{
  "id": 11412561,
  "title": "Underwater stern tube seal replacement in under 48 hours in Algeciras",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/underwater-stern-tube-seal-replacement-in-under-48-hours-in-algeciras",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-02T10:00:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hellenic Shipping News",
    "slug": "hellenic-shipping-news",
    "url": "https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/underwater-stern-tube-seal-replacement-in-under-48-hours-in-algeciras/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Algeciras, a team of divers and technicians successfully replaced the stern tube seals on an 180-meter container ship within 48 hours. Seawater had infiltrated the air chamber, triggering the seal leak alarm, signaling the need for replacement. Employing a flexible mobdocks, the team completed the entire operation on-site and underwater, circumventing the need for a costly and lengthy drydock trip. After obtaining approval, preparations commenced promptly, and all necessary equipment was deployed to the vessel. Utilizing a workboat, the team navigated to the ship's mooring location, accessible only through the water. The procedure began with the removal of the rope guard, followed by a tail shaft wear-down measurement and cleaning of the seal housing components. A flexible mobdock was then installed around the stern tube seal assembly, creating a dry underwater environment conducive to the technicians' work. The intermediate rings were opened, and the liner and rings were meticulously cleaned. A fishing net had entangled the damaged seals, which was removed by the divers. New seals were installed and bonded, and the intermediate rings were subsequently closed. Post-operation, leakage tests were conducted, followed by the removal of the flexible mobdock and reinstallation of the rope guard. Despite fluctuating currents, the team managed to complete the operation as scheduled in just under 48 hours, thanks to Hydrex's comprehensive organization of the underwater repair, allowing the owner to avoid separate arrangements.",
  "summary": "Last month, a diver/technician team carried out an underwater stern tube seal replacement on a 180-meter container ship berthed in Algeciras. Seawater had been found in the air chamber and the seal leak alarm had gone off, confirming that the seals where damaged and needed to be replaced. Using a flexible mobdocks, the team was ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}