Posted on October 30, 2024
Keeping a vessel in prime condition
One of the most critical aspects of ensuring a vessel’s smooth operation and long-term reliability is the quality and integrity of the parts and equipment installed onboard. When a vessel is newly delivered, it arrives – hopefully – in prime condition, optimally efficient, and performing exactly as designed. In the initial years of service, particularly during the warranty period, the vessel is typically given the necessary care and maintenance to keep it in top shape. This includes the use of genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or OEM-approved parts, which are essential for ensuring that the vessel continues to operate as expected.
Using OEM parts is not merely a recommendation during this period – it’s a mandatory requirement of the warranty conditions. But what happens when the warranty period expires? Should vessel owners and operators continue to invest in OEM parts, especially when faced with the temptation of cheaper, non-genuine alternatives? The simple answer is yes. There are significant benefits to using OEM parts long after the warranty ends, and understanding these benefits is crucial to maintaining vessel performance, minimising costly breakdowns and downtime of the vessel, and ensuring the safety of operations.
Keeping things working as they should
Paul Knaap, Service Operations Manager at Damen Services Middle East, has spent over 20 years at sea as a Chief Engineer. His experience has demonstrated time and again the importance of sticking with OEM parts. His advice is clear: avoid the allure of cheaper alternatives, as they can lead to unforeseen issues. “From a design and engineering perspective, the use of OEM parts is preferable. These are the parts that the system has been designed with. As a result, they ensure that it works as it is supposed to.”.
Non-genuine parts, on the other hand, can alter the behavior of the system in unpredictable ways, which can be both frustrating and costly.
Mr Knaap offers an example from his experience with a hydraulic system, where an operator had replaced several original components with non-OEM parts. “The system just didn’t work in the way it was designed anymore. Before we could do anything at all, we had to return it to its original condition, using the parts it was intended to operate with.”
A more recent case involved the incorrect use of actuated valves, which again caused the system to malfunction. The problem was severe enough that it required the reprogramming of the system’s software – a time-consuming and costly process that could have been avoided by using the correct OEM parts from the start.
The true cost of “savings”
Marcel van de Kreke, Operations Director at Albwardy Damen Shipyard in Sharjah, shares similar experiences from his work on repair and maintenance projects, particularly with older vessels. “What we tend to see with older vessels – 10, 20, or even 30 years old – is that over time, a lot of modifications have been made. Often, non-original parts are used in these modifications, usually in a bid to save money. The problem is, these parts are not specifically designed for the job. They’re not likely to last as long, and there’s a higher chance of failure, which can be both costly and, at sea, dangerous. This is something that has also come to the attention of various oil companies operating in the region, some of which have started to insist on OEM parts and OEM approved maintenance to vessels’ critical equipment as part of their safety requirements.
The dangers of using non-OEM parts become particularly pronounced in critical areas such as the vessel’s engine and underwater components, including the propeller shaft, rudders, and thrusters. Mr Van de Kreke recalls a case where a vessel operator opted for non-genuine seals for the propeller shaft to save on cost. Initially, this seemed like a sensible decision, but the reality soon revealed itself. The seals, which were not suited to the job, quickly led to an oil leak.
“Aside from the clear environmental risks this presents, there is the danger that the vessel parts could be damaged due to lack of lubrication. Buying cheaper parts might look attractive to begin with, but in the end, it can very easily end up costing a lot more,” he says.
In this case, not only did the operator face additional costs due to the duplication of parts purchase, but there was also the significant expense of extended downtime while the seals were replaced with the correct OEM ones. The longer period in drydock and the need to redo the repair work added to the financial burden. “It’s highly likely that any non-genuine parts will have to be replaced with OEM ones in the long run anyway,” Mr Van de Kreke points out. “The short-term savings quickly evaporate when the vessel is sidelined due to avoidable repairs, or worse, if a breakdown occurs during a critical voyage or project.”
Long-term thinking for minimum downtime
When it comes to maintaining a vessel, the long-term benefits of using OEM parts far outweigh any short-term savings. The consequences of opting for cheaper, non-genuine parts often involve increased maintenance costs, more frequent repairs, and heightened safety risks, particularly in the harsh conditions of marine operations. As Mr Van de Kreke advises, “Having seen the effects of lower-cost parts on numerous occasions, my advice to vessel operators would be to think about the long term. It might seem attractive to save some money now, but what about in the coming months? What about when the part fails at sea or in the middle of an important project?”
The risks associated with non-OEM parts are simply not worth taking. At sea, even small malfunctions can escalate into serious safety hazards, endangering both crew and vessel. Furthermore, downtime for repairs can significantly impact operations, leading to delays in projects and lost revenue. As Mr Van de Kreke emphasises, “At the end of the day, your vessels are essential to the success of your business, and it’s worth investing in the best parts for them – the parts they were engineered to use in the first place.”
Conclusion: Investing in OEM Parts for Optimal Performance
In the maritime industry, where vessels represent significant investments and are critical to operational success, it’s essential to maintain them using the parts they were designed to operate with. OEM parts ensure that systems work as intended, provide long-term reliability, and minimise the risk of costly failures. While non-genuine parts may offer initial savings, the potential for unforeseen problems and increased maintenance costs often outweighs any short-term benefits. By continuing to invest in OEM parts after the warranty period, vessel operators can safeguard the performance, safety, and longevity of their fleets, ensuring that their vessels remain in prime condition for years to come.
