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Rethinking engine maintenance means ships suffer less downtime: Watsila

SHIP efficiency can be increased by optimising maintenance, leading ship engine maker Wartsila claims, reports London's Tanker Operator.

Helsinki-based Wartsila manufactures and services ship engines and employs 18,000 workers in 70 countries.

One way of improving efficiency and reducing costs in a sustainable way is to rethink vessel maintenance, said Wartsila business development chief Fredric Sunabacka.

Following a rigidly scheduled maintenance routine can keep vessels running and engines operational, but efficiency and cost-efficiency could be improved, he said.

Wartsila has introduced a maintenance system based on the actual condition of the engines and auxiliaries. Equipment is monitored remotely and maintenance operations are carried out when necessary and convenient.

This results in greater predictability and reduced total cost of ownership, as well as increased profitability, said the Wartsila company statement.

Said Mr Sunabacka: "Increased uptime for a vessel may mean an increase in revenue. This is possible with a service agreement, which helps the customer to optimise operations according to vessel operation profiles and requirements set by the customer's charter agreement."

That way, he said, there would be no disruption of operations and customers can get on with their business even more efficiently than before.

Wartsila's condition-based maintenance is already in use in more than 500 vessels, and the market outlook is good, the company said.