Wärtsilä will be responsible for the maintenance of four Irish Navy patrol vessels over the next five years.
The technology group has signed a contract to this effect with the Irish Navy. The agreement, which relates to four offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), is intended to ensure operational reliability and long-term cost predictability. The order was reportedly booked in January 2024.[ds_preview]
“We have had a good experience with Wärtsilä over the years and have great confidence in their capabilities. This agreement will help us achieve the level of efficiency and reliability we are aiming for, which in turn will improve the environmental performance of these vessels,” said Lieutenant Commander Cian O’Mearain.
Wärtsilä deploys digital solutions
The scope of the agreement includes maintenance planning and 24/7 remote operational support, including Wärtsilä’s Expert Insight, a digital predictive maintenance solution that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced diagnostics to monitor onboard assets and systems in real time. Specialists at Wärtsilä Expertise Centers will be deployed to monitor the situation and support customers with proactive advice if deemed necessary or appropriate.
The agreement provides for comprehensive monitoring of ship engines, propulsion systems and shaft seals. It also includes crew training, a technical advisor, maintenance planning, full operational support and all scheduled maintenance spares.
According to the company, this operational support significantly reduces unplanned downtime and almost all problems can be resolved remotely.
“Optimized maintenance contracts are an integral part of Wärtsilä’s lifecycle support strategy. They are tailored to the customer’s individual needs by combining the right services and solutions in a comprehensive contract package. In other words, we provide one-stop support and minimize the impact on the environment by optimizing maintenance services,” comments Lee Martindale, General Manager – Sales, Wärtsilä.
Each of the four vessels operates with two 26-engines, two controllable pitch propellers and two gearboxes from Wärtsilä, as well as two Enviroguard shaft seals and three Floodguard shaft seals.
