Type of Project:

Inspection and repair of the starboard steering gear on the offshore supply vessel FS Balmoral.

Project Description:

Fletchers Supply Vessels Ltd requested MIT to attend to the FS Balmoral to replace seals on the top end of the starboard steering gear. The existing seals were causing excessive leakage, which needed immediate attention to ensure the vessel’s operational efficiency and safety.

Repair Details:

Steps Taken:

1. Disassembly:
   • Disassembled all associated steering gear components.
   • Drained the oil from the system.
   • Removed the cover to access seals and segments.
2. Inspection and Cleaning:
   • Removed old seals.
   • Cleaned components and inspected for any damage.
3. Reassembly:
   • Reassembled and installed new seals, bearings, and O-rings according to Kongsberg guidelines and tolerances.
   • The cylinder seals were cut to the recommended tolerance.
4. Refilling and Testing:
   • Refilled the system with oil.
   • Conducted time and leakage tests:
     • Pump 3:
       • Port 30° – Starboard 35° = 21 secs and 1L/min
       • Starboard 30° – Port 35° = 21 secs and 1L/min
       • Safety valve relief = 100bar port and starboard
     • Pump 4:
       • Port 30° – Starboard 35° = 21 secs and 1L/min
       • Starboard 30° – Port 35° = 22 secs and 1.1L/min
       • Safety valve relief = 100bar port and starboard
5. Verification:
   • All tests were witnessed by the Chief Engineer, 2nd Engineer, and the DNV Surveyor.
   • The results were passed to the customer, who was satisfied with them.
   • Ensured there were no airlocks by pitching the rudder port to starboard five times.

Observations:

• Damaged seals were identified as the cause of excessive leakage.
• A visual mark was found on the cylinder, but no groove was present.
• New cylinder seals were torqued in segments and cut to Kongsberg guidelines.

Conclusion

Outcome:

In summary, our engineer successfully completed the inspection and repair of the starboard steering gear on the offshore supply vessel FS Balmoral. The project involved disassembling the steering gear, replacing damaged seals, and conducting thorough testing to ensure optimal performance. All components were reassembled according to Kongsberg guidelines, and the system was refilled with oil. The timing and leakage tests confirmed the repair’s effectiveness, and the Chief Engineer and the customer were satisfied with the results. This case study demonstrates MIT’s expertise and reliability in handling critical repairs for commercial cargo ships, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.

• All seals, O-rings, and bearings were successfully replaced.
• All other associated components were found to be in good condition.
• The Chief Engineer and Jon Hawkins were satisfied with the work carried out and the operation of the starboard steering gear.
• Timing and leakage tests were successfully completed, confirming the effectiveness of the repair.

LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE SERVICE PARTNER FOR YOUR FLEET?

Contact our team today to find out more about our MyDriveTrain Lifecycle Support