Royston completes new Stena Drilling Engine Service Work

Marine engineering and propulsion specialist Royston has completed engine overhaul work onboard one of the world’s most advanced drill ships as part of a logistical solution provided to the vessel’s owners and operators, Stena Drilling.

Work on the 228m length ‘Stena DrillMAX’ saw a 48,000 running hours service on a Wartsila W16V32 engine carried out by a team of engineers in Las Palmas in The Canary Islands within a tight deadline and in the face of challenging travel restrictions due to the pandemic.

The generator, one of six used to power thruster units as well provide electricity for operations, heating, power and lighting systems, received new fuel injectors, cylinder heads and liners as part of the service package, which involved the disassemble and rebuild of the power unit in an around the clock operation.

The initial programme of works was expanded following a primary inspection and additional Royston engineering resources were brought in to support the original team to complete work on the crankshaft seal replacement. Work on servicing the turbocharger was also completed and saw new cartridges and gaskets fitted to ensure optimum operational performance.

Royston engineers, who also oversaw engine testing in line with the manufacturer’s specification and tolerances, remained onboard the ‘Stena DrillMAX’ to utilise planned downtime before it sailed to the coast of Guyana, South America, where it resumed drilling activities for an international oil exploration company. Completion of the contract follows other engine service work Royston has carried out on the Stena Drilling fleet.

Ian Kelman, superintendent at Stena Drilling, said: “Royston has provided excellent support and performance in difficult circumstances both logistically and technically. The level of professionalism demonstrated by everyone was of the highest quality and is appreciated.”

Shaun Cairns, Royston’s operations manager, said: “Stena is seeing the value of outsourcing its diesel engine service and repair work to Royston, which as a single source supplier, can deliver added value engineering resources work on time, quickly and cost effectively.

Part of a six-strong fleet of vessels, the ‘Stena DrillMAX’ is a harsh environment dynamically positioned drill ship, designed for deep sea operations and capable of drilling in water depths up to 10,000 ft.