Oiltech Resolves Critical Issues for ECTMarine

When ECTMarine faced critical technical challenges with the hydraulic systems of their new delivered dredging vessel, they turned to Oiltech for expert assistance. The issues, ranging from malfunctioning cutter drives to spud pole failures, caused significant operational downtime. Our team at Oiltech stepped in to quickly diagnose the problems and implement customized solutions to restore full functionality.

Identified Issues and Challenges

During a comprehensive inspection of the vessel, our engineers identified several key problems that affected the dredging operations:

1. Cutter Drive Failure

• The hydraulic pumps driving the cutter were malfunctioning due to the presence of steel debris in the system.
• The drive shaft had completely broken, making the cutter inoperable.

2. Spud Pole Malfunction

• The spud pole system experienced significant issues due to stuck hydraulic valves, caused by contamination and wear.
• Water intrusion was detected in the hydraulic system, traced back to a damaged cooler, compromising the system’s efficiency.

3. Spud Carrier Non-Functional

• The spud carrier failed to operate due to a malfunctioning distance sensor, essential for accurate positioning and movement.

Oiltech’s Solutions

Our team implemented a series of targeted repairs and modifications to address these challenges:

1. Cutter Drive Repair

• We cleaned and flushed the hydraulic system to remove the steel debris and contaminants.
• The broken drive shaft was repaired and reinforced to ensure long-term reliability.

2. Spud Pole System Restoration

• We disassembled, cleaned, and repaired the stuck valves, restoring their functionality.
• A damaged hydraulic cooler was repaired to prevent further water contamination.

3. Spud Carrier Modification

• Instead of replacing the defective distance sensor, we modified and calibrated the existing sensor, restoring the precision and reliability of the spud carrier.

Outcome: Full Restoration of Operations

Thanks to Oiltech’s swift and effective intervention, ECTMarine’s dredging vessel was quickly brought back to full operational capacity. The vessel’s hydraulic systems are now functioning optimally, allowing ECTMarine to resume dredging operations without further interruptions.

About Oiltech

Oiltech specializes in the maintenance, repair, and optimization of hydraulic and dredging systems for the maritime and mining industries. Our expertise helps clients reduce downtime and maximize operational efficiency with tailored solutions.

For more information or to request support, please contact us today.