Shiprepair & Maintenance: June 2018
Cargo Care Solutions has launched a total service programme for cargo pumps that was inspired by engineers’ experiences on the job.
While performing maintenance of hatch covers and cargo access equipment – Cargo Care Solutions’ specialism – the engineers were asked by shipyards for which they have previously serviced cargo and ballast pumps whether they could also assist with pumps on an ongoing basis. Reporting this back to the head office, discussions were then held with clients, who told of the need for a company delivering third-party support for this equipment.
The resulting solution, which attempts to provide ‘high class service in a cost effective way’, offers a planned maintenance programme for cargo and ballast pumps. Tailored to the specific needs of the shipowner, it encompasses annual surveys to keep equipment in optimal condition, pre-docking inspections to identify the scope of work and parts needed, and docking services, whereby a CCS engineer is supplied to assist with their expertise. For most equipment, Cargo Care Solutions can offer the same scope as the manufacturer, but can take this further depending on the customer’s requirements.
Cargo Care Solutions also provide free remote troubleshooting. By keeping all documentation for pumps on file, too, condition-based maintenance can be planned and performed effectively. Beyond the vessel, crew have access to onsite and offsite training to develop their understanding of cargo and ballast pump maintenance.
Part of making the programme attractive to customers is offering a ‘much more competitive’ price than OEM services, which in many cases exploit their position as the only option. With knowledge of many different cargo and ballast pump brands, Cargo Care Solutions’ engineers are able to provide effective servicing alongside the company’s usual hatch cover and cargo access equipment maintenance, as well as conducting oil sampling.
Peltenburg claims that several major operators have expressed an interest in the service already. Third-party servicing of this type – either complementing or replacing manufacturer-provided servicing – may yet become more common across the industry. However, this early offering from Cargo Care Solutions reflects, says Peltenburg, “the continuous effort” the company puts “into exploring future ways of doing business.”
