In summer 2018, Zeppelin Power Systems completed the remotorization of TMS Max. This 105-meter-long inland shipping tanker had previously suffered age-related engine damage in Holland, and been towed to the Port of Duisburg by another ship. With the aid of various suppliers and the newly installed on-site crane, Zeppelin Power Systems was able to make all the required adaptations in the engine compartment and install the new engine within three weeks.
The new engine is a Cat 3512C with an output of 1,119 kW at 1,600 revolutions. As its cooling circuits and connections differ from the previous engine, the service engineers adapted both the exhaust gas and coolant lines. Zeppelin Power Systems, acting as general contractor, also coordinated the other required trades: Shipyard work such as laying pipelines, shipbuilding and welding work was performed by Kölner Schiffswerft Deutz (KSD), and Elektrotechnik Schroer installed all the electrical elements.
“Our long-standing business relationship with Zeppelin Power Systems is founded on a great deal of trust, and that’s why the company was our go-to provider when the engine damage occurred,” explains Max Büchner, Manager Director of Büchner Tankschiff GmbH and operator/owner of TMS Max. “Their rapid and flexible assistance enabled us to complete remotorization at great speed, and to quickly redeploy the tanker.” The fact that the company holds a large stock of engines in a range of performance classes at the warehouse in Achim means that Zeppelin Power Systems is also able to react swiftly when urgent inquiries arise, and perform complete remotorization.
Greater engine availability
In the course of working on TMS Max, Zeppelin Power Systems also installed a remote monitoring system for remote diagnostics and maintenance. This system reduces operating costs for Büchner Tankschiff GmbH by enabling a service engineer to immediately gain an overview as to whether service is required, and what work and spare parts may be needed. The procedure saves time and unnecessary on-site deployment, as well as enabling greater engine availability.
