Customer expresses full satisfaction with Alfa Laval’s specialized systems
Hamburg-based MACS Maritime Carrier GmbH & Co — which carries breakbulk and project cargoes, as well as containers — is involved in shipping and transport activities worldwide and the operation is spearheaded by a fleet of eight multipurpose vessels. Since 2009, the fuel and lube oil treatment systems onboard four MACS ships have been covered by an Alfa Laval Performance Agreement and the company has noticed a considerable difference. MACS technical director Mr Jeromin relates that operating costs have stabilized at a lower level than in 2008.
 
HARBOUR SUPPORT VISITS
MACS Shipping’s first contact with Alfa Laval was at the end of 2008 regarding a piece of damaged equipment. The ensuing discussion about the fuel and lube oil treatment systems resulted in MACS signing an Alfa Laval Performance Agreement for Separators in February 2009.
The Performance Agreement covers major services on the centrifugal separators with a harbour support visit each year. A major service includes changing the separator bearings and regasketing the bowls, technical inspection of the system, giving technical advice to the crew while doing the service, and a price agreement for genuine Alfa Laval spare parts.
 
MAINTENANCE BUDGETS CAN BE PLANNED
Fleet management director Mr Jeromin said:“During the first year our costs actually went up significantly, but this was due to
major repairs which had accumulated and needed to be done. “The costs are now stable at a level well below the 2008
figures. We can plan our maintenance budgets more accurately since the equipment is now working reliably and no unplanned repairs or maintenance are needed. We also have less capital and storage space tied up in the ships’ spare parts inventories. All we need to keep onboard are the Alfa Laval Service Kits.”
 
CREW SOON REALIZED THE BENEFITS
The crew had previously performed maintenance on the oil treatment systems themselves. How did they react to the presence of the Alfa Laval service engineers onboard?
Agnes Drzymala, marine superintendent at MACS said: “At first they were slightly sceptical and perceived the Alfa Laval presence onboard as some kind of check on their work. But they received a lot of useful tips and realized how much they could benefit from the knowledge and competence of the Alfa Laval technicians. Also, emergency repairs are no longer needed, which has made life onboard much easier for them.”
 
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS
During harbour support visits, Alfa Laval systems specialists make recommendations for improvements to the systems. These recommendations have led to several equipment upgrades on the MACS ships.
Klaus Maak, Manager, Alfa Laval Marine & Diesel, Mid-Europe Region said:“As a supplier it is essential that customers can rely on and are satisfied with our products, as this will lead to new orders.
“The strongest confirmation of our equipment’s performance on the MACS vessels has been the fact that MACS newbuildings currently under construction at Nanjing Shenghua shipyard in China will be equipped with a wide range of Alfa Laval products.
“The products include fuel and lube oil cleaning systems, fuel conditioning modules and fresh water generation systems. When the vessels go into service, we will also offer similar Performance Agreements for them as well in order to maintain optimal performance.”
 
 
 
ALFA LAVAL PERFORMANCE AGREEMENTS
Alfa Laval’s Performance Agreements are individually tailored service packages that help customers stay on top. Based on their requirements Alfa Laval put together a unique service solution that brings maximum performance and low operating costs. A performance agreement can for example include:
  • inspection of the system;
  • onboard service;
  • spare parts;
  • monitoring; and
  • crew training.
MACS SHIPPING
Founded in 1970, MACS Maritime Carrier GmbH & Co’s main activity is transporting cargo between the United Kingdom/Europe and Southern Africa. In 1983 MACS incorporated the service of AESL, owned by Steenkool & Handelsvereeniging (SHV) of Rotterdam. This substantially increased the line’s capacity in terms of vessels and containers. In 1992 MACS joined the Europe Southern Africa Conference to be appointed the official Multipurpose Carrier. Owned by a family partnership, MACS' success is due to its ability to combine containers, project cargoes, ro/ro, heavy lifts, general cargo, dry and liquid bulk.
 
ABOUT ALFA LAVAL
Alfa Laval is a major global provider of specialized products and engineering solutions based on its key technologies of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling.
The company’s equipment, systems and services are dedicated to assisting customers in optimizing the performance of their processes. The solutions help them to heat, cool, separate and transport products in industries that produce food and beverages, chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, starch, sugar and ethanol.
Alfa Laval’s products are also used in power plants, aboard ships, in the mechanical engineering industry, in the mining industry and for wastewater treatment, as well as for comfort climate and refrigeration applications.
Alfa Laval’s worldwide organization works closely with customers in nearly 100 countries to help them stay ahead in the global arena.
Alfa Laval is listed on Nasdaq OMX, and, in 2011, posted annual sales of about SEK 28.6 billion (approximately €3.2 billion).The company has 16,000 employees.