P-20 is equipped with two Wärtsilä Nohab 316V and four Wärtsilä Nohab 312V engines with a total output of 14 MW. |
As a part of the Ship Power Supplier strategy, Wärtsilä can also handle operation and maintenance of power production onboard a vessel or offshore installation. That allows owners to concentrate on their core business while Wärtsilä implements proven methods to maximize the availability of power production and the lifetime of the installation.
From Land to Sea
Wärtsilä Operations & Maintenance (WOM) is a separate department of the Service Division responsible for long-term agreements for land- and sea-based installations. The business started from a need to operate land-based installations in the mid-1990s. The O&M business has grown rapidly and currently Wärtsilä operates over 100 power plants and several marine and offshore installations with a total output of over 2000 MW in 30 countries around the world. More than 1000 people worldwide are working with these installations to ensure maximum performance.
Wärtsilä currently has hundreds of part supply, support and maintenance agreements for various types of marine and offshore installations around the world. Wärtsilä is presently developing its concepts, which include expanding the scope of services and later also full O&M agreements. A solid knowledge of this business gives us a competitive edge and provides clear benefits to the owners of marine and offshore installations.
Customer focus on core business
The complexity of the machinery and equipment used in the marine and offshore industry has been increasing and this trend can be expected to continue. At the same time, however, it has become a challenging task to find competent personnel to operate today’s modern equipment. As an original engine manufacturer Wärtsilä has the knowledge to operate its latest technology as well as conventional products. When Wärtsilä personnel handle operation and maintenance, we can guarantee important parameters like availability, spare parts and fuel consumption.
Outsourcing the operation and maintenance of power production to Wärtsilä allows owners to concentrate on their core business. The owners can rely on experts to effectively maximize the availability and lifetime of their installation.
The main benefits of this arrangement will naturally be evident in connection with Wärtsilä engines but WOM’s scope of service is not limited toWärtsilä engines only. The range of equipment Wärtsilä would operate will be negotiated case by case and typically includes the auxiliary equipment and other makes of engine as well. TheWärtsilä Land and Sea Academy offers excellent resources for building and maintaining the necessary competence of O&M personnel.
A service organization must have a worldwide presence in the marine business today. Wärtsilä has service offices in 60 countries and can thus utilize the services of those offices in larger overhauls in addition to personnel onboard.
Added value for the customer
The added value for the customer depends on the type of installation. Availability is always important and in many cases it can be the driving force. In certain types of installations the consequences in the event of a shutdown can be considerable. WOM has proven methods of maximizing machinery availability for the customer when this is a critical issue.
One of these methods involves proper planning and monitoring of the operating parameters. Modern technology also opens the possibility to create savings while improving the performance.
Financial management of power production becomes easier when the O&M cost is fixed for the duration of the agreement. When Wärtsilä’s own personnel are responsible for power production Wärtsilä can also guarantee the performance. Wärtsilä O&M collects performance data from different engine types, which creates a solid basis for predicting and solving problems.
Petrojarl Foinaven is equipped with four Wärtsilä 16V32GD and four Wärtsilä 18V32GD with a total output of 51 MW. |
Tailored agreements
WOM tailors all agreements to find the best solution for every customer and every installation, since each situation is different and a standard approach would not give the optimum result.
Before taking over the assignment it is necessary to make the proper preparations. Wärtsilä’s large pool of personnel will provide experienced and qualified people for each job. Extensive training is also available especially when new personnel are taken on.
The necessary software will be applied either onboard or on land depending on the installation. In the case of a new installation Wärtsilä can also assist the owner in the start-up while in existing installations a smooth switchover is important.
During operation the performance will be constantly monitored using appropriate tools. The information gathered is also consolidated in regular reports produced by Wärtsilä for the owner in the agreed manner. The maintenance will be planned in co-operation with a land-based co-ordinator. Wärtsilä Service network’s resources can be used in major overhauls.
To minimize downtime it is appropriate in some cases to use exchange spare parts. These parts, for example cylinder heads, will be installed and the old parts will be serviced later on land to be ready for the next overhaul.
Petrojarl FPSOs
PGS has contracted the Petrojarl 1, Petrojarl Foinaven and Petrojarl Varg FPSOs with Wärtsilä. These installations are equipped with a Wärtsiä 32 engine type and run on gas.
Petrobras P-20
Brazil’s national oil company Petrobras has outsourced maintenance of power production onboard its semi-submersible rig P-20.
Conclusion
Entering into an Operation and Maintenance agreement is like entering into a partnership rather than supplying goods and services. It is thus important that both parties find this partnership beneficial over the years. Wärtsilä Operations and Maintenance is committed to creating added value for its customers by applying competent management, skilled resources and a structured, systematic and environmentally friendly approach to operations as a part of the total service concept, while at the same time enhancing its position as the Ship Power Supplier.
by Matti Olli, Operations and Maintenance, Wärtsilä Corporation
