Sweden: Operating Costs Reduced, Unplanned Downtime Eliminated

Since 2009 the fuel and lube oil treatment systems onboard four Hamburg-based MACS Maritime Carrier Co. ships have been covered by an Alfa Laval Performance Agreement and the company has noticed a considerable difference. MACS Technical Director Mr. Jeromin relates that operating costs have stabilized at a lower level than in 2008.

“During the first year our costs actually went up significantly, but this was due to major repairs which had accumulated and needed to be done. The costs are now stable at a level well below the 2008 figures. We can plan our maintenance budgets more accurately since the equipment is now working reliably and no unplanned repairs or maintenance are needed. We also have less capital and storage space tied up in the ships’ spare parts inventories. All we need to keep onboard are the Alfa Laval Service Kits.

Agnes Drzymala, Marine Superintendent, MACS: “At first they were slightly sceptical and perceived the Alfa Laval presence onboard as some kind of check on their work. But they received a lot of useful tips and realized how much they could benefit from the knowledge and competence of the Alfa Laval technicians. Also, emergency repairs are no longer needed, which has made life onboard much easier for them.”

Recommendations for improvements

During harbour support visits, Alfa Laval systems specialists make recommendations for improvements to the systems. These recommendations have led to several equipment upgrades on the MACS ships.

Klaus Maak, Manager, Alfa Laval Marine & Diesel, Mid-Europe Region: “As a supplier it is essential that customers can rely on and are satisfied with our products, as this will lead to new orders. The strongest confirmation of our equipment’s performance on the MACS vessels has been the fact that MACS newbuildings currently under construction at Nanjing Shenghua shipyard in China will be equipped with a wide range of Alfa Laval products. The products include fuel and lube oil cleaning systems, fuel conditioning modules and fresh water generation systems. When the vessels go into service, we will also offer similar Performance Agreements for them as well in order to maintain optimal performance.”

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, September 18, 2012; Image: alfalaval