Eliminating unpredictable service costs

Traditionally, says Harding, manufacturers of maritime life-saving appliances have provided a limited guarantee for new safety equipment, typically for a period ranging from 6 to 12 months. After this period, vessel owners and operators can often be confronted with high and unpredictable costs as a result of regulatory inspections, class approvals, service hours, travel, spare parts and other unforeseen costs.

“According to feedback from our customers, what they really want from a service provider is predictability in terms of costs and regulatory compliance, short servicing times and extended service intervals. Harding’s new 360 service programme, launched globally today, addresses all of these concerns – contributing to improved safety and reduced vessel downtime,” said Roeland Scholes, Harding’s Global Service Director.

Harding 360 has been developed to ensure the highest level of safety, operational readiness and regulatory compliance for the customers’ safety equipment. This is achieved by Harding taking full responsibility for regulatory inspections, condition monitoring, preventive servicing, spare parts, training and – of course – any repairs. All this is taken care of at a fixed annual rate.

“In many ways, 360 functions as an extended warranty. The concept allows the customer to say goodbye to all unforeseen and hidden costs related to servicing, and to enjoy peace of mind. According to our studies, having such a care plan will also reduce the overall expenditure when looking at the entire life cycle of the LSA equipment,” said Bjørn Sturle Hillestad, Global Sales & Marketing Director.

Harding 360 is available at three levels: Standard, Advanced and Premium. The number of service ports the customers can call at is one of the differences between the levels. Premium customers can have inspections and servicing performed in all key ports worldwide, with any necessary spare parts included.

‘Harding has the largest service network in the industry, and this global footprint enables us to offer this extensive care programme on a truly worldwide level,’ added Scholtes.

He also pointed out that the company does not limit the new programme to Harding equipment alone: “This is a multi-brand programme, in which our more than 300 certified service engineers and coordinators can also take care of equipment from other manufacturers”.

Harding says it has already received very positive feedback from various customers, and the company is currently negotiating several contracts for the new service programme on a global level.

By Jake Frith