Location: Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Service: Emergency Salvage | Underwater Engineering | Underwater Battel Damage Repair I International Deployment
Project Overview
Franmarine delivered emergency underwater engineering support following the grounding of a vessel in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The vessel suffered significant hull damage across multiple compartments, requiring rapid stabilisation and temporary repairs to control water ingress and enable safe open ocean transit to a shipyard in Bitung for dry-docking.
The project demanded immediate international mobilisation, complex logistics, specialist equipment, and adaptive emergency salvage and recovery solutions in a remote operating environment.
Scope of Works
- Emergency hull stabilisation and temporary patching
- Underwater inspection and damage assessment
- Internal and external aluminium patch fabrication and installation
- Deployment and management of salvage pumping systems
- Continuous monitoring during vessel transit to port
Location and Logistics
Franmarine conducted operations in the Luwuk region of Central Sulawesi, a remote coastal area with challenging access conditions. To meet the project timeline, Franmarine mobilised specialist personnel from Perth, Western Australia, coordinating international travel, visa arrangements, and multi-leg transport to site.
Engineering Solution
Underwater inspection identified a 7-metre-long gash along the keel, with hull plate penetration up to 90 millimetres wide. Subsequently, Franmarine developed and implemented a staged repair strategy:
- Internal stabilisation: Franmarine installed aluminium patches over neoprene matting to reduce ingress and stabilise damaged sections
- External patching: The team fabricated and installed overlapping aluminium plates, designed to minimise hydrodynamic drag
- Sealing: Divers applied two-part epoxy to seal residual gaps following patch installation
- Verification: Franmarine conducted sea trials and post-trial underwater inspections to confirm hull integrity
Once initial repairs reduced ingress to manageable levels, the team repositioned the vessel under its own power to complete the external works.
Outcome
As a result of these efforts, the vessel successfully transited approximately 162 nautical miles to Bitung without incident. Water ingress reduced to minimal levels, requiring only limited pump operation throughout the voyage. To maintain safety standards, Franmarine personnel maintained rotating watch rosters during the overnight transit, continuously monitoring hull integrity and internal water levels.
Capability Demonstrated
This project demonstrates Franmarine’s ability to lead and deliver emergency salvage and recovery operations in remote international locations. By combining effective logistical management, technical expertise, and adaptability, Franmarine provides critical underwater engineering and repair capabilities in a global context – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Let’s turn challenges into opportunities
Ready to explore how Franmarine can enhance compliance, performance and sustainability for your assets? Get in touch—we’d welcome the chance to work together.
Our Capabilities
Why Work with Us
Proven Experience
With over four decades of service and a leadership team that brings more than 250 years of combined expertise, Franmarine has earned a reputation for reliability and results across Defence, shipping, infrastructure, and resource industries.
Innovative Technology
We integrate advanced solutions such as MarineStream™ and environmentally compliant in-water cleaning systems, ensuring clients benefit from transparency, efficiency, and compliance with the world’s highest standards.
Commitment to Safety & Environment
Certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, we operate with uncompromising standards in health, safety, and environmental care—delivering outcomes that protect people, assets, and the marine environment.
End-to-End Capability
From inspection and biofouling management to underwater engineering, salvage, and moorings, Franmarine is the only Australian provider offering a genuine turnkey solution for lifecycle underwater asset management.