Client reported that five submerged pump cofferdams were choked on one of their Chemical Carriers.

Removing, replacing or landing the assembly was ruled out due to adverse impact on the ship's trade and charter.

Investigated possibility of heating or cutting and clearing the chemical sludge on board. Option ruled out as the sludge mixture causing the choking found to be highly flammable.

Cleared three cofferdams testing different combinations of chemicals to soften, crystallise and dissolve the sludge choking the pump bearing cofferdams and the pipe stack cofferdams.

Two cofferdams modified after discussion with client, to allow purging and checking of the seal condition.