provides a valuable visual record, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Project Management Analysis

Planning and Execution Effectiveness

• Timeline Adherence: The operation was completed within the planned 11.5-hour window (07:00–18:30), demonstrating Seachios® Marine Services’ ability to deliver on schedule. The single-day completion minimized disruption to the vessel’s operations, a critical factor for a working RO-RO carrier.

• Resource Utilization:

  • The digital caliper ensured measurement precision, with a maximum error of ±0.01 mm, critical for confirming compliance with maritime standards.

  • The barge and tugboat facilitated safe anchor handling, managing the estimated 18-ton anchors (based on vessel size) without incident.

  • The munck truck provided essential support for equipment handling, streamlining the setup and operational phases.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: The operation benefited from seamless coordination between the Seachios® Marine Services team, the onboard crew, and the Lloyd's Register Surveyor. Real-time surveyor oversight ensured immediate validation of compliance, reducing the risk of rework.

Challenges and Mitigation

• Starboard Swivel Immobility: The starboard swivel’s resistance to maintenance efforts was the primary challenge. The team employed a multi-faceted approach—heating, lubrication, and mechanical force—but the swivel remained non-functional.

  • Mitigation: Maintenance was halted to prevent damage, a decision made in consultation with the Surveyor. This approach preserved the swivel for future specialized repair, ensuring no immediate risk to the vessel’s operability.

  • Impact: The issue extended the starboard phase by 1.5 hours, but the team adjusted by accelerating the port side operations, maintaining the overall timeline.

• Environmental Risks: Conducting the operation at sea introduced risks such as wave interference with the barge, which could have affected stability during anchor handling.

  • Mitigation: The team ensured calm conditions through weather checks and implemented strict safety protocols, including PPE and barge stability measures, to mitigate risks.

Risk Management

• Personnel Safety: Handling heavy anchors posed risks of injury, particularly during barge operations.

  • Mitigation: The pre-operation safety briefing at 08:40 covered protocols for heavy equipment handling, ensuring all team members were equipped with PPE and trained in safe barge operations.

• Equipment Integrity: Forcing the starboard swivel could have led to damage, compromising the anchor system.

  • Mitigation: Halting maintenance preserved the swivel’s condition, allowing for future resolution without immediate operational impact.

• Operational Continuity: Any delays could have disrupted the vessel’s schedule, a significant concern for a RO-RO carrier.

  • Mitigation: The single-day completion ensured minimal disruption, with the team reallocating resources to maintain the timeline despite the starboard swivel issue.

Quality Control

• Measurement Precision: The digital caliper’s calibration (Certificate No. 241122-101) guaranteed accuracy, with measurements traceable to Mitutoyo standards. Chain deviations of -1.8% to +3.5% were within tolerances, ensuring compliance.

• Compliance Verification: The Lloyd's Register Surveyor’s real-time oversight and final approval (Certificate No. LRXXXXXXXXTM) confirmed that all components met classification standards, except for the starboard swivel, which was flagged for future action.

• Documentation Standards: The operation was thoroughly documented, including:

  • Detailed logs of measurements and maintenance activities.

  • Video footage (e.g., files with prefix 20241117-WA) capturing key activities, such as anchor lowering and swivel maintenance attempts.

  • Final reports (e.g., Report No. 052-2024 REV. 2) signed by Seachios® Marine Services’ Naval Engineer and CEO, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Lessons Learned

• Specialized Equipment Needs: The starboard swivel issue highlighted the need for advanced tools or specialists in future operations. Investing in such resources could prevent similar challenges.

• Pre-Operation Assessments: Conducting a preemptive functionality check on swivels could identify issues early, allowing for better preparation and potentially avoiding delays.

• Efficiency Optimization: The port side’s swift completion (3 hours) suggests that streamlined processes can offset delays. Standardizing such efficiencies across all phases could further enhance future operations.

• Environmental Planning: While the operation faced no significant weather disruptions, future projects should continue to prioritize weather assessments to ensure barge stability during at-sea work.

General Overview

The M/V GOODWOOD anchor and chain operation on November 17, 2024, was a successful maritime maintenance project conducted by Seachios® Marine Services at the Port of Santos, Brazil. This operation ensured the vessel’s anchoring system met Lloyd's Register standards, with both anchors and chains certified compliant and the port swivel fully restored. The starboard swivel, which remained immobile, was flagged for future specialized maintenance, ensuring no immediate risk to the vessel’s operability. Performed at the vessel’s berth, this single-day project minimized downtime and costs, demonstrating Seachios® Marine Services’ capability to deliver high-quality maritime maintenance solutions directly at port. The operation’s efficiency, compliance, and adaptability make it a benchmark for future at-sea maintenance projects.

Operation Timeline and Task Utilization

Below is a stacked bar chart visualizing the timeline and task utilization for the M/V GOODWOOD operation on November 17, 2024. The chart breaks down the day into key phases, showing the proportion of time spent on each task type.

Chart Description

• X-Axis: Time intervals throughout the day (07:00–18:30).

• Y-Axis: Task utilization (0 to 1, where 1 represents full dedication to a task type).

• Stacked Bars: Each bar represents a time interval, segmented by task type.

• Annotations: Key events (e.g., starboard swivel challenge, port swivel success) are marked for context.

Task Types and Colors

• Setup (Blue, #1f77b4): Arrival, equipment setup, pre-operation meeting.

• Inspection (Green, #2ca02c): Anchor and chain measurement, kenter link verification.

• Maintenance (Red, #d62728): Swivel maintenance attempts.

• Anchor Handling (Yellow, #ff7f0e): Lowering and securing anchors using the barge and tugboat.

• Finalization (Purple, #9467bd): Securing anchors, completing documentation.

Chart Insights

• Setup Phase (07:00-08:40): Fully dedicated to preparation, ensuring readiness for the operation.

• Starboard Inspection (08:40-12:11): Primarily inspection (70%) with anchor handling (30%) for lowering the anchor.

• Starboard Maintenance (12:11-14:50): Focused on maintenance (70%) due to the swivel issue, with inspection (30%) for kenter link verification.

• Port Inspection (14:50-17:00): 70% inspection and 30% anchor handling, reflecting a balanced approach.

• Port Maintenance (17:00-17:50): Maintenance (70%) and anchor handling (30%) for securing the anchor.

• Finalization (17:50-18:30): Split between anchor handling (50%) and finalization (50%) for documentation.

Conclusion

The anchor and chain inspection and maintenance operation on the M/V GOODWOOD on November 17, 2024, was a successful project executed by Seachios® Marine Services at the Port of Santos, Brazil. This operation ensured compliance with Lloyd's Register standards, restored the port swivel to full functionality, and identified the starboard swivel for future specialized maintenance. Conducted at the vessel’s berth, the project was completed in a single day, minimizing downtime and costs while maintaining high standards of safety and precision. This detailed operations log, complete with a timeline chart, comprehensive analysis, and actionable insights, serves as a valuable record of Seachios® Marine Services’ expertise in delivering maritime maintenance solutions at Brazilian ports.

Prepared by: Ivan Bueno Guimarães, Naval Engineer, Seachios® Marine Services
Signed by: Marcos Rogério Bamondes, CEO, Seachios® Marine Services
Maritime Operations Project Manager: Filippe Alves, Chief Strategy Officer, Seachios® Marine Services