UMC International, the underwater afloat ship repair and maintenance specialists, recently extended its range of services in the commercial, offshore and naval shipping markets by introducing an underwater stern seal replacement and repair service that avoids the need for ships to dry dock for stern seal repairs or maintenance. 

UMC Managing Director, Alan Trevarthen said, “Our recent technology acquisition has major OEM approval and allows UMC to offer a frequently requested service.”

UMC can supply the stern seal service worldwide using turnkey specialised stern seal servicing equipment that is stored at a number of strategic locations for rapid response.  It is planned that within the next few months additional sets of specialist equipment will be pre-positioned in Dubai and Singapore.

He continued, “Up until now there has been no local supplier at these strategic locations and UMC has identified a growing need for the supply of this service.  Being able to offer a stern seal service to both Inshore and Offshore markets is a continuing strategy of afloat repair that we are constantly developing and refining as part of the range of services that we offer.”

The stern seal technology is a man-entry inflatable habitat that fits around the stern shaft to ensure a dry environment is created for the seal replacement or repair.  The system is both lightweight and robust and can fit a variety of vessel sizes and stern configuration from conventional shaft to pod propulsion systems.  The habitat can be transported worldwide and assembled within a few hours while a vessel is at dockside.

UMC’s underwater stern seal replacement and repair services include:

• Lip seals, dry repair and replacement of complete systems. Seal ring bonding
• Face seal wet repairs and replacement

• Stern tube sealing to facilitate inboard repacking of water lubricated stern seals

UMC has become established as one of the World's leading specialists in waterborne Ship Maintenance since its formation in 1972.  Today, UMC provides design and consultancy, project management, and operational diving and waterborne maintenance services from a network of its own and partner operation at over 50 key locations around the world.   These services allow vessels to be operated with maximum efficiency and with the minimum disruption to schedules.