Supporting the construction of a gate for ship thruster

Mission’s context

In the context of UWILD inspections (Underwater Inspections In-Lieu of Drydocking) underwater photogrammetry can be used when doing works on a vessel. I.ILMA Sub, a maritime constructions and underwater works contractor, chose photogrammetry to inspect the vessel’s hull. This case study highlights the high accuracy of our photogrammetry units as the client required highly accurate measurements of several thrusters to ensure that the gates they were designing would fit perfectly and function reliably.

Gates placed at the entrance of thruster tunnels serve multiple purposes. In harsh conditions where debris or marine life are present, foreign objects can damage the propellers and thus cause mechanical failure — with the gates, these tunnels are protected. In addition to protection, they enhance safety when the ship is in close proximity with divers or subsea infrastructure, during docking operations for instance. These structures ensure the reliability, safety, and longevity of the thruster systems, making precise dimensional control critical to their proper design and integration.