News - Marine & Offshore

Metalock Brasil recently completed a high-complexity structural repair on the main engine of a merchant vessel belonging to an international shipowner in the dry bulk shipping segment.

The service was carried out directly on board, with the vessel in operation, along an international route that included Jamaica, Colombia and Panama, demonstrating Metalock Brasil’s versatility, technical mobility and global operational capability to perform complex repairs without the need for component disassembly or replacement, significantly reducing vessel downtime.

The work involved the recovery of engine block No. 2 of a medium-speed MAN B&W marine diesel engine, following the identification of cracks and severe wear in the threaded fixing holes located at the base of the crosshead guide, camshaft area and the region of cylinder No. 1. These structural defects compromised the mechanical strength of the assembly and required a precise, reliable solution suitable for marine operational conditions.

To execute the repair, Metalock Brasil’s technical team applied the Metalock® cold repair process, using specially designed metallic keys and inserts. All damaged material was removed, the inserts were installed and mechanically locked, followed by facing, re-drilling and machining of M16 threads, fully restoring the structural and functional characteristics of the engine block.

The Metalock® process enables the recovery of critical components while preserving the original structural integrity, without introducing thermal stresses or distortions — a key requirement for marine applications and repairs performed with the vessel in service.

Upon completion, the repair was inspected and approved by the vessel’s onboard engineering team, releasing the equipment for full operation. The applied method strictly follows certified procedures and is part of Metalock’s quality management system, in compliance with ISO 9001:2015, and is also approved by an international classification society.

With a well-established presence in the Naval, Offshore and Industrial sectors, Metalock Brasil is a benchmark in precision structural repairs, delivering solutions that enhance equipment reliability, reduce operational costs and prevent extended downtime, decisive factors for global maritime operational efficiency.