Underwater Services in Vietnam

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Underwater Services in Vietnam – Haiphong Marine Services (HMS)

Haiphong Marine Services (HMS) is one of Vietnam’s leading providers of commercial diving and underwater services, operating at all major ports and anchorages nationwide. For more than a decade, we have been supporting global shipowners, operators, and managers with class-approved underwater inspections, hull cleaning, propeller polishing, and emergency repairs.

Our mission is clear: to deliver fast, efficient, and cost-effective underwater solutions in compliance with IMO (International Maritime Organization), IACS (International Association of Classification Societies), and major Class society standards. By combining modern diving equipment, skilled commercial divers, and strong cooperation with port authorities, HMS ensures vessels trading in Vietnam always receive the highest quality underwater maintenance.

Why Underwater Services Are Essential

Underwater services are no longer optional; they are an operational necessity. There are several key reasons why shipowners rely on certified underwater solutions:

Fuel Efficiency and Operating Costs
- Marine growth (biofouling) on hulls and propellers increases drag, leading to 5–10% higher fuel consumption. Regular propeller polishing and hull cleaning can dramatically reduce fuel costs and CO₂ emissions.
Class and IMO Compliance
- Classification societies (LR, NK, ABS, DNV, BV) require periodic inspections. UWILD (Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking) and IWS (In-Water Survey) are recognized alternatives to drydock surveys, saving both time and money.
Biosecurity Regulations in Australia & New Zealand
- Both Australia and New Zealand enforce strict biofouling standards. Vessels with heavily fouled hulls risk delays, cleaning orders, or even denial of port entry.
- Many global shipowners request hull inspections and cleaning in Vietnam before their vessels head to Oceania. HMS divers are trained to carry out biofouling inspections and cleaning in line with IMO and New Zealand MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) requirements.
Safety of Vessel and Crew
- Damage to rudders, overboard pipes, or sea chest gratings can lead to water ingress and machinery breakdowns. Emergency underwater repairs are vital to keep ships safe while avoiding off-hire.
Cost Savings and Operational Continuity
- Diverting a vessel to drydock for minor repairs or inspections can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Underwater works performed by HMS allow vessels to stay on schedule without compromising safety or compliance.

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Underwater inspection and cleaning by HMS – Haiphong Marine Services

Certified & Class-Approved Services

All HMS underwater operations are certified and approved by leading Class societies: Lloyd’s Register (LR), ClassNK, DNV, ABS, BV, KR.

UWILD – Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Drydocking
IWS – In-Water Survey for Class renewal
UTM – Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement performed underwater
Underwater welding with approved WPS/WPQ (Welding Procedure Specifications / Welder Performance Qualifications)

Our reports, high-resolution photos, and video documentation are accepted by Class surveyors as valid evidence, ensuring smooth survey approvals and compliance with international standards.

Experience, Equipment, and Diving Team

Extensive Experience: HMS has completed hundreds of Class-approved underwater surveys and emergency interventions for vessels ranging from VLCCs and bulk carriers to container ships and offshore support vessels.
Modern Equipment: Our fleet includes surface-supplied diving systems, ROVs, NDT instruments, underwater welding and cutting tools, high-lumen lighting, and digital video recording equipment.
Certified Divers: Every HMS diver is STCW-compliant, Class-approved, and trained to handle complex underwater works such as emergency sealing, overboard pipe blanking, and underwater welding.
Trusted by Shipowners: Our track record includes services for Maersk Line, Synergy Group, Oldendorff Carriers, MSC, V-Ships, Anglo-Eastern, NYK Line, and MOL.

Comprehensive Range of Underwater Services

HMS provides a complete portfolio of underwater works across Vietnam:

Hull Inspections & Surveys
- UWILD/IWS inspections with full video/photo documentation.
- UTM (Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement) of shell plating and structural members.
- Damage surveys after collision, grounding, or suspected hull breach.
Propeller & Running Gear Services
- Propeller polishing to restore hydrodynamic efficiency.
- Blade edge repairs and crack removal by Class-approved welding.
- Rope guard, fairwater cone, and strut inspections.
- PBCF (Propeller Boss Cap Fin) cleaning and polishing.
Rudder & Steering Gear
- Rudder stock and pintle clearance measurement.
- NDT inspection for cracks or excessive wear.
- Emergency welding repairs underwater.
Sea Chest & Overboard Systems
- Sea chest gratings inspection, cleaning, and obstruction removal.
- Overboard pipe blanking and renewal for cooling water, ballast, and speed log systems.
- Emergency plugging and sealing of leaking overboard valves.
Coating & Biofouling Control
- Hull coating inspection and epoxy application.
- Hull cleaning and biofouling removal in compliance with Australia/New Zealand standards.
Specialized Works
- Pre-purchase and pre-charter underwater surveys.
- Rope, chain, and debris cutting and removal.
- Bottom surveys at berth or anchorage.
- 24/7 emergency underwater repairs.

Underwater inspections for vessel at Vung tau Anchorage

Nationwide Coverage at All Vietnamese Ports

HMS operates across the entire Vietnamese coastline (3,200 km) with service bases in the North (Hai Phong), Central (Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Dung Quat), and South (Vung Tau, Cai Mep, Ho Chi Minh City).

Our teams cover every international port and anchorage: Hai Phong, Lach Huyen, Cai Lan, Quang Ninh, Cam Pha, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Chan May, Dung Quat, Van Phong, Vung Tau, Cai Mep, Phu My, Saigon, Vinh Tan, Hon La, Thieng Lieng, and more.

Wherever your vessel calls, HMS divers can mobilize quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity of cargo operations.

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Strong Cooperation with Port Authorities

One of HMS’s greatest advantages is our close working relationship with Vietnamese port authorities, harbor masters, and maritime administrations. This allows us to:

Secure permits and approvals swiftly.
Ensure seamless diver and equipment access to port facilities.
Guarantee compliance with local safety and environmental standards.
Deliver projects without causing delays to cargo handling.

Case Studies

1. Propeller Polishing – Maersk Container Vessel, Vung Tau Anchorage

HMS divers polished the propeller of a Maersk Line container vessel in 2024. Post-polishing performance logs confirmed 4% fuel savings, reducing bunker costs and emissions.

2. UWILD with UTM – Oldendorff Bulk Carrier, Quang Ninh Port

HMS performed a full UWILD and underwater UTM thickness measurements for an Oldendorff vessel. The inspection was accepted by ClassNK, extending the vessel’s drydock interval.

3. Emergency Overboard Pipe Blanking – Synergy Tanker, Cai Mep

A Synergy-managed tanker suffered leakage at a ballast overboard line. HMS divers installed a temporary blank, followed by Class-approved underwater welding, allowing the ship to sail without delay.

Propeller polishing for container vessel at Caimep Port

Proppeller polishing for container vessel at Caimep Port

Why Choose HMS?

Certified & Approved: IACS and Class-recognized underwater works.
Fuel & Cost Savings: Reduce fuel burn, avoid unnecessary drydock.
Compliance: Meet IMO, IACS, and biofouling rules (Australia & NZ).
Nationwide Coverage: Available at all ports & anchorages in Vietnam.
Trusted by Global Leaders: Serving Maersk, MSC, Oldendorff, Synergy.
Professional Team: Certified, safety-trained commercial divers.
Modern Equipment: Hydraulic tools, ROVs, underwater welding sets.
Emergency 24/7 Service: Immediate mobilization nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Why should we choose underwater services instead of drydocking?
Because underwater inspections and repairs save time and cost, avoiding off-hire and unnecessary drydock stays.

Q2. Are HMS underwater reports accepted by Class societies?
Yes. HMS reports, photos, and videos are approved by LR, NK, ABS, DNV, BV, and KR.

Q3. What about Australia/New Zealand biofouling rules?
HMS provides biofouling inspection and hull cleaning to ensure vessels comply before sailing to Oceania.

Q4. How fast can HMS respond?
With nationwide coverage, HMS divers can mobilize within hours, 24/7/365.

Q5. Do you perform Class-approved underwater welding?
Yes, with WPS/WPQ-approved procedures, accepted by Class.

Conclusion

HMS – Haiphong Marine Services is Vietnam’s trusted name in class-approved underwater inspections, hull cleaning, propeller polishing, and emergency diving works. With our certified divers, modern equipment, strong port cooperation, and proven record with global shipowners, we ensure vessels calling at Vietnam stay safe, efficient, and compliant.

From routine IWS and UWILD surveys to biofouling cleaning for Australia/New Zealand routes, HMS delivers the solutions you need — on time, every time.

Contact us:

Call now or send us an email – HMS will immediately arrange divers, equipment, and class-approved procedures to serve your vessel anywhere in Vietnam.