Cutting temporary access holes is quite common - yes, they will be welded back in after the work is complete.
In the bow there may be work happening on the bow thruster or similar and it is much more cost effective to cut direct access than have the shipyard people go up onto main deck, then back down into the hull. There may also be decent sized components coming out or going in which need a temporary access.
Mesabi miner
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Mn Bob
Mesabi miner
There are 2 doorways cut into the port side of the Mesabi miner towards the front of the bow, I don’t believe these are normally there. Is this something they cut out of the hull for easy access for winter work and then weld them back in place? Any info is appreciated tia