Royston completes critical OSV propulsion system overhaul

The project involved Royston engineers travelling from the UK to the DDW shipyard in Dubai to perform maintenance work on two Niigata Z-Peller thrusters installed on the 75-metre vessel.

The comprehensive maintenance package encompassed propeller removal and refitting, renewal of steering seals, inspection for water ingress and oil leaks, gearbox checks, seal box rebuilding, and installation of new seals and gaskets. During an engineering inspection, significant wear marks were discovered on the port steering seal liner, necessitating its replacement with new parts before final reassembly.

Thorough examinations and refitting of both port and starboard rope guards were also required, followed by comprehensive testing of the Z-Pellers to ensure optimal functionality before returning the vessel to service.

Hatem Monir, representative of Doha Marine Services, commended Royston for their professionalism, work ethic and OEM engineering skills, which helped to minimise disruptions to its demanding operational schedule.

Royston, based in the North East of England, is a fully trained and authorised Niigata agent, providing marine engineering services and propulsion system diagnostics and repairs for a wide range of national and international fleet owners and operators.

Shaun Cairns, the company’s operations manager, said: “This work shows our strong experience and capabilities in all round marine engineering and propulsion systems diagnostics and repair work. Even if the vessel is located overseas, and regardless of the condition of its power units, it proves that we can deliver a rapid, effective service together with unparalleled experience and expertise.”

As one of seven sister vessels, the Topaz Sophie is a DP2 platform supply vessel with a capacity of 3,300 DWT. It currently operates in the Persian Gulf, serving Doha Port.