Replacement of Aluminum Pilot Ladder for MV AD ASTRA at Cai Lan Port, Quang Ninh – Vietnam

1. Project Overview

Bacviet Shiprepair has successfully completed the replacement and load testing of a new pilot ladder on board the MV AD ASTRA during her port stay at Cai Lan Terminal, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam.
This project was carried out without the use of a shore crane, using on-board fabricated supports and electrical chain blocks, proving Bacviet’s flexibility, safety compliance, and technical capability to execute complex lifting operations under restricted port conditions.
The work was witnessed and approved by Class DNV Surveyor, ensuring compliance with SOLAS 74 and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1331 regulations.

2. Vessel Information

• Vessel Name: MV AD ASTRA

• IMO Number: 9696400

• Type: Bulk Carrier

• Flag: Marshall Islands

• Length Overall (LOA): 228.99 meters

• Beam (Width): 32.30 meters

• Location: South-East Asia, operating between Vietnam and regional ports

The MV AD ASTRA is a modern geared bulk carrier serving global charterers. During her recent call at Cai Lan Port, the starboard pilot ladder was found damaged during inspection. Replacement and testing were urgently required to ensure the vessel’s full compliance with SOLAS embarkation arrangements and continued safe operation.

3. Location – Cai Lan Port, Quang Ninh, Vietnam

Cai Lan Port is one of the deepest and most modern seaports in Northern Vietnam, strategically located near Ha Long Bay (20°58’N – 107°05’E).
With deep-draft berths accommodating Panamax and Post-Panamax bulk carriers, Cai Lan serves as a key terminal for coal, steel, and general cargo.
Bacviet Shiprepair maintains a 24/7 standby service team in the Cai Lan–Hon Gai area to handle ship repair, maintenance, and inspection works promptly upon vessel arrival.

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4. Scope of Work – Replacement of New Pilot Ladder

Main Scope (Updated)

The replacement process was conducted according to DNV Class requirements, under SOLAS REG.II-1/3-9 and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1331, using Bacviet’s in-house fabrication and lifting setup instead of a shore crane.

1. Fabrication of Supports and Chain Blocks Setup

   • Fabricated two sets of steel supports fitted with electrical chain blocks (chain length approx. 15 meters).

   • These supports were welded securely to the vessel’s main deck to provide lifting points for the removal and installation process.

2. Dismantling of Old Ladder

   • The old pilot ladder and its damaged supports were safely detached.

   • The damaged parts were documented and reported to the attending Class Surveyor.

   • The old ladder was lowered to the service boat/barge using the electrical chain blocks and transferred to the pier.

3. Handling and Transfer

   • The old ladder was shifted from starboard side to the pier using the barge and a shore crane only for ground lifting operations.

   • The new ladder was loaded onto the same service barge for transfer to the vessel.

4. Installation of New Ladder

   • The new aluminum pilot ladder was carefully hoisted into position using the on-board chain block system.

   • Alignment, spacing, and securing arrangements were verified against SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 23 and IMO Resolution A.1045(27).

5. Load Test – Water Bags Method

   • A static suspension load test was carried out using certified water bags, witnessed by the DNV Class Surveyor.

   • The test applied a load of 4050 kg, equivalent to 1.5 × SWL, confirming the ladder’s strength and safe working condition.

6. Inspection and Reconditioning of Damaged Supports

   • During the inspection, minor damages were found on the ladder supports.

   • After consultation with the Class Surveyor, reconditioning repairs were performed on-site — replacement was not required.

7. Completion and Documentation

   • Issued Load Test Report, DNV Witness Certificate, and Service Completion Record.

   • The vessel was cleared by the Class and Port Authority for departure after job completion.

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5. Technical Specifications of the Pilot Ladder

All materials and procedures complied with IMO, SOLAS, and ISO 799-1:2019 standards, ensuring long-term durability and safety during embarkation/disembarkation operations.

6. Equipment and Logistics Support

• Fabricated steel supports with electrical chain blocks (15m chains)

• Certified lifting gears and shackles

• Portable welding machines and workshop tools

• Workshop van and service vehicle from Hai Phong

DNV-approved water bags for static load test
All work was executed in accordance with Cai Lan Port HSE and ISPS safety 

7. Cooperation with Authorities

Bacviet Shiprepair coordinated directly with the Harbour Master, Port Authority, and Customs Department for entry permits, port clearance, and inspection schedules.
This proactive communication ensured continuous workflow and completion of the entire project — including testing and certification — within one working day.

8. About Bacviet Shiprepair

Bacviet Commercial & Shiptech JSC is a Class-approved ship repair and marine service provider operating at all major Vietnamese ports.
Our capabilities include:

• 24/7 emergency ship repair teams

• 350 m² workshop for fabrication and machining in Hai Phong

• Certified welders and engineers under ABS, DNV, BV, NK, and LR standards

• In-house WPS/WPQ approved by Class

• Underwater (UWILD) and load test services

• Authorized service provider for pilot ladder, gangway, and crane load testing

9. Services Available at Cai Lan Port and Nationwide

• Hull and steel renewal

• Pipe fabrication and steel structure welding

• Main engine and turbocharger overhaul

• Electrical and automation repair

• Underwater inspection and propeller polishing

• Load testing of cranes, gangways, and pilot ladders

• Ultrasonic hatch cover testing and UTM thickness measurement

• Logistic and spare part supply

Bacviet teams are stationed at Hai Phong, Cai Lan, Dung Quat, Vung Tau, and Cai Mep–Thi Vai, ensuring rapid response nationwide.

10. Project Significance

This project highlights Bacviet’s ability to perform safe and Class-compliant repairs without reliance on shore lifting equipment, optimizing turnaround time and minimizing vessel downtime.
Through innovative methods and experienced personnel, Bacviet continues to be recognized as one of Vietnam’s most dependable and professional ship repair service providers.

11. Contact Bacviet Shiprepair - Experienced Replacement Aluminum Pilot Ladder in Vietnam

Bacviet Commercial & Shiptech JSC (Bacviet Shiprepair)

Available 24/7 – Ship Repair & Marine Services at All Vietnam Ports
Service Areas: Hai Phong | Phu My | Dung Quat | Nghi Son | Cam Pha | Nationwide

11.1. BACVIET COMMERCIAL AND SHIPTECH JSC -  HEAD OFFICE:

+ No. 25/6/302 Van cao street – Haian District- Haiphong City

+ Mobile/ WhatsApp/ WeChat: +84 904 125 520

+ Email: bacviet@haiphongshiprepair.com

11.2. SHIP REPAIR SERVICES IN HO CHI MINH CITY (Saigon) - HCM CITY BRANCH:

+ No. 66 Dragon Village Phu Long - Phu Huu Ward, Dictrist 9 - Ho Chi Minh City

+ Mobile/ WhatsApp/ WeChat: +84 904 125 520

+ Email: bacviet@haiphongshiprepair.com. Email: Bacviettechco@gmail.com

11.3. SHIP REPAIR SERVICES IN DA NANG CITY - DA NANG CITY BRANCH:

No. 1109 AZURA Building, 339B Tran Hung Dao Street- Son Tra District - Da Nang City

Mobile/ WhatsApp/ WeChat: +84 904 125 520

Email: quangtrungpr@gmail.com

Upadeted: August 2025 by Mr. Le Quang Trung- Bacviet Projects Manager 

Copyright of this article belongs to Bacviet Ship Repair Company.