Maintenance agreements set to improve performance of reciprocating gas compressors in LNG carriers
Reciprocating gas compressors are critical components on LNG carriers, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG). To maintain the performance and reliability of these compressors, operators such as Anthony Veder Rederijzaken B.V, increasingly opt for long-term service agreements (LTSA) to ensure reliable performance across their fleet.
Operating a fleet of 30 modern gas carriers equipped with 56 Laby® compressors from Burckhardt Compression, Anthony Veder has recently signed a framework agreement for the ongoing maintenance and repair of these assets. The contract offers the operator a range of benefits that simplify management and ensure long-term reliability.
Flexible solutions
These contracts provide a comprehensive framework for maintenance, spare parts supply and technical support, ensuring the compressors run optimally throughout the vessel’s operational life. However, not all LTSAs are the same; Burckhardt Compression’s framework agreements offer much greater flexibility to accommodate changes in service levels and scope.
Planning ahead is always important for maintenance activities, especially those involving marine vessels – time is limited, and resources need to be in place before work commences. Spare parts need to be sourced and stored while technical support needs to be scheduled for deployment.
The additional benefits are realized when any out of the ordinary circumstances are encountered. Unexpected wear or unplanned downtime require a swift and effective response even in the most remote locations. This is where a single point of contact and on-hand technical expertise are so important.
Modern online support is so much more than the traditional phone call. Today, the adoption of virtual reality, augmented reality and global internet coverage can be combined to deliver cutting-edge solutions from a global network of experts with real-time support for the personnel on the ground.
Improving performance for the future
The end result for fleet operators, such as Anthony Veder, is seamless operation of the compressor assets and the knowledge that each one will be carefully monitored and maintained to the highest standards. In the future, major revamps will be streamlined with all the necessary resources in place ahead of time to ensure an efficient turnaround.
In addition, lessons learned from individual compressors can be quickly applied to the rest of the fleet, taking proactive steps to avoid unplanned downtime. Burckhardt Compression has a substantial knowledge repository that is used continuously to support customers and maintain reliability.
Ultimately, better maintenance delivers improved performance as well as a longer service life and all of this can be achieved with a flexible framework with agreed budgets. This provides long-term reliability, improving financial planning and stability.
