When SMS Towage began experiencing a knocking noise, high bearing temperatures and vibrations coming from their shaft line on their tug, the Lloydsman, they called MIT to investigate.
Our marine service engineers visited the vessel in Hull docks and initially found the portside bulkhead membrane plate to be damaged; this led our engineer to check the main engine crank float for any signs of misalignment. Upon investigating, there seemed to be evidence of potential axial misalignment causing the crankshaft to be loaded. This meant that the main engine had to be realigned with the Schottel Thruster before it could be realigned to the bulkhead.
After removing the port and starboard bulkhead bearing and shaft, our engineer laser aligned the engine to the thruster, checking the measurements along the way to ensure they were within tolerance. He then refitted the bulkhead with new gaskets and installed the shaft bearing to the thruster, aligning them with the engine. Finally, he replaced the broken membrane plate, refitted the port and starboard shafts and checked the main crank engine floats.
Following the repair, the superintendent has reported that there is now no vibration coming from the shaft line.
Shipyard: Hull docks
Vessel Type: Tug
Main engine: Caterpillar 3512 C
Main engine power:2 x 1500 kW @ 1600 rpm
Dimensions: 22.40m LOA, 10.48m Beam, 4.85m Draft
Bollard Pull: 53.86T
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