Know-how
MT nestos has stopped answering
It was January 1999 in the United States; the tanker MT Nestos docked into the Texan shipyard, Houston Ship Repair because of damage to the engine. But once the repair was complete, the engine would not go back to its initial position. Polyrésine was called in to help.
The diagnosis
The motor was no longer in its usual operational position.After alignment, this 16,500 horse power Pielstick engine weighing 178 metric tons would then need to be ‘blocked’ in position.
The ship was immobilized on the dockside for major repairs, and the work would have to be carried out as rapidly as possible to fit in with this.
What was at stake with this undertaking was to enable the ship to be authorized as seaworthy again, as Bureau Veritas had withdrawn its authorization during an important inspection.
The solution
Polyrésine proposed the introduction of chocks between the foundation and the motor itself.The operation would begin by cleaning all the surfaces which would be in contact with the resin, and shuttering to the dimensions of the machine. Finally the resin would be poured around the re-positioned engine and the engine blocked in position once the resin was cured.
The Polyrésine solution is:
-Time-saving for the ship-owner in relation to the classic solution: a steel chock requires two months’ immobilization of the engine, as against eight days with resin.
- An improved result in terms of comfort: noise insulation and damping of loads, plus long life for the installation.
- Use of products and methods certified by all marine organizations.
