News - Marine & Offshore

Metalock Brasil has been expanding its operations in the international maritime sector through the deployment of riding teams — onboard technical crews — to carry out complex repairs on cell guides of container ships. These operations were performed while the vessels were in transit, at the request of one of the leading European shipowners, and covered strategic routes across South America.

Cell guides are vertical steel structures that extend from the ship’s holds to the deck, playing a critical role in keeping containers properly aligned and secure during transport. Damage or wear to these structures can significantly limit a vessel’s cargo capacity, posing both operational and logistical risks.

Given that container ships make very brief stops at ports — making traditional alongside maintenance unfeasible — Metalock Brasil has been executing these repairs during navigation. The riding teams consist of welding and platework specialists who operate simultaneously in multiple holds, using scaffolding systems that often exceed the height of seven-story buildings.

In the first half of 2025 alone, Metalock teams carried out onboard interventions along routes such as Santos–Rio Grande, Rio de Janeiro–Santos, and Santos–Santo Antônio (Chile). These operations demonstrate the company’s capability to deliver critical structural maintenance services with precision, safety, and agility — even under challenging conditions and while vessels remain in motion.