IHC Merwede and PRUFTECHNIK join forces

 

On Wednesday, 3 June, IHC Merwede and the Belgian company PRUFTECHNIK signed a partnership agreement for vibration measurements with the aim of safeguarding uninterrupted dredger operations.

“We are picking up more and more signs from the dredging market that prevention is better than cure", says J. Hylkema, the Divisional Director of Technology & Services at IHC Merwede. The basic thinking is that preventive maintenance can prevent most unplanned dredger shut-downs. Hylkema explains: “We supply the ‘IHC Condition Monitoring Programme’ as part of the IHC Life Cycle Support concept. The programme is based on eight measurement technologies, including vibration measurements. Vibration measurements are conducted with special equipment that is used on the main rotating parts on board, such as pumps and gearboxes. This makes it possible to detect possible anomalies in the tight tolerances of the high-grade rotating parts at an early stage, and then to analyse them. Using the analysis, we can forecast the best time to replace particular parts or to decide whether repairs are needed. To develop the vibration measurements component further, IHC Merwede is combining its expertise in the area of the design, production and maintenance of ships with PRUFTECHNIK's unique know-how in the area of condition and vibration measurements.

PRUFTECHNIK has an established reputation in the area of the development and production of instrumentation for laser alignment and condition monitoring. An important component of its expertise relates to vibration analysis and rotating equipment. Both IHC Merwede and PRUFTECHNIK have an extensive network that they use to provide global service. Bringing their specific specialisms together will allow the two companies to establish a unique expertise combination that will safeguard top-flight services for vibration measurements as part of IHC Life Cycle Support.

IHC Life Cycle Support
Through its Life Cycle Support service, IHC Merwede is involved with clients during the entire life cycle of a dredging vessel. Periodical monitoring prevents both unnecessary maintenance work and unplanned shut-downs. This reduces shut-down times as a whole and cuts back on maintenance costs, optimising margins on dredging operations. IHC Merwede conducts these periodical checks – known as "condition monitoring" – using a range of techniques that are tailored to every type of plant.

Profile IHC Merwede
IHC Merwede is focused on the continuous development of its design and construction activities for the specialised shipbuilding sector, in particular the dredging and offshore industries.
IHC Merwede is world market leader in the construction of specialist dredging equipment. IHC Merwede is also recognised as an outstanding builder of complex, custom-built vessels for offshore construction. The clients of IHC Merwede include major dredging companies, oil and gas exploration groups, offshore contractors and government authorities.
IHC Merwede has a staff of approximately 2,800 at its locations in the Netherlands. There are also branches in China, India, the Middle East, Nigeria, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

PRUFTECHNIK Profile
PRUFTECHNIK is the pioneer and market leader in laser alignment and a leading company in the field of condition monitoring, vibration analysis and on-site roll alignment, generally in the industrial and maritime sectors. PRUFTECHNIK has more than 400 employees in 70 countries who ensure that production units can continue to achieve optimal production while minimising shut-downs and overhauls.

Note for the editing desk/not for publication
For more information, please contact:

IHC Merwede B.V.
Mrs. R. van Krimpen-Baudesson
T +31 (0)184 41 15 55
M +31 (0)6 22 99 13 29
pr@spam-preventionihcmerwede.com

PRUFTECHNIK Nederland N.V.
Mr. W. Boertjes
M +31 (0)6 53 456 298 29
w.boertjes@spam-preventionpruftechnik.nl

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