Initial Enquiry
ATZ Marine Technologies was approached by a large UK cruise operator to take responsibility for the dry dock project management of propulsion equipment at refit. Specifically, to assist with planning and procurement management activities, along with on-site project management of the refit in dry dock.
AtZ were given a clear set of objectives for the project.
- Provide technical assistance in the procurement phase of refit planning, assessing alternative suppliers and providing recommendations.
- Provide the customer with project and contingency planning in preparation for the dry dock refit, working closely with the supply chain, the yard and the classification society.
- Attend and manage yard and contractors associated with the propulsion equipment, delivering the propulsion project on time and to standards meeting the requirements of both the customer and classification societies.
- Ensure on time cost-effective maintenance/repair of the Thrusters, Stabilisers, Thrust and intermediate bearings, propellers, shaft seals, steering gear and rudders, along with the replacement of the tail shaft and the aft stern tube bearings.
Project Description:
The Project began 6 months prior to the docking itself where ATZ was contracted to assist with all planning activities for the underwater propulsion equipment. This included:
- Collation of historical equipment intervention reports and operational data to define the scope of work for each piece of equipment at refit
- Work with the supply chain to define parts required and identify contingency parts procurement
- A strategic approach to parts procurement identifying alternative supply sources and comparative data enabling purchase decisions
- A strategic approach to field service provider procurement identifying alternative supply sources and comparative data enabling purchase decisions
- Definition of work plans for each piece of equipment in synergy with contractor and yard plans
- Contractor and yard liaison to create a master refit plan for the defined equipment with careful integration to other dock bottom and shaft line activities.
Two months prior to the refit the vessel suffered operational issues on one of her shaft lines. ATZ worked to support the customer with urgent parts procurement, contingency planning and commissioning of vital spare equipment to ensure that all risks were mitigated. The master refit plan was modified to describe multiple damage scenarios, all designed to keep the original refit scheduling in place.
ATZ attended the refit to project manage the master plan, maintaining the link between the customer, classification societies, the dockyard and the contractors. This required a flexible approach to emerging works, evolving the refit plan to maintain schedule and leave the dock on the planned date.
All works were completed successfully to schedule and the vessel sailed to meet her scheduled first cruise.
Post refit, ATZ further assisted with the sea trials, project reporting, project closing activities and lessons learnt.
Conclusion:
Pre-refit project planning highlighted alternative supply sources that were utilised, providing significant cost savings to the customer.
AtZ assisted with contingency planning that was utilised during the refit and ensured the vessel sailed on the planned date.
The propulsion equipment works were carried out, on time, to the satisfaction of the customer and the attending classification society.
ATZ project management was successful in assisting with the delivery of the vessels refit.
AtZ will be contracted shortly by the customer for refits on other vessels in the fleet.
Speak to our team of specialist engineers about how we can help with your propulsion project.