TSS Responds to Another Hull Plating Repair

Thai Subsea Services responded to an urgent request from a good client’s vessel regarding a suspected leak in one of the vessel’s bilge tanks. 

As the high water level alarms were still sounding, team TSS onboard the diving vessel M/V TSS SHEPHERD were already en route to the injured vessel.

Upon arrival at the vessel, the bilge tanks were already completely flooded, as the internal pumps could not keep up with the incoming seawater.

Since access to the damaged site internally was not possible, the only option available was to survey the source of damage via an underwater inspection before forming a repair plan.

The underwater inspection confirmed a through-hull penetration to the flat bottom of the hull plating underneath the bilge tanks. Based on the data collected from this inspection, heavy corrosion from within the bilge tank had likely caused the erosion on the hull plating, resulting in a 40 mm hole. 

Due to the damage’s proximity on the very narrow section of the flat bottom and the excess internal corrosion—resulting in extremely thin hull plating—a repair solution of a threaded doubler plate installation was decided on.

The divers executed the repair, which consisted of making-fast a steel-backed neoprene bung at the penetration site, and then shielding the repair site in epoxy.

This repair was executed successfully. Adequately arresting water ingress so that the bilge tank can be operational again. Due to the quick response and timely execution of TSS, the vessel suffered no schedule delays and can safely complete its voyage before permanent repairs can be carried out in dry dock in a few months.

TSS Carries out a Hull Insert Plate Repair over the Holiday Season

Thai Subsea Services Ltd., in collaboration with our European partners, performed a permanent hull insert plate repair on a cruise vessel during this busy holiday season.

After meeting with the overseas dive/technician team directly from the airport, and checking into the vessel at Laem Chabang, Thailand, the teams immediately got to work.

An internal inspection revealed through-hull damage to the bottom of one of her Starboard ballast tanks.  

The affected area was in line with the end of a sounding pipe and was found heavily corroded.

The solution was to cut out the damaged area and install a fresh new plate in its place.

A successful operation would mean a permanent Class-approved repair for the client, whose upcoming voyage was only days away.

Firstly, a watertight cofferdam was installed underwater at the repair location to safely encompass the roughly 350 mm x 350 mm section of damaged hull plating. 

Once the cofferdam was installed and dewatered, the teams proceeded to cut away the corroded area and prepare for the insert plate.

The replacement plate was fabricated and prepared by the teams on site, followed by coded welding to complete the repair.

Due to time restraints, the teams worked in shifts to continue operations well into the night, all safe in knowing the dive team was also monitoring the subsea cofferdam.  

After the full penetration welding was complete, a 3rd party contractor performed ultrasonic NDT on the welds. Following the inspector’s approval, the cofferdam was removed and a final underwater survey was carried out to inspect the weld root.

Thanks to the quick mobilization and performance of the dive teams, all work was completed successfully and in time for the vessel’s departure.

Thai Subsea Services Ltd., is the nationwide leader in advanced subsea ship services and repair solutions. With a consistently growing network of international partnerships, collaborators, and vendors, we aim to remain your #1 choice for 2025!

The Foundations of Underwater Ship Husbandry

Back to Basics

In this ever-evolving and fast-paced world, there is a constant appetite to achieve quicker results, better efficiency, more growth and bigger profits. This is especially true within the shipping and ship husbandry industries.
As technology advances, the capacity for global manufacturing increases, allowing for larger and larger vessels to be constructed at an exponential rate.
As our vast oceans become aggressively populated, so brings forth more obstacles to overcome and challenges to face.
In searching for solutions to mounting problems, it is beneficial to utilize creative and innovative strategies, however, it is also very much important to take a look back to the roots of the industry. This is valuable in maintaining the strong groundwork that has been built, while it is also helpful to incorporate a simpler perspective 

Let us take a step back to delve into the real heart of our work, highlighting the true foundations, and importance of underwater ship husbandry.

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Navigating with Precision: The Power of Bow Thrusters

In the world of maritime navigation, precision and control are paramount. Whether you’re maneuvering through congested harbours or docking in tight quarters, the ability to command your vessel with confidence is essential. This is where thrusters emerge as indispensable tools for vessel operators seeking to elevate their seafaring experience.

Understanding Thrusters

Manoeuvring thrusters are transversal propulsion devices mounted at the Bow (Bow thruster) or Stern (Stern thruster) of a vessel. Unlike traditional propulsion systems, which primarily focus on forward or backward movement, thrusters are engineered to provide lateral thrust, enabling sideways movement. This lateral force, generated by propellers or impellers, empowers vessels to execute intricate maneuvers with finesse and accuracy. Thrusters may allow ships to dock without the aid of tugboats, saving costs of such services. Larger vessels may often have multiple Bow and Stern thrusters.

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2024 – Embracing a Year of Opportunities and Growth

As we usher in a new year with great enthusiasm, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of our extended TSS family – our employees, clients, agents, partners, and shareholders. The beginning of the year is not just a marker on the calendar, it’s an opportunity for reflection, and renewed commitment to our shared journey.

Looking back on 2023, our company made some significant strides in growing our professional repertoire through the expansion of our clientele base and increasing brand awareness as the #1 Underwater Service Provider in Thailand. 

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