Keeping drives shipshape

The services provided by Trifix include scheduled routine maintenance and fast-response repairs to tackle breakdowns.

Mark Ferguson, Director of Trifix Electronic Services Ltd, said: “We have found that VACON drives from Danfoss are an excellent choice for use on board ships.”

“They’re exceptionally reliable, they have long service lives and, when they do eventually need attention, they are easy to service and repair.”

Typical applications for VACON AC variable speed drives include the control of electric propulsion systems, bow thrusters, winches and cargo handling equipment.

While many of the drives have modest power ratings, drives with ratings up to 1.2 MW are frequently used in bow thruster and propulsion applications.

With current technology it is impossible to produce a commercially viable drive with a design life of more than ten years. This means that drive refurbishment is certain to be necessary at least once during the working life of a vessel.

One complication with the largest drives is that they are usually installed while the ship is being built and no access is provided to allow for their subsequent removal. So replacement is not an option, it has to be repaired or refurbished.

Trifix said it has proven expertise in addressing these challenges and works with a large number of ship operators to provide scheduled drive refurbishment while vessels are in port.