A complex underwater recovery project at Neorion Shipyard

In 2018, during the revival of the historic Neorion Shipyard in Syros, one of the shipyard’s floating dry docks, Violando, faced a critical structural challenge that required immediate and highly specialized intervention.

To preserve the dock and prepare it for a safe return to service, the structure was intentionally flooded and stabilized. This created the conditions needed for underwater access and repair—but also transformed the project into a demanding marine engineering operation requiring precision planning, experienced divers, and absolute coordinated execution underwater.

NSD | Nick Segredakis Diving ltd underwater services in collaboration with International Divers were entrusted with carrying out this challenging task.

The underwater intervention

Working below the waterline and in confined dock conditions, the NSD | Nick Segredakis Diving ltd and International Divers teams were mobilized to inspect, access, and repair the damaged areas of the dry dock while it being fully submerged.

The scope of work included:

underwater inspection and assessment of the affected structure’s damage
execution of underwater repair works on critical sections of the dock
sealing and closure of all temporary openings created during the flooding process as well as all other leaks it had.
preparation of the dock for controlled dewatering and re-floating operations

Every stage required close coordination, careful sequencing, and technical accuracy. Once the underwater repairs were completed and all openings were secured, it was a simple matter of pumping the hull of the dry dock dry.

Returning the dock to operation

With the repairs finalized and the structure successfully dewatered, raised and safely afloat, it was handed over to the shipyard’s workers and technicians to turn it into operational condition once again.

The project marked an important milestone in the wider restoration efforts at Neorion Shipyard and demonstrated how specialized underwater engineering, can play a decisive role in saving major assets and maritime infrastructure.

Engineering below the surface

Projects like this represent the core of what International Divers delivers: reliable underwater intervention in technically demanding environments where conventional repair methods are not possible.

From underwater inspections and structural repairs to sealing works, salvage support, and marine construction assistance, NSD | Nick Segredakis Diving ltd provides practical solutions where precision and trust matter most.

The recovery of dry dock Violando in the Syros shipyards remains a standout example of what can be achieved through expertise, teamwork, and execution under pressure.