ICU overhaul service launched

CMS is the worldwide equipment service subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC).

ICU overhauls

ICU overhauls are traditionally carried out in two key ports worldwide and often require costly international shipments of complete ICUs to and from the repair shop. The number of vessels stopping or drydocking in China makes CMS’s new service highly convenient and offers the added cost advantages of repair work performed at Chinese ship repair yards. It is estimated that around 2,000 ICUs are overhauled globally each year, so the service represents a viable new business line for CMS in China. CMS is considering replicating the service in other key markets once it has proven to be popular with owners.

“ICU overhaul and testing is a core service that until now has not been available in one of the world’s biggest ship repair markets,” said Andrew Stump President CMS. “As a sister company and authorised service partner of WinGD, customers can be assured that CMS’s service is performed to the highest standards while offering even greater convenience and cost efficiency.”

The ICU controls the volume of fuel delivered to the fuel injectors and finally into combustion chambers on RT-Flex engines. The ICU is electronically controlled and optimises fuel consumption, engine performance behaviour, smooth running, reliable starting characteristics, and reduced particulates (smoke) at all engine loads. ICUs have been installed on more than 1,000 vessels – including bulk carriers, tankers, and container ships – since its first introduction in 2001, equating to more than 6,000 individual ICUs. In regular operation (excluding unexpected malfunctions) the units require reconditioning or replacement after 36,000 hours, or approximately five years of service.

CMS performed its first ICU service more than six months ago. The company has established a dedicated ICU overhaul and testing workshop in Qingdao where the units are sent for cleaning, inspection, reconditioning (including the replacement of damaged parts) and most importantly bench testing.

Once the reconditioned units are received at the ICU workshop the overhaul can be performed in as little as 2-3 days – meaning the service, when planned in advance, can be easily incorporated into a 12-15 day drydock without disrupting the schedule of the shipyard or ship operator.

The ICU services are the latest extension of CMS’s service portfolio. In another recent development, the company introduced a fuel booster pump upgrade for RT-Flex engines late last year, in anticipation of the engines using less viscous low-sulphur fuels following IMO’s global sulphur cap and the need to provide higher engine starting reliability under all circumstances.

CMS performs its services through service centres across Asia – including four in China – one each in Korea and Singapore and in Europe, based in Hamburg and Switzerland. It also offers worldwide coverage via partner service stations across the globe.