Grandweld Shipyards recently completed a three-month #ridingsquad project involving the fabrication, installation, and commissioning of an LSFO bunker pipeline system, carried out while the vessel remained fully operational.

Carrying out engineering work on a vessel is challenging enough in a shipyard. Executing the same work while the vessel continues its voyage across multiple regions requires careful planning, coordination, and experienced teams onboard.

Unlike conventional shipyard projects, this work was executed while the vessel was continuously sailing across several regions, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and India. To carry out the job, a 4 man riding squad from Grandweld was deployed onboard for the duration of the project.

Working on a sailing vessel requires close coordination with the ship’s crew and operational schedule.The teams worked in confined spaces, ensuring that the work progressed safely and efficiently without affecting the vessel’s navigation or daily operations.

Scope of Work

The project involved the execution of the LSFO bunker pipeline system, including:
  • Installation of LSFO pipe spools, valves and penetrations onboard during sailing operations
  • Testing and commissioning of the completed system
The riding squads carried out fabrication and installation activities onboard while the vessel continued its voyage through the Middle East and towards the Indian subcontinent.

Execution at Sea

Completing engineering work during active sailing requires precise planning and disciplined execution. Materials, manpower, and schedules must be managed carefully to ensure that the work progresses without interrupting vessel operations.

Throughout the project, the riding squads onboard maintained regular communication with Grandweld’s project engineers onshore, sharing updates on progress, technical developments, and operational requirements. This coordination helped address issues as they arose and ensured the work continued smoothly while the vessel remained in service.

Over the three-month period, the Grandweld teams worked alongside the vessel’s crew to complete the installation and commissioning of the pipeline system as the vessel navigated across multiple regions.

The project was completed safely and within schedule, reflecting the team’s ability to carry out technical work while vessels remain in operation.