AtZ understand the importance of having your vessel at sea and the requirement for ship owners and operators to seek independent vessel maintenance, docking or pre contract technical expertise.
On behalf of our customer, we can provide full and detailed condition assessment of a vessel’s propulsion systems and anti-pollution, oil monitoring equipment. This can help prevent unexpected down-time and expenditure.
A multitude of system components and assemblies exist where the opportunity to assess condition or investigate faults can be severely limited without shutdown and removal or disassembly.
In such cases there is often advantage is making use of less invasive surveying and assessment techniques.
AtZ have become very experienced in the investigation of issues aboard in-service vessels where such restrictions are commonplace. In these cases we can offer boroscope and other remote or non-destructive techniques including remotely operated vehicles (ROV), Thermal imaging, laser scanning and system modelling.
Virtually every vessel system will have a variety of control and feedback systems. The most basic systems may only report operating status, but in more sophisticated cases regulation of propulsion systems, navigation and ship stability will have sophisticated automated components which are integral to performance and safety of the vessel.
In cases where support of the equipment is no longer available from the manufacturer, or an alternative to the OEM service providers is sought – AtZ can assist.
Providing the crucial steering and manoeuvrability of any vessel – the fitted rudder or rudders are an essential part of continued operation.
The forces generated around the rudder are proportional to the size and speed of the vessel – with enormous loads being supported through bearings to the ship structure in the case of large container of cruise vessels. Given the high loads and almost continuous rotation in one direction or the other – good lubrication is essential
Propellers are one of the most critical components within a vessel propulsion system, turning the rotational energy from the vessel engine into forward thrust through the water. Their designs are carefully considered to maximise efficiency of this energy transfer, but their location within open water means they are susceptible to wear and damage in service.
Given criticality of the propellors, they are a key item to be assessed by Classification Society survey – and require regular inspection.
Several different components can make up a complete propulsion line including engines, generators, gearboxes, line shaft, bracket and stern tube support bearings, stabilisers, rudders and thrusters. System performance, life and noise rely heavily on accurate alignment of these component parts. Assuring correct alignment of the equipment is a key part of installation, maintenance and fault finding in managing the propulsion system through its operational lifetime. These are all areas in which AtZ can provide supportive product and services.
The stern tube is at the heart a traditional shaft driven propulsion system. It provides the conduit from inside the vessel and the engine to outside and the driven propeller. It is a tube which provides bearing support and cooling for the rotating shaft, a watertight seal and structural support to transfer loads from the propulsion system into the vessel’s hull.
Containing a number of safety and propulsion critical items – it is a key part of vessel equipment requiring maintenance and periodic survey.
Aside the main propulsion for a vessel, supporting systems for navigating, steering and stabilising the vessel are of equal importance.
Steering systems are in constant use and form a key element of any maintenance and inspection programme – they literally keep the vessel on track. When it comes to ensuring the comfort of passengers or stability of a warship platform – stabilisers maintain minimum vessel movement while making way in heavier seas.
Tunnel thrusters come into their own when entering or leaving port – time is saved in not waiting for tug support and fine manoeuvrability in confined quarters and heavier weather are of great benefit.
Forming an essential part of ship operation, comfort and safety – these systems are of particular importance during vessel maintenance.
Bearings literally keep the world turning with any two components operating in contact with each other needing them. Vessels are no exception with the majority of ships running a traditional shaft based propulsion system with an oil lubricated stern tube containing white metal bearings.
As a plain rather than a rolling element, or ball bearing – good alignment, adequate cooling and lubrication is essential to maintain a lifetime of performance.
Being essential to ship operation and safety – white metal bearings are a particular area of interest for Classification Society Surveys.
Our team of technical experts offer industry-leading consultation services, equipment sales and support and with a wealth of project management and technical experience, we plan and deliver. We work with you to ensure a smooth project from design specification to onsite installation. Our impartial guidance and multi-supplier approach mean we are focused on finding you the best solution meaning you can be confident in both our services and products.
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