Based in Antwerp, Belgium, Hydrex is a specialized maritime industrial company dedicated to underwater ship repair, maintenance, and inspections. Established in 1974 by Boud Van Rompay, the organization was founded with a dual purpose: to provide technically advanced solutions for keeping vessels operational and to promote the ecological preservation of marine environments. Over the past five decades, the company has evolved from a commercial diving enterprise into a global provider of complex technical services that allow ships and offshore units to undergo permanent repairs without the need for drydocking.
The company’s core operational philosophy revolves around the concept of bringing the drydock to the vessel. To achieve this, Hydrex utilizes proprietary technologies such as flexible mobile drydocks, known as "mobdocks." These systems isolate submerged areas of a ship—such as stern tube seals, thrusters, and rudders—creating a dry, stable environment underwater. This capability enables diver-technicians to perform high-quality welding, seal replacements, and mechanical repairs that are recognized as permanent solutions by major classification societies. By executing these critical tasks while the vessel remains afloat and often during cargo operations, the company helps shipowners avoid the significant costs and commercial downtime associated with unscheduled drydock visits.
In addition to mechanical and steel repairs, the company offers extensive hull maintenance services, including propeller polishing, cold straightening, and cropping. These interventions are designed to restore propulsion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, directly supporting fleet sustainability. The organization pioneered the use of prefabricated cofferdams in the late 1970s to facilitate hull insert repairs, a method that has since become a standard capability within their service portfolio.
To support its global client base, Hydrex maintains a network of fast-response centers. While its headquarters and primary workshops are located in the Port of Antwerp, the company operates additional logistics and equipment hubs in Rotterdam, Tampa, and Algeciras. This infrastructure allows for the rapid mobilization of specialized teams and equipment to ports and anchorages worldwide. Through its focus on rapid, on-site technical interventions, the company plays a critical role in the maritime supply chain, ensuring that commercial vessels can maintain their schedules and structural integrity despite unexpected underwater damage.
