Ship Rudder Repair: Container Ship, UK

5th December 2024

Industry: Marine
Location: UK
Application: Ship Rudder Repair
Products: 101 Metal Repair Paste & 203 Super Flow

The Challenge

A container ship’s ship rudder pod in the UK recently suffered from extensive galvanic corrosion and deep seated erosion, severely threatening its structural integrity and overall operational performance. In marine environments, such damage often results from high velocity water flow and constant salt exposure, necessitating a comprehensive repair solution to stop further deterioration. The customer required a proven, durable method to rebuild the steel surfaces and protect the pod from future cavitation.

By focusing on a high build restoration approach, this repair ensured long term structural reliability while significantly minimising future maintenance demands. This specialised solution not only restored the ship rudder to its original specifications but also provided a robust barrier against the harsh conditions encountered during international transit.

The Solution

The repair process began with abrasive grit blasting to remove corrosion from the ship rudder 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 ship rudder 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 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.