Worldwide underwater ship maintenance specialists UMC International and Dutch based marine propeller repair specialists Maritime Propeller Repairs (MPR) have signed an agreement to cooperate for workshop and in-water propeller repairs.
The agreement was signed in Asperen, The Netherlands on 23rd September 2011, at an open day hosted by MPR. More than 300 visitors attended the event, and all were very enthusiastic about the new joint service. Alan Trevarthen, MD UMC, and Gert Hendriksen, MD MPR, signed the agreement in front of local press and shipping company representatives.
Established in 1972, UMC has an extensive network of office locations around the world from where they offer a global underwater engineering vessel support service. UMC have developed a reputation of being the world’s leading vessel underwater support service company and continually strive to develop new ideas and procedures to reduce operating costs of vessels in service. UMC attend around 1000 vessels per year and are constantly called to inspect marine propellers. In many cases, damage is found and correct diagnosis is key.
MPR was established in May 2011 by a team of highly experienced propeller repair specialists whose knowledge and expertise in this field is second to none. The company has established specific welding procedures which have been tested and approved by Class. The workshop, located in Asperen, has a capacity of up to 80 tons lift. The mobile propeller balancing equipment can be dispatched to vessels anywhere in the world, and two teams of mobile specialists ensure a quick response to clients’ requests. Propellers of up to 11m diameter can be accurately measured.
MPR specialises in all types of fixed and variable pitch propeller repairs:
• Cavitation
• Cracking
• Straightening
• Polishing
• New blade tips
• Modification of blades
• Balancing
• Emergency repairs
• Blue fitting of Propellers and rudder stocks
The objective of the agreement was to be able to offer a 24 hour support service for the joint client base of UMC and MPR, reaching out worldwide. The agreement also covers repairs and removal, replacement of bow/stern thruster units and the bonding of seals. Alan Trevarthen commented ‘’ MPR have demonstrated that they are perfectly placed to provide UMC access to specialist expertise and resources in propeller repairs, allowing UMC to reliably offer a wide range of in-water propeller maintenance services to our customers“. Gert Hendriksen commented ‘’The demand for propeller repairs has surprised even us. The opportunity to work together with a company of the standing of UMC is a great vote of confidence in our workforce”.