PROJECT UPDATES

Hatch Cover Repair for Vessel at Cat Lai Terminal, Vietnam

Cập nhật: 12-08-2026 08:44:45 | PROJECT UPDATES | Lượt xem: 89

Bacviet Shiprepair completed ClassNK-approved hatch cover repair for MV MAERSK KEELUNG at Cat Lai Terminal, Vietnam. Available 24/7.

1. Introduction

Bacviet Shiprepair team recently completed a permanent structural repair for the port side hatch cover at Bay 30 of container vessel MV MAERSK KEELUNG at Cat Lai Terminal, Vietnam.

The damage was originally identified from ashore during cargo operations, when structural deformation was detected on the hatch cover at Bay 30, Port Side. The Stevedore Damage Report, together with photographic evidence, was submitted to the Master and forwarded to the Terminal Management and Charterers; however, the report was sent after commencement of the sea passage due to tidal restrictions and the vessel's tight departure schedule, and the Terminal did not acknowledge it. The Vessel and Owners hold the Terminal and Charterers fully liable for the damage and any subsequent consequences.

As the damage could only be repaired by a shore repair team with the hatch cover open, Bacviet Shiprepair was engaged to prepare and execute a Class-approved permanent repair plan upon the vessel's arrival at Cat Lai Terminal.

Damaged hatch cover at Bay 30, Port Side, before repair — Cat Lai Terminal, Vietnam.

With over two decades of experience serving global shipowners, Bacviet Shiprepair continues to provide reliable and efficient repair services across all Vietnam ports and anchorages — ensuring safety, compliance, and operational readiness 24/7.

2. Vessel Information

Vessel name: MV MAERSK KEELUNG
IMO no.: 9966128
Type: Container Vessel
Class: NK
Operation area / Repair place: Cat Lai Terminal, Vietnam
Damage location: Hatch cover, Bay 30, Port Side
Material: Steel plate, Grade AH36

The hatch cover sustained structural damage measuring approximately 45 cm at the centre section and approximately 90 cm at each of the forward upper and lower sections. Immediate assessment and a Class-reviewed permanent repair plan were required before the hatch cover could be reinstated to full watertight and structural integrity.

3. Scope of Work

Upon receiving the request from Owner/Master, Bacviet arranged a qualified technical team, pre-fabricated steel parts, and a full set of specialized tools to carry out the following Class NK-approved repair process at Cat Lai Terminal.

3.1 Mobilization & Preparation

Submitted the repair plan, Welding Procedure Specification (WPS), and welders'/welding consumables' certificates to Class NK for review prior to commencement of repair.
Arranged certified welders, fitters, and NDT technicians, all approved by Class NK.
Pre-fabricated steel parts at Bacviet's workshop in Haiphong, using AH36 grade steel plate:
+ Water channel section No. 1: to be re-deformed by heating and hydraulic jacks.
+ Water channel section No. 2: renewed, approx. dimension 1100 mm x 430 mm x 10 mmT x 1 pc, Grade AH36.
+ Water channel section No. 3: renewed, approx. dimension 1100 mm x 280 mm x 10 mmT x 1 pc, Grade AH36.
Transported pre-fabricated parts, welding machines, hydraulic jacks, grinding tools, and NDT equipment to Cat Lai Terminal.
Coordinated with Terminal Authority for work permits and site access.

3.2 Damage Assessment & Marking

Conducted on-site inspection and confirmed damage dimensions against the approved repair plan. Repair boundaries and cropping lines (800 mm and 1100 mm sections) were marked directly on the hatch cover panel prior to cutting.

Damage boundaries marked for renewal (1100 mm section) prior to cropping.

3.3 Steel Repair & Renewal Process

The repair process was executed under strict supervision and safety control, in accordance with Class NK Rules and IACS Rec. 47 for ship repair standards.

Re-deformation of Water Channel (Section 1)

Applied controlled heating and hydraulic jacking to restore the original profile of the water channel without compromising the base material properties.

Repair Container Hatch Cover at Cat Lai Terminal

Controlled heat-straightening of the water channel using an oxy-acetylene torch, marked "RE-STRAIGHT".

Renewal of Water Channel Sections 2 & 3

Fitted pre-fabricated AH36 steel plates (10 mmT) to the cropped areas.
Assembling and welding surfaces checked and approved by Class Surveyor prior to welding.
Welding carried out by certified welders in accordance with the approved WPS.
Cleaning and visual inspection performed after welding, followed by grinding and final surface preparation.

Replace Steel Plate AH36 at Cat Lai Port

Completed weld seam along the renewed water channel section, Cat Lai Terminal.

3.4 Finishing & Reinstatement

Re-coating applied to all repaired areas following completion of welding and NDT.
Final visual inspection and dimensional check to confirm conformity with the approved repair plan.
Repair Report issued to Owner and Class NK upon satisfactory completion.

4. Logistics & Coordination

All repair works were carried out alongside at Cat Lai Terminal without dry-docking, minimizing vessel downtime and cargo-operation disruption. Bacviet Shiprepair arranged:

Terminal work permits and site coordination
Transportation of pre-fabricated steel parts from Haiphong workshop to Cat Lai Terminal
On-site safety supervision
Coordination with Class NK Surveyor for review and witnessing of the repair

Despite the tight schedule following the reported damage, the repair was completed with full Class NK approval and minimal impact to the vessel's operating schedule.

5. Testing & Quality Verification

Penetration testing (PT) was carried out on 100% of the repaired butt welds to verify weld soundness, in accordance with Class NK requirements. Each tested weld was marked and dated by the technician, confirming satisfactory results ("PT: OK") prior to close-out.

Repair Hatch Cover with Class Approval

Dye-penetrant testing (PT) carried out on repaired welds — MV MAERSK KEELUNG, 12 July 2026.

6. Outcome & Technical Achievement

Upon completion, the hatch cover at Bay 30, Port Side, was fully restored to its structural and watertight integrity. 100% dye penetrant testing was carried out on the repaired butt welds, and the repair was reviewed and accepted by Class NK Surveyor in accordance with IACS Rec. 47 and Class NK Rules.

This project reaffirms Bacviet Shiprepair's capability in specialized steel structure repairs, including:

Hatch cover steel renewal and re-deformation repairs
Cargo hold and hull steel structure repairs
Class-approved welding and NDT services for container vessels

7. About Bacviet Shiprepair

Bacviet Commercial and Shiptechnical Company (Bacviet Shiprepair) is one of Vietnam's leading marine service providers, offering 24/7 ship repair, maintenance, and Class-approved services at all major ports and anchorages: Hai Phong, Hon Gai, Cam Pha, Vung Tau, Dung Quat, Son Duong, Vinh Tan, and Cai Mep.

We maintain direct coordination with Class surveyors (ABS, DNV, LR, BV, NK, PMDS, VR) and are approved vendors for major shipping companies worldwide. Our workshops and service teams are equipped with advanced welding machines, measuring tools, and mobile units to carry out emergency repair and voyage repair anywhere in Vietnam.

8. Project Summary

Item	Description
Vessel	MV MAERSK KEELUNG (IMO 9966128)
Worksite	Cat Lai Terminal, Vietnam
Damage Location	Hatch cover, Bay 30, Port Side
Material	Steel plate, Grade AH36
Scope	Re-deformation and renewal of water channel sections on hatch cover
Inspection	100% PT on butt welds, reviewed by Class NK
Standard Applied	IACS Rec. 47 & Class NK Rules
Result	Completed, tested, and approved by Class NK