German repair alliance gains ground
Managers at MWB Marine Services are optimistic about future business following approval of the new strategic ship engine repair and maintenance alliance in Germany by antitrust authorities.
The alliance combines the expertise of longstanding engine specialists Motorenwerke Bremerhaven (MWB), part of the expanding ship repair concern German Dry Docks (GDD), and front-running Zeppelin Power Systems (ZPS) in Hamburg. ZPS is a leading provider of drive and energy systems based on Cat, MaK and EMD engines and its applications range from main and auxiliary propulsion and generator sets to propellers and complete power systems.
The approval of the new MWB Marine Services alliance cements the engine clout of the increasingly prominent and expanding GDD.
Group CEO Guido Försterling said it wanted to “significantly expand business activities in the repair and maintenance of marine engines”.
He also said MWB Marine Services would concentrate on these tasks, specialising in manufacturer-independent maintenance and repair services for engines and generators as well as on the sale of spare parts from some engine and component manufacturers.
Försterling noted that GDD could also look back on many major repair projects such as the replacement or modification of engines.
GDD has also said the new MWB Marine Services will carry out work and services for other engine manufacturers and offer them on the international market. An expansion of the spare parts trade was also planned, it said.
“We are increasingly moving in an international and competitive environment where we will be on a solid footing with a broad product and service portfolio”, Förtsterling declared.
Stressing that his concern seeks to strengthen both its market position and its Bremerhaven location, Försterling told Maritime Journal: “The idea to separate our engine sector from German Dry Docks and to market MWB alongside such a reliable and competent partner as ZPS is taking hold. It’s a good feeling”.
ZPS Managing Director Volker Poßögel said “the partnership with MWB Marine Services enables Zeppelin to provide complex solutions for the repair and maintenance of engines and propulsion systems and to carry out re-engining projects directly in the docks of GDD.”
GDD Technical Director Jörn Holst stressed the company’s motivation. “One of our unique selling points is that we are specialists in the manufacturer-independent maintenance and repair of engines and plant as well as in the sale of spare parts. This means we can offer interesting added value.”
ZPS and GDD already co-operate in servicing ZPS portfolio engines and drive systems – for example in river cruise ship maintenance. The growing demand for exhaust gas purification systems – scrubbers – and the conversion of engines for dual-fuel operation as well as the installation of ballast water purification systems has expanded the commonalities between the two of late. By Tom Todd
