Svitzer has signed a framework lifecycle agreement with Caterpillar to service more than 100 tugs, making this one of the largest service contracts to date
Through this agreement, Caterpillar will service main engines on vessels operating in over 30 countries to increase tug uptime and improve service efficiency.
Svitzer currently works with 27 Caterpillar dealers worldwide to manage maintenance and repair services. This global service agreement aligns these into one package with one team.
It enables Svitzer to continue delivering reliable and cost-efficient ship assistance, said Svitzer’s newly appointed global chief operating officer Ingrid Uppelschoten Snelderwaard. “The lifecycle agreement supports our global technical and maintenance strategy, by offering a strong foundation for our preventive maintenance, planned maintenance and periodical overhaul activities for all Cat main engines on board our vessel,” she said.
“In Caterpillar Marine, we see a strategic partner who is willing to challenge the status quo and explore new ways to support our global strategy to be the industry leader for global towage and marine-related services.”
“It is important to us that we can always expect the same consistent high level of maintenance service, no matter where in the world we operate,” said Ms Snelderwaard.
A focused Caterpillar team working with the global Caterpillar dealer network will execute the terms of the contract.
“Signing this agreement is the next evolution in our co-operation,” said Caterpillar Marine segment manager for tugs and dredgers Michael Braun. “It is our aim to deliver the highest service excellence with a consistent service experience to Svitzer across its global fleet.”
This agreement will use performance data from engines and analytics for issue detection and predictive maintenance.
“With our expertise in marine engines and digital capabilities, we will provide Svitzer with greater insight into their operations — insight they can use to optimise fuel use, predict service events, and improve overall vessel uptime,” Mr Braun said.
Svitzer provides towage operations, serving 34 terminals and 120 ports in the Americas, Australia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
In the upcoming issue Tug Technology & Business, Svitzer Americas managing director Arjen van Dijk explains the company’s strategy for growth in the region. He speaks about the importance of reliable tug operations and of training local crew for tug maintenance.
Optimisation of maintenance and use of data to predict failures will be discussed in depth during Riviera’s Vessel Optimisation Webinar Week - use this link to access details and register for webinars including: Onboard revolution: using predictive analytics to optimise asset maintenance
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