Network Innovations Maritime provides marine electric and electronic solutions tailored to specific needs and requirements. In this instance, two clients sought a partner with the capabilities and specialized knowledge to manage emergency vessel repairs. 

The Challenge:

Severe damage to a ship while at sea represents a threat to both the safety and commercial operations of the vessel. Over the past year, Network Innovations Maritime assisted two commercial fishing clients in recovering from significant damage. One incident involved a fire, while the other was caused by a wave hitting the ship, shattering windows, and flooding multiple areas.

In both cases, the client needed an expert’s understanding of the equipment and systems unique to a commercial fishing vessel. To get both vessels back fishing and maintain profitability, they required a partner with the necessary resources and expertise to expedite the repairs.

The Solution:

The vessel that experienced fire damage required the replacement of all its marine electronics due to smoke and heat damage to the wheelhouse. To carry out the critical repairs, the vessel contracted a shipbuilder in the Seattle area. The shipbuilder then enlisted Network Innovations Maritime, for their expertise in commercial fishing equipment and complete project management capabilities.

This experience in managing repairs later extended to the vessel with water damage, suffering structural and electrical damage. Network Innovations Maritime had an existing working relationship with the vessel in both Seattle and Dutch Harbor ports. 

Acting as a partner in all stages of the restoration process, the team completed two phases of restoring this ship to full capacity:

"When water starts seeping through the vessel, it has potential to damage various systems. The first priority was ensuring the vessel could travel safely. Replacing the navigation electronics, our Dutch Harbor team worked tirelessly to ensure a safe transit back to Seattle for more permanent repairs. This marked the beginning of the second phase of work."  - Erik Sundholm, Maritime Business Development Manager at Network Innovations Maritime.

On arrival in Seattle, the team removed all equipment from the wheelhouse to make room for structural repairs. After installing new AC and DC electrical panels and a modern alarm system, the team rewired the damaged areas of the vessel. Following structural repairs and carpentry work, the wheelhouse electronics were reinstalled. These improvements led to upgrades like a new data distribution network and an advanced autopilot system.

The Impact:

The measures taken to proactively address and resolve critical repairs in both cases greatly enhanced operational efficiency and crew safety. Systems were either returned to the previous working order or completely upgraded.

With the help of Network Innovations Maritime, both vessels expedited their return to revenue-generating operations. With ongoing support from the team, the vessels can maintain peak performance through the upcoming seasons – comfortable in the knowledge that future challenges can be overcome quickly and effectively.

Looking ahead as the crews embark on their fishing season, they can be reassured that the electrical systems, navigational, fish-finding, and communication electronics have been restored with precision.