Rudder Pod Repair: A Case Study

5th December 2024

A container ship’s rudder pod suffered extensive corrosion, threatening its structural integrity and operational performance. The damage required a comprehensive Rudder Pod Repair solution to prevent further deterioration and restore functionality. The customer sought a durable and reliable method to rebuild and protect the rudder pod, ensuring long term performance while minimising maintenance demands.

Resimac’s Rudder Pod Repair Solution

Surface preparation to remove corrosion and create an ideal adhesion profile.
Repairing pitted areas with Resimac 101 Metal Repair Paste.
Overcoating the entire rudder pod with two layers of 203 Super Flow for durable protection.

Application Details

The repair process began with abrasive grit blasting to remove corrosion and prepare the surface to SSPC SP3 (ISO 8504-1 SA2.5) standards, achieving a 75-micron profile for optimal coating adhesion. Pitted areas in the steel were repaired using Resimac 101 Metal Repair Paste, restoring the pod’s structural integrity and providing a solid base for the protective coating. Weld joints received stripe coating to ensure consistent protection across all critical areas.

The entire rudder pod was overcoated with two layers of Resimac 203 Super Flow ceramic repair fluid, applied by brush and roller. Each coat was applied to a nominal thickness of 250 microns, forming a durable finish designed to resist future abrasion and corrosion, even in harsh marine environments.

Products Used

Results and Benefits

The rudder pod repair delivered durable protection against corrosion and abrasion, restoring the vessel’s manoeuvrability and operational efficiency. By rebuilding the pod’s structural integrity, the solution extended its service life and provided a cost effective alternative to full replacement. Reduced downtime and lower maintenance requirements demonstrated the repair’s effectiveness in supporting reliable operations. This long lasting approach ensured the vessel’s performance was maintained even in harsh marine environments, meeting the customer’s needs for a practical and sustainable solution.