REPAIR CASE: COMPA Repair of a tank bulkhead

Ship type: Vehicles carrier 
Location: Antwerp, Belgium – during vessel’s port call
Repair duration: 3.5h
Used repair materials: epoxy resin, glass and carbon fibres
Standards: ISO and ASTM
Class: RINA

---

Condition

Fuel leakage appeared between water ballast and heavy fuel tanks. The ship needed a fast repair service without losing the unnecessary time for replacing the plating. COMPA Repairs team was asked to assess the damage and recommend a suitable, cost-effective repair solution to prevent the leakage. 

Prior to the repair process, our team made of engineers and composite specialists investigated the damage parameters and then devised the repair plan using eCOMPA software. The optimal patch and the customized application procedure for a long-lasting repair were obtained by means of the software. 

---

Patch application process

Surface preparation – a proper surface preparation consists of mechanical and chemical treatments. It is mandatory to remove the remains of rust and coating and then to treat the surface to the appropriate roughness level. The surface preparation is essential to ensure good bonding between the steel surface and composite patch.

Preparation of materials – cutting the carbon and glass fibres to exact measures and careful mixing of resin and catalyst in the appropriate ratio are needed before the start of the patch application process.

Application of fibres – multiple carbon and glass fibre layers mixed with the epoxy resin were placed onto the damaged plating. The cured resin permanently bonded the fibres to the plating, creating a strong and fully solid composite patch. 

---

Results

The repair was completed in record time without any setbacks. Following the repair, the tank was quickly brought back into the service, demonstrating the cost and time efficiency of COMPA Repairs.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Have a look at our video to learn more about the benefits and the process of COMPA Repairs.