CSSC Marine Service adds injection control unit overhaul service

The company said this marks the first time that OEM-authorised ICU overhaul and testing has been available in China. ICU overhauls are usually carried out in two key ports worldwide and require the international shipment of complete ICUs to and from the repair shop at high cost.

CMS is eyeing this service as the key to expanding into other key markets if it proves popular with owners. The company said the number of vessels stopping or drydocking in China will make the service convenient and offer added cost advantages of repair work performed at Chinese ship repair yards.

“ICU overhaul and testing are a core service that until now has not been available in one of the world’s biggest ship repair markets,2 CMS president Andrew Stump said.

“As a sister company and authorised service partner of WinGD, customers can be assured that CMS’s service is performed to the highest standards while offering even greater convenience and cost efficiency.”

With roughly 2,000 ICUs overhauled globally each year, the service represents a viable new business line for CMS in China. In regular operation, the units require reconditioning or replacement after 36,000 hours, or approximately five years of service.

The electronically controlled ICU determines the volume of fuel delivered to the fuel injectors and into combustion chambers on RT-Flex engines. The ICU optimises fuel consumption, engine performance behaviour, smooth running, reliable starting characteristics and reduced particulates at all engine loads.

CMS performed its first ICU service earlier this year and the company has a dedicated ICU overhaul and testing workshop in Qingdao where the units are sent for cleaning, inspection, reconditioning (including the replacement of damaged parts) and bench testing.

Once the reconditioned units are received at the ICU workshop, the overhaul can be performed in as little as two to three days – meaning the service, when planned in advance, can be easily incorporated into a 12-15 day drydock without disrupting the schedule of the shipyard or ship operator.

CMS offers two other options. ICU repair kits enable the crew or yard’s workforce to carry out the repairs recommended under CMS’ supervision or operators can opt to have the ICU fully replaced rather than sending existing units for reconditioning.

The ICU services are the latest extension of CMS’s service portfolio. In 2019, the company introduced a fuel booster pump upgrade for RT-Flex engines in anticipation of the engines using less viscous low-sulphur fuels due to the global sulphur cap and the need to provide higher engine starting reliability.