Propulsion Services – lifecycle solutions for propulsion systems
We are the leading service provider for propulsion systems. Our service centres in the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Japan, combined with our propulsion system workshops and flying squads from our global service network, offer global availability for our class-approved solutions for any type of propulsion or shaft-sealing system.
No matter what kind of vessels or platforms you operate, we serve customers throughout the lifecycle of their installations, from the first discussions during the design phase of a vessel, to the end of its operational life.
Our 350 propulsion service professionals worldwide provide field service support, anywhere, at any time. And we provide the parts, repair services and maintenance to keep your propulsion systems running smoothly. That means being able to assist you when requested and help you operate your propulsion system in the most efficient manner. We keep you up to date on the latest advances in propeller, duct efficiency and design, enabling you to keep your propulsion system cost-competitive throughout the lifecycle.
As a major propeller manufacturer we have developed state-of-the-art hydrodynamics in propeller design. Over the years this has translated not only into better propellers but modification solutions that can reduce the wear on the propeller and the engine while improving the vessel’s overall efficiency by up to 15%. All this experience means we can improve almost every propeller, including those designed by another company. No matter where your ship is harboured, we can model its blade profile, apply modern design rationales and then implement a solution on site.
We provide a number of solutions for increasing propeller efficiency:
- propeller polishing and/or repair of edge damage
- propeller of more modern design
- Energopac
- propeller-engine interaction
- conversion of an open propeller to a ducted propeller
Our worldwide team of class-approved welding technicians carry out propeller repairs and seals & bearings service on any OEM, at shipyards all over the world, supported by specialized tool cribs. These professionals can profile or straighten out distortions in a way that keeps propeller efficiency as high as possible, as well as perform any kind of seal or bearing repair or replacement, for both oil and water lubricated systems. Calling in one of our flying squads can help you reduce waiting time, operate independently of the shipyards, and cut your transportation time and costs.
Our team of expert propeller technicians carry out various metallurgical repairs, including welding, straightening, grinding, and polishing, including underwater repairs, for both Wärtsilä installations and those of other manufacturers anywhere in the world.
Our underwater repair squads can do almost everything a technician can do on land: cold-straighten bent blades, remove damaged blade sections, exchange seals, calculate propeller mass balance, and establish hydrodynamic edge profiles – all in-situ, without having to pull the propeller out of the water.
We provide underwater exchange of complete tunnel thrusters and steerable thrusters. Even under such difficult conditions, repairs are all compliant with ISO standards and supervised either by an experienced propeller repair specialist or a hydrodynamic propeller design department engineer.
Propulsion Condition Monitoring Service (PCMS) collects operational information from the propulsion system, performs trending and provides status reports on the equipment condition. Ship owners and operators have access to the status reports, which helps in determining the operational and maintenance costs and for verifying the business models of the vessel. This enables the crew to enhance operations, minimize the asset risks and ultimately reduces the lifecycle cost of the assets.
PCMS is available for the following propulsion systems, not restricted to Wärtsilä equipment only:
- Steerable thrusters
- Transverse thrusters
- Controllable pitch propellers
- Electric pods
- Waterjets
Older propulsion systems have usually been subjected to wear and tear, and spare parts might become obsolete and scarce. Unexpected maintenance and repair periods increase operational costs. A retrofit or upgrade of a e.g. remote control system and the mechanical parts of the propulsion system provide the following benefits:
- decreasing fuel consumption by optimum scheduling of pitch and shaft speed
- reducing maintenance costs by avoiding too quick loading and unloading of machinery
- wave filter: more effective load control reduces wear of the engine and propulsion equipment.
