It may cost shipping companies millions of dollars if they choose non-original spare parts for equipment on their vessels. The risk of failure is too high, the lifespan too short, and non-original parts pose an environmental risk. For these reasons, an increasing number of shipping companies are using original spare parts. This is very noticeable at Green Instruments, who are experiencing rapidly increasing interest in original spare parts and service contracts for equipment supplied by Green Instruments.
It can be costly for shipping companies to save on spare parts for essential equipment on ships. The costs can run into millions of dollars, partly because ships may have to stay in port due to defective parts in case of equipment failures, or, in terms of scrubber monitoring equipment, because they can be forced to sail on more expensive fuel if the equipment does not work properly. This is why more and more shipping companies are now buying original spare parts instead of non-original ones.
– While it may be tempting to buy unoriginal and cheap spare parts, it may have significant consequences, because the total cost of ownership will be markedly higher over time. In a worst-case scenario, safety at sea may be compromised and environmental catastrophes may occur, or ships may be forced to stay in port because they are not allowed to sail due to equipment failure,” says Rene B. Christensen, Global Aftermarket Director at Green Instruments, which specializes in the design, production and sale of monitoring equipment for the maritime industry.
Rene B. Christensen sees a clear tendency for shipping companies to realize that it pays to buy original spare parts. For example, critical failures may occur in safety systems, and the warranty on the equipment that ships carry may be voided if they use non-original parts.
– We are seeing a lot of interest in original parts because shipping companies are becoming increasingly aware of the problems that can easily arise if they compromise on quality. It is simply not worth the risk, and it is a sign of business acumen to invest in original spare parts,” says Rene B. Christensen.
Original spare parts are manufactured to meet the highest standards of quality and reliability and are designed specifically for the equipment they are used in. The spare parts will last longer because they have been tested to function in the harsh conditions at sea before they are released on the market. This minimizes the risk of failures that may have both human and financial consequences.
Shipping companies should also choose original parts if they want to ensure that their ships’ warranty coverage is maintained. In this way, original parts help protect the shipping companies’ large investments.
Increasing interest in service contracts
Sales of original parts are increasing at the same time that Green Instruments is seeing a significant increase in the number of service contracts the company has signed with shipping companies. In addition to ensuring that shipping companies get their equipment serviced by competent service technicians, service contracts help ensure that the right spare parts reach the ships quickly – no matter where the ships are located.
– If, say, a piece of monitoring equipment breaks down, shipping companies risk not being allowed to sail, which can cost them thousands of dollars a day. In other cases, the consequences are smaller but still costly for the shipping companies, who, by entering into service agreements, can significantly reduce the risk. At the same time, they will know their exact maintenance costs in the coming years and avoid unexpected and costly repairs, says Rene B. Christensen.
Due to the shipping companies’ interest in service contracts and their desire for quick assistance, Green Instruments has established service offices in Singapore, China, USA, South Korea, Dubai, and Denmark. Technicians can almost always board with original spare parts within 24 hours, no matter where in the world the ships are located.
Sea Europe warns against non-original parts
Sea Europe – The Shipyards’ & Maritime Equipment Association of Europe also warns shipping companies against using non-original spare parts because these parts may compromise safety at sea and pose a significant environmental risk. Sea Europe therefore encourages everyone to ensure that they only use spare parts that meet the strict quality requirements for original parts in marine equipment.
Source: Green Instruments