Bangladesh’s First-Ever Below-Waterline Hull Repair Without Dry Docking – A Historic Engineering Feat by VMES in Ship Repair
At Veins Marine Engineering Solution (VMES), innovation is our foundation, and excellence is our standard. Today, we are proud to announce a groundbreaking development in Bangladesh’s marine engineering history: the first-ever large-scale hull repair below the waterline in ship repair without the use of dry docking or underwater welding.
Currently underway at the CUFL Jetty, Chittagong, this complex repair project on the bulk carrier vessel Yong Yue 11 (IMO: 8741026) marks a new era of emergency vessel repair and maritime safety solutions in Bangladesh.
This innovative method of ship repair sets a new standard for efficiency and safety in the maritime industry.
The Challenge: Severe Starboard Hull Damage After Vessel Collision
In early 2025, the Yong Yue 11 experienced a high-impact collision at sea that caused critical structural damage to the starboard side of the hull. The area of damage extends over 13 meters wide and 15 meters high, including plating below the waterline — a zone typically requiring dry docking or underwater welding.
This posed significant challenges:
- Threat to hull integrity and vessel safety
- Immediate repair urgency to avoid further deformation
- Inaccessibility due to the submerged location
- Absence of nearby dry dock facilities
A Breakthrough Engineering Approach by VMES
Rejecting conventional limitations, VMES engineered a custom hydraulic and mechanical solution that eliminated the need for traditional repair methods. This method allows full structural restoration on water, at anchorage, without removing the vessel from service.
Step-by-Step Overview of the VMES Solution:
- Damage Assessment & Engineering Analysis:
VMES conducted detailed 3D scanning, thickness gauging, and stress analysis to understand the deformation. - Fabrication of Custom Hydraulic Enclosure:
A specially designed hydraulic box with a tapered locking design was constructed to fit the contours of the damaged area. - Precision Positioning & Sealing:
The enclosure was mounted externally and sealed using marine-grade rubber padding, effectively isolating the damaged section from seawater pressure. - Drainage & Internal Pressure Regulation:
The compartment was dewatered, allowing engineers internal access for structural work. - Structural Repair Operations:
- Removal of deformed plates
- Realignment of frames and stiffeners
- Installation of new shell plating
- Multi-pass welding (TIG/MIG hybrid) for optimal strength
- NDT inspections and testing to ensure integrity
Why This Repair is a Game-Changer in the Marine Industry
This project introduces a new standard of emergency and operational ship repair in South Asia, especially for ports where dry docking is unavailable.
Key Advantages of VMES’s Innovative Method:
- No Dry Docking or Underwater Welding:
Reduces cost, time, and technical risk. - Safe & Controlled Environment:
Internal access ensures precision in welding and fitting. - Environmentally Safer:
No underwater welding means zero heat discharge or potential hull contamination. - Operational Continuity:
The vessel remains afloat and structurally stable throughout the repair. - Ideal for Ports Like Chittagong & Mongla:
Where immediate dry docking is not possible, this technique can save shipping operators millions in diverted routes and downtime.
Engineering Excellence that Builds Global Confidence
This project reflects VMES’s rising reputation as a regional leader in complex maritime repairs. Our team of certified engineers, naval architects, and technicians is capable of executing international-standard projects under tight timeframes and challenging marine environments.
Whether you are a vessel manager, technical superintendent, or shipowner seeking reliable, on-site emergency solutions, VMES provides scalable and smart engineering services, with strict compliance to IACS, Class, and Flag State requirements.
VMES: Shaping the Future of Marine Repair in Bangladesh
From pioneering TIG welding propeller crack repairs to now transforming hull restoration methodology, VMES is committed to delivering value, safety, and performance across the maritime domain.
Let VMES Handle Your Most Critical Repairs — Seamlessly and Smartly.
Contact VMES for World-Class Marine Engineering Services
Head Office: 1st Floor, M R Dovas Lane, 148 Sadarghat Road, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Phone: +8802333355478
WhatsApp/WeChat: +8801812381384
Email: technical@vmesbd.com | td-eharam@vmesbd.com
