1. Client Overview
- Company/Industry/Sector
Shetland Islands Council pilot boat Sullom Spray, built in 1999, is one of the pilot boats serving the Port of Sullom Voe. At 46 tons, 19m and 5m breadth, her primary function is to assist in the navigation and safety of vessels by safe delivery and recovery of harbour Pilots to vessels visiting Sullom Voe.
- Key challenge or goals
Complete removal of the two CAT 3412 main engines from the vessel, a full strip down and overhaul of the engines in our Lerwick workshop followed by re-installation at the customer premises. With the port’s 24/7 365d operations, the overhaul schedule required the pilot boat to be back in action at the soonest convenience.
2. The Challenge
- The specific details
Condition monitoring had determined the pilot boat engines required a full overhaul.
Removal of the engines requires extensive complicated preparatory electrical and mechanical works, disassembling the pilot boat wheelhouse and engine room for access.
Parts availability and sourcing components for engines over 25 years old, mitigated by pre-ordering approved spares ahead of the overhaul.
With our highly knowledgeable team, highly trained in servicing CAT equipment, having the technical skills and foresight to run through potential issues prior to removing the engines, we were confident in meeting our proposed turnaround schedule.
3. Objectives
- Desired outcomes or success criteria
Having both engines fully functioning to produce the reliability, performance and power on demand, keeping within the estimated costs we originally provided was the measure of success we always aim to achieve.
4. Solution
- Provision
We provided competent and experienced Marine Mechanical Technicians, Marine Electrical Technicians, sourced Approved CAT® spares.
- High-level technical elements
Turbocharger cartridges, Cylinder Heads, Piston Packs, Coolers, Gasket Kits, Hoses.
- Unique approach or innovation
The Caterpillar® approved dealer spares scheme allows for certain key components to be returned for re-manufacture, allowing a “Core Deposit” to be offered as a retrospective discount on returned spares.
5. Implementation
- Brief timeline, process overview
We proposed a 14-week timescale from removal of the engines to recommissioning. All logistical and technical elements of the project ran without issue, and we were very pleased to have completed 3.5 weeks ahead of schedule.
- Key actions taken
We kept the client up to date throughout the process which was overseen by our general manager with ongoing supervision that ensured all our team involved were always aware of the progress, input and actions needed to meet overall objectives.
6. Results & Impact
- Quantifiable outcomes
As well as delivery ahead of schedule, the project came in under our initial estimated cost, so we were delighted to deliver cost saving on to our client.
- Qualitative benefits (efficiency, customer satisfaction, scalability)
(See customer testimonial)
7. Customer Testimonial
“D H Marine removed, completely rebuilt and refitted the main engines on our pilot vessel. I found their engineering team to be professional, highly competent, and thorough.
I am very happy with the result; both engines are performing well. I highly recommend D H Marine for any complex marine engineering requirements and would not hesitate to use their services again.”
Alan Brown, Senior Technical Engineer, Shetland Islands Council
8. Key Takeaways
- Summary of how we helped
Full removal of engines, safe loading, transportation and unloading to our workshops, full overhaul completed, both engines tested, reinstalled and fully operational ahead of schedule.
If you're planning an engine overhaul or looking to upgrade performance, efficiency, or reliability, our electrical and mechanical engineering teams can deliver the same innovative solutions showcased in this project. Contact us with your propulsion and advanced diagnostic projects so we can help safely future-proof your power systems.
