Project Overview
In March 2023, VNS – Vietnam Ship Services Company carried out container socket renewal on a container vessel at Hai Phong Port, Vietnam, replacing 50 corroded container sockets. First, a team of 10 technicians from our Hai Phong branch cut out the old sockets. Then they welded new single, double and triple sockets in place and, finally, cleaned and painted the repaired areas. The vessel supplied the new sockets and paint, while VNS also handled the port and terminal permits, transport and manpower for the job.
Project Information
- Vessel Type: Container Vessel
- Location: Hai Phong Port, Vietnam
- Service: Container Socket Renewal
- Scope: Cut out and renew 50 corroded container sockets (27 single, 19 double, 4 triple), cleaning and painting
- Team: 10 technicians
- Completed: March 2023
Container Socket Renewal Scope of Work
Over time, corrosion had worn the vessel’s container deck fittings to the point where they needed replacing. As a result, the sockets had lost material around the twistlock opening and at the weld to the deck. This weakens the connection between the bottom tier of containers and the ship’s structure. In addition, the vessel’s Cargo Securing Manual, which follows the IMO Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code), requires the crew to keep fixed securing fittings in good condition. For this reason, the owner decided to replace all corroded container sockets during the vessel’s call at Hai Phong.
Single, Double and Triple Container Sockets
| Socket Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Single container sockets | 27 |
| Double container sockets | 19 |
| Triple container sockets | 4 |
| Total | 50 |
A single socket secures one container corner. In contrast, double and triple sockets are wider fittings that take the corners of two or three adjacent containers at the same position. Therefore, our fitters had to set each one accurately so that the stowage pattern stays correct for every container it serves.
Removal of Corroded Sockets
- First, our team marked the position and orientation of each socket to keep the container pattern
- Next, we cut out the corroded sockets and removed the remaining weld metal
- After that, we ground the deck surface clean and prepared it for the new fittings
Fitting and Welding of New Sockets
- Then, our fitters set the new sockets, supplied by the vessel, in position and checked their alignment against adjacent sockets
- Once the alignment was correct, VNS welders welded each socket to the deck
Cleaning and Painting
- After welding, we cleaned the repaired areas
- Finally, we painted the new sockets and surrounding deck with paint supplied by the vessel
Work Execution
Before work started, VNS obtained the hot work permits required by the Port Authority and the terminal. We also arranged boarding passes for the whole team. Meanwhile, our Hai Phong workshop sent welding machines, cutting and grinding equipment and consumables to the vessel.
Because the 50 sockets were spread across the deck, we split the 10-person team into groups. In this way, cutting, fitting, welding and painting ran in sequence at different positions at the same time. As a result, the team finished the job within the vessel’s port stay.
Project Completion
In the end, VNS renewed all 50 sockets – 27 single, 19 double and 4 triple – including cleaning and painting. We then handed the container positions back to the vessel ready for use. Finally, VNS issued a written service report to the vessel and her technical manager with photos and the list of renewed sockets. Deck fitting repairs like this one are part of our pier and afloat ship repair services for vessels at berth and at anchor across Vietnam.
Related Services
More Projects: Renewal Container Lashing Eyes in Vietnam · Repair on Deck – Hai Phong · View All Projects
Contact VNS
Need container sockets, lashing eyes or other deck fittings renewed during your next call at Hai Phong or any Vietnamese port? Send us the vessel name, ETA, berth, and the number and type of fittings to be renewed. We will arrange the permits, team and equipment and reply with a quotation.
Contact Us
VNS – Vietnam Ship Services Company
Head Office – Ho Chi Minh City
No. 8 Hoang Minh Giam Street, Duc Nhuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hai Phong Branch
213A Lach Tray Street, Gia Vien Ward, Hai Phong City, Vietnam
Phone: +84 869 655 569
Email: vietnamshipservice@gmail.com | vns.shiptech@gmail.com
