IHC Merwede and Wartsila Join Forces to Extend the Life of Ships With Bolnes and Smit Bolnes Engines (The Netherlands)

IHC Parts & Services, part of IHC Merwede, and Wärtsilä Netherlands (WNL) have teamed up to provide life-cycle support for ships with Bolnes and Smit Bolnes engines. The companies will combine their industry knowledge, expertise and strength to maintain these dredging and other vessels worldwide in order to extend product life cycles, reduce owners’ costs and meet the latest environmental legislation.

Ships fitted with Bolnes and Smit Bolnes engines are on average 30 years old and over. The plants where these engines were built, closed years ago. Therefore it is increasingly difficult to find parts, yet there are still over 300 ships with (Smit) Bolnes engines in operation. The most valuable components of a dredging vessel are those that are specifically used for dredging and the systems for propulsion and energy supply.

As part of its cooperation with Wärtsilä and IHC Parts & Services as a full service provider, offers the complete upgrade solution for the ship, including dredging components and ship service. Wärtsilä ensures total maintenance and upgrade packages for the complete propulsion, including every part of the engine and automation up to the propeller.

“An IHC Merwede dredger generally lasts for 30 years and then depreciates. IHC Parts & Services and Wärtsilä may extend its life by at least 10 to 20 years with the life-cycle support programme. Through this programme the ship will also comply with the latest environmental requirements. Upgrade packages and maximum availability of spare parts for all on-board equipment will provide for this,” says Henk Kleef, Manager Business Development at IHC Parts & Services.

Dan Veen, WNL’s Benelux Sales Services Manager, adds: “Upgrading an existing ship is worth considering, especially in the current market conditions. A thorough investigation by our team of experts maps out the possibilities and costs in detail for extending the life of the entire ship.”

This technical research and life-cycle support extend the intervals between services, which result in affordable maintenance costs. In addition, it limits the high cost of unscheduled maintenance to a minimum and increases fuel savings.

This unique collaboration between IHC Merwede and Wärtsilä has several other advantages for customers: one information desk, a complete package for the entire ship and service points in over 70 countries worldwide.

Company profile Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete life-cycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2009, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 5.3 billion with more than 18,000 employees. The company has operations in 160 locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.

Company profile IHC Merwede

IHC Merwede is focussed on the continuous development of design and construction activities for the specialist maritime sector. It is the global market leader for efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment – with vast experience accumulated over decades – and an outstanding supplier of custom-built ships and supplies for offshore construction.

IHC Merwede has in-house expertise for engineering and manufacturing innovative vessels and advanced equipment, as well as providing life-cycle support. Its integrated systematic approach has helped to develop optimum product performance and long-term business partnerships. The company’s broad customer base includes dredging operators, oil and gas corporations, offshore contractors and government authorities.

IHC Merwede has over 3,000 employees based at various locations in The Netherlands, China, Croatia, France, India, the Middle East, Nigeria, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States.

Technological innovation will remain the company’s underlying strength through its continuous investment in research and development. Moreover, it helps to safeguard a sustainable environment.

[mappress]

Source: IHC Merwede, May 20, 2010