Customer Name: UK Dredging
Type of project: Field Service – Danfoss Drives Site Assessment
Project Location: Cardiff Bay, United Kingdom
When UK Dredging required a comprehensive health check for the inverter drives on their trailing suction hopper dredger, the Orca, they turned to MIT and AtZ. As an authorised UK Danfoss Drives service partner and a specialist in the marine industry, we were well-equipped to handle the task. Utilising the Danfoss Site Assessment Tool, we conducted a thorough technical audit and service on the vessel’s variable speed drives.
The Challenge:
During our assessment, we discovered that several components within the drives responsible for controlling propulsion, pumps, and cooling lines were critically aged. Some of these components were over five years past the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, posing a significant risk of drive failure.
The Solution:
MIT and AtZ developed a tailored preventative maintenance plan based on the condition report’s findings. This plan included a detailed list of capacitors, fans, and measuring boards that required replacement to ensure the continued performance of the Vacon NXP and Vacon drives. By replacing these components with genuine OEM Danfoss parts covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, we were able to extend the drives’ lifecycle. This approach minimised the vessel’s downtime and provided substantial cost savings compared to a complete replacement of the inverter drives.
Results:
Implementing the preventative maintenance plan ensured the continued reliability and efficiency of Orca’s operations. Using genuine OEM parts guaranteed compatibility and durability, offering the best protection for the equipment.
Technical Details:
- Vessel Type: Trailing suction hopper dredger
- Builder: Barkmeijer Shipyards
- Installed Power: 3 x 1,200 kW
- Main Propulsion: Rudder Propeller 2 x 1,500 kW
- Danfoss Drives: Vacon/ Vacon NX / Vacon NXP
- Overall Length: 78.0 m
- Weight: 3,087 tonnes
- Speed: 7.8 kn / 13.6 kn
Conclusion:
AtZ and MIT offer comprehensive service and repair solutions for Danfoss VLT and Vacon drives, including legacy models. Our expertise and partnership with Danfoss ensure that we can provide the highest maintenance standard, extending your equipment’s life and optimising operational efficiency.