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ALUMINUM ACCOMMODATION LADDER REPAIRS IN VIETNAM

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Bacviet Shiprepair performed starboard aluminum accommodation ladder repair and load test for Container Vessel Penang Bridge at Haiphong Port, Vietnam.

Comprehensive Repair and Reinforcement of Starboard Aluminum Accommodation Ladder

On 20th January 2021, Bacviet Commercial and Shiptechnical Company successfully carried out the repair and reinforcement of the starboard (STBD) aluminum accommodation ladder onboard the Container Vessel PENANG BRIDGE at Haiphong Port, Vietnam.

The gangway had sustained structural deformation and crack damage after years of operation and required immediate rectification to comply with safety regulations and class requirements. Bacviet Shiprepair mobilized its technical team and certified aluminum welders to attend the vessel and complete the work under tight schedule and Class supervision.

Technicians performing dismantle and transferring the ladder to Workshop of Bacviet Shiprepair workshop.

Scope of Work Carried Out

The following jobs were performed both onboard and at our Haiphong workshop:

Removal and Disassembly
- Removed all securing bolts, handrails, and stanchions of the ladder
- Disconnected the ladder together with the upper platform
- Disconnected gangway wire ropes and pulleys
- Carefully transferred the ladder, upper/lower platforms, handrails, and stanchions to Bacviet workshop in Haiphong for repair
Structural Straightening and Alignment
- Straightened side frames that were bent or deformed using hydraulic jacks, chain blocks, and alignment tools
- Straightened 6 stanchions that had been twisted or misaligned due to deformation
Welding and Reinforcement Work
- Carried out aluminum welding to repair cracked and broken frames
- Reinforced both ends of the frames with aluminum plates 310mm × 140mm × 6mmT (2 pieces) after butt welding completion
- Renewed partially damaged sections with new aluminum plates 150mm × 50mm × 6mmT (6 pieces)
- All aluminum welding work was performed in accordance with approved WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) and by Class-certified welders
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Conducted Dye Penetration Test (PT) on all welded seams to confirm absence of surface cracks or porosity
- NDT results were verified by Class Surveyor before proceeding to final assembly
Final Inspection and Installation
- Checked all dimensions, centerlines, and alignment before transferring the gangway back to the vessel
- Reinstalled the complete ladder onboard and conducted operational test for hoisting and lowering functions
Load Test and Certification
- Performed onboard load test using calibrated water bags, witnessed by Classification Society Surveyor (BV)
- Verified ladder structure, hinges, and supporting frames under test load as per SOLAS and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1331 regulations
- Issued final Load Test Certificate and Repair Report to the Ship-owner

Aluminum welding repair of cracked gangway – Penang Bridge vessel, Vietnam.

Technical Highlights

Material: Marine-grade aluminum alloy (6 mm thickness)
Reinforcement plates: 310 × 140 × 6 mmT – 2 pcs
Renewed plates: 150 × 50 × 6 mmT – 6 pcs
Stanchions straightened: 6 pcs
Welding process: TIG (GTAW) Aluminum welding under ABS/BV standards
Testing: Dye Penetrant Test (PT) and Load Test
Class Witness: BV (Bureau Veritas)
Repair Duration: Within 24 hours including mobilization, repair, and testing

Execution Details

Upon receiving the service order, Bacviet’s Quick Response Team immediately mobilized to the vessel at Haiphong Port.
Due to the aluminum structure and deformation of the accommodation ladder, all components were dismantled and transferred to Bacviet’s workshop for precision straightening and welding.

Our technicians used hydraulic jacks and chain blocks to restore the correct shape and geometry of the gangway frame. Damaged areas were reinforced with new aluminum plates, and cracked joints were rewelded with high-strength filler wire (ER5356).

After welding, each seam underwent dye penetration testing to ensure perfect integrity and surface finish. The ladder was then reassembled and inspected for alignment before being transported back onboard.

Finally, the load test using water bags (approx. 3,000 kg) was carried out under BV Class Surveyor’s supervision, confirming the gangway met all strength and safety requirements.

NDT welding seam for Aluminum Gangway to check any cracks and defects after repair at Bacviet Shiprepair company in Haiphong Vietnam

About the Project Location – Haiphong Port

Haiphong Port, located in northern Vietnam, is one of the country’s busiest container and general cargo hubs, handling a wide range of international vessels. Bacviet Shiprepair maintains a permanent service station in Haiphong, allowing our teams to respond immediately to emergency repair calls.

With complete workshop facilities including TIG/MIG welding machines, hydraulic presses, load test water bags, and NDT equipment, Bacviet provides 24/7 ship repair services at Haiphong Port and surrounding anchorages such as Lach Huyen, Chua Ve, Dinh Vu, and Doan Xa.

Class & Quality Assurance

All work was completed in accordance with the latest international standards and class rules:

SOLAS 74 Regulation II-1/3-9
IMO MSC.1/Circ.1331 – Requirements for accommodation and pilot ladders
AWS D1.2 / ISO 9606 – Aluminum welding qualifications
DNV Rules for Ship Repair and Maintenance

Bacviet Shiprepair’s Quality Control Department issued the following documentation package upon completion:

Repair procedure & material certificate
Welding procedure and welder qualification records
Dye penetration test (PT) report
Load test certificate issued by Class BV
Final handover acceptance report

Customer Feedback

The Ship Superintendent and Class Surveyor expressed full satisfaction with the workmanship, welding quality, and the professional attitude of Bacviet’s team.
The repair was completed on time, within budget, and with zero safety incidents — ensuring the vessel could resume operations promptly after testing.

Completed aluminum gangway reinstalled on board Container Vessel Penang Bridge after load test certification.