Revolutionising blade replacement
Wärtsilä Underwater Services recently completed a remarkable project that highlights their innovative capabilities and commitment to efficient maritime solutions. “The project involved a speciality vessel, where we utilised our innovative CPP cofferdam to carry out critical maintenance tasks while the vessel remained afloat,” explains Juan Carlos Villalba, Marketing & Communications Manager. “This method, developed two years ago, has transformed the way we approach propeller blade replacement, significantly reducing both operational downtime and costs.”
The Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) system is crucial for the efficient operation of many vessels, allowing for adjustments to the propeller blade angle to optimise performance and fuel efficiency. However, replacing CPP blades traditionally requires drydocking, a process that can be both time-consuming and expensive. Recognising the need for a more efficient solution, Wärtsilä Underwater Services pioneered the CPP cofferdam technique, which allows for blade replacement in a dry hyperbaric condition while the vessel remains afloat.
Innovative CPP cofferdam
The innovative CPP cofferdam creates a dry environment specifically around the blade palm, enabling our team to perform maintenance tasks without the need to dock the vessel. This is achieved by securing the cofferdam around the propeller hub, then pumping out the water to create a dry working space. Our team of skilled divers and engineers can then safely and efficiently replace the CPP blades, ensuring minimal disruption to the vessel’s operations.
During the project, this advanced technique was put to the test. The project involved replacing several CPP blades that had reached the end of their service life. Utilising the CPP cofferdam, our team was able to create a dry environment around the blade palm, providing the necessary conditions for safe and effective blade replacement. This approach not only ensured the continued operational efficiency of the vessel but also demonstrated the practical benefits of our innovative solution, while making every effort to minimise or completely avoid any negative impact on the environment.
One of the key advantages of the CPP cofferdam technique is the significant cost savings it offers. Traditional drydocking procedures can be extremely costly, both in terms of direct expenses and the potential loss of revenue due to extended downtime. By allowing for in-water blade replacement, the CPP cofferdam method eliminates the need for drydocking, resulting in substantial financial savings for vessel operators.
Moreover, the CPP cofferdam technique reduces the environmental impact associated with drydocking. By avoiding the need to move the vessel to a drydock facility and the associated logistical challenges, we minimise the carbon footprint of maintenance operations. This aligns with Wärtsilä’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in the maritime industry.
The Wärtsilä Underwater Services Innovative CPP cofferdam
Pushing the boundaries
The successful completion of this job underscores the effectiveness and reliability of the CPP cofferdam technique. It represents a significant advancement in underwater maintenance technology, offering a practical and cost-effective solution for CPP blade replacement. Wärtsilä Underwater Services continues to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering solutions that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and promote sustainability.
“As we look to the future, Wärtsilä Underwater Services remains dedicated to developing and implementing cutting-edge technologies that meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry,” says Villalba. “The CPP cofferdam is just one example of our commitment to providing innovative solutions that deliver real value to our clients. Through continuous innovation and a focus on excellence, we are setting new standards in underwater maintenance and repair.”
Wärtsilä Underwater Services can be found in Hall B2.EG, Stand 109 at SMM
The innovative CPP cofferdam creates a dry environment around the blade palm