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Vessel returned to service within dry-docking schedule

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Nominal tolerances and shaft straightness fully achieved

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RINA Class Compliance Successfully Achieved

Project Snapshot

The M/N Venezia, a 23,300 DWT, 188-meter Passenger/Ro-Ro vessel operated by Grimaldi Lines, dry-docked in Piraeus following unexpected damage to her 22.8-meter-long, 23-ton tail shaft.

Detailed inspection revealed extensive wear on both the shaft and stern tube bushes, requiring high-precision restoration under severe time constraints.

The repair scope involved restoring all damaged components to nominal dimensions while preserving the shaft’s mechanical properties and straightness.

Laser cladding restoration of marine propulsion shaft at KIMI engineering facilities

Challenge

The repair had to be completed within a strict dry-docking window, where any delay would directly impact vessel operations and scheduling.

Due to the shaft’s dimensions, weight, and critical operational role, the restoration process required zero margin for error, absolute dimensional precision, and strictly controlled thermal input throughout all repair stages.

Complex Manufacturing & Engineering Challenges

Strict dry-docking schedule with zero margin for delay

Extensive wear on tail shaft and stern tube bearings

High-precision restoration to OEM dimensions

Preservation of shaft mechanical properties

Absolute control of run-out, straightness, and alignment tolerances

Tail Shaft Dimensional Restoration Process

01

INITIAL INSPECTION

Detailed inspection and assessment of the shaft and bushes to indentify deviations, and decide repair shame.

02

PRE-MACHINING

Precision machining of worn areas prior to welding restoration

03

LASER CLADDING REBUILDING

Advanced laser cladding applied to restore worn areas with minimal heat input and strong metallurgical bonding.

04

LOCAL ANNEALING

Controlled thermal treatment of rebuilt areas for residual stress relief

05

FINAL PRECISION MACHINING

Machining through CNC lathe for achieving to final tolerances

06

NDT & HARDNESS TESTING

Non-destructive testing (NDT) and hardness testing for RINA class approval

Results

✔ Shaft and bushes restored to original dimensions

✔ Mechanical integrity and straightness fully maintained

✔ Full compliance with RINA class requirements achieved

✔ Repair completed within tight dry-docking schedule

✔ Vessel returned to service fully operational

NDT inspection of marine propulsion shaft during repair and reconditioning process at KIMI

Why rely on KIMI

KIMI delivers advanced engineering repair solutions for critical propulsion components, combining heavy-duty machining capability, precision laser cladding technology, and PCN level II  personnel and ISO 17025 quality lab.

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Advanced laser cladding and heavy-duty machining capability for large-scale propulsion shaft restoration

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Tailor-made repair solution for a critical and complex tail shaft failure, fully compliant with RINA class regulations

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Rapid-response execution and technical support during critical dry-docking operations

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ESYD-accredited in-house quality control laboratory with comprehensive NDT and hardness testing services