This month we strengthened our presence in West Africa, and our team of engineers travelled the globe to support our customers’ requirements. From thruster overhauls in Veracruz and Qatar to controls attendances in Nigeria, we have been inundated with service work as the industry demonstrates signs of recovery.
SMS Extends African Reach
Stone Marine Services has enjoyed a connection with Africa than spans more than a decade, from our extensive service centre in Namibia to its smaller cousin in Cape Town.
As part of our strategy to extend our services to customers in West Africa, we are delighted to announce our cooperation with Nigerdock. Situated on Snake Island, Lagos, Nigerdock has the largest facility in West Africa with an exceptional history in the marine industry. Nigerdock offers an extensive portfolio of services to accommodate vessel owners and ship management companies operating in Nigeria.
For over 30 years, the yard has been delivering on outstanding projects to key players in the oil and gas industry. Onsite, the facility provides a 25,000DWT graving dry dock and a 5,000DWT floating dock. Further, they have quayside facilities and weatherproof multipurpose workshops.
Our cooperation will provide the best in class technical advice and service provision coordinated through Nigerdock. Through our partnership, we will ensure that all repair work is carried out to OEM standard – reducing downtime for vessels in dock.
Blade and Seal Shaft Change
As with the team in the UK, our African engineers were kept busy with service jobs and workshop overhauls. One of our jobs this month was a blade and seal change on a CPP shaft at dry dock in Walvis Bay.
The propeller shaft was removed at dry dock and transported to our nearby Namibian facility to be overhauled. Our skilled engineers completed the job within the scheduled timeline, and we then shipped the shaft back to the vessel to be rigged into place. Our strategically located facility ensures minimum downtime for vessel owners.
Pump Jet Workshop Overhaul
Earlier this month our engineers were tasked with overhauling two SCHOTTEL SPJ Pump Jets at our workshop in Inverkeithing.
Upon arrival, the units were stripped down, drained of oil and inspected before we got to work on the re-build. When the overhaul was near completion, we turned the units over and completed the welding repair and balancing. After the impellers were fitted, we concluded the overhaul by carrying out a static 12-hour air test. The units were then packed up and transported south.
Namibia Facility Roof Refurb
Our extensive workshop facility in Walvis Bay, Namibia is currently undergoing routine roof maintenance. As we continue to develop our service and repair capabilities in the region, this upgrade will ensure the long-term durability of our equipment. The maintenance work is on schedule to be completed before the end of the year.
Service Engineers Wanted
Due to contract wins and an increase in service work, we are looking to recruit full-time skilled engineers to support our growth. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a growing business which has earned a reputation for service excellence, support and project delivery.
You will have a solid grounding in engineering with the ability to diagnose and repair mechanical and/or electrical problems whilst undertaking a wide range of servicing and repair work in a marine engineering environment.
Does this sound like you? If so, apply here now: Mechanical Field Service Engineers Job Application.