The Challenge
An 80K bulk carrier operating in warm-water regions experienced cooling loss on its central cooler.
The unit no longer had sufficient thermal margin, and as seawater temperatures increased, the fresh-water outlet temperature rose beyond safe limits.

The Turning Point
Maritech OceanServ performed a full thermal review and confirmed that the cooling margin was inadequate for the vessel’s current thermal load, which had increased over time (e.g., upgraded generator capacity and higher onboard demand).
• Capacity Upgrade Engineered – To meet the new load, a capacity upgrade was engineered by adding plates while maintaining acceptable pressure drop.
• Full Refurbishment & Commissioning – The cooler was fully refurbished, re-assembled, pressure-tested, and commissioned onboard.

The Result
✅ Cooling efficiency was restored, and the system regained a safe thermal margin even in warm-water conditions.
✅ Performance remained stable.
✅ Service intervals were extended.
✅ The vessel regained operational confidence.

Lessons Learned
Cooling performance issues cannot be resolved by maintenance alone.
When the vessel’s thermal load increases, the cooler’s capacity must be re-engineered to match real operating conditions.
Proper thermal evaluation and targeted upgrades ensure long-term reliability, especially in warm-water environments.

The Challenge
On an Aframax tanker, the fresh-water generator (FWG) was underperforming, forcing the vessel to rely on costly bunkered water and reducing voyage autonomy.
The owner had already ordered replacement parts, but OEM supply-chain delays meant critical components would not arrive in time.
With the vessel under tight charter commitments, downtime or performance loss was not an option — yet continued operation risked efficiency degradation and rising cost.

The Turning Point
Maritech was engaged to restore not only function but performance, identifying and solving the root cause without waiting for delayed spares.
• Performance Assessment – Onboard inspection confirmed reduced production and vacuum instability, pointing to backpressure in the air-brine ejector circuit and heat-transfer imbalance across the plate pack.
• Root Cause Analysis – The air-brine ejector pump showed erosion and excessive wear-ring clearance, reducing suction and vacuum efficiency. Meanwhile, deformed plates and aged gaskets caused internal leakage and loss of sealing integrity — restricting flow, increasing backpressure, and lowering evaporation and condenser efficiency.
• Rapid Parts & Fabrication – Using Maritech’s regional stock and on-demand manufacturing, critical components — including impeller and wear-ring assemblies — were produced and delivered within days. Fully compatible and precision-machined, they replaced delayed items and boosted vacuum and FWG performance.
• On-Site Service – Maritech technicians completed cleaning, plate refurbishment, gasket renewal, and ejector upgrades with improved parts, restoring vacuum stability, correct flow, and full design output.

The Result
✅ Production restored, exceeding pre-incident levels.
✅ Dependence on bunkered water eliminated.
✅ Equipment life extended through refurbishment and selective upgrades.
✅ No off-hire, with warranty-backed assurance.
What began as a supply-chain delay became a performance-recovery success story, driven by Maritech’s technical agility, insight, and integrated logistics.

Lessons Learned
When critical parts aren’t available, agility and root-cause engineering keep vessels operational. By combining diagnostics, regional readiness, and field precision, Maritech turned a supply-chain challenge into a clear operational win.

Strategic Outlook
This case embodies the OCEANSERV® – Preventive Care philosophy: early diagnostics, rapid response, and technical excellence. Beyond repair and supply, Maritech delivers predictable performance, optimized lifecycle cost, and sustainable reliability across shipboard systems worldwide.

© Maritech Group Holding – All rights reserved.
MARITECH OCEANSERV® is a registered trademark of Maritech Group Holding (Hong Kong).

The Challenge
During a vessel drydock at a leading shipyard in Turkey, the condition of the cooler’s plate pack was not identified early enough by the assigned contractor. By the time the failure was confirmed, several plates were already damaged — leaving the vessel off-hire and under significant commercial pressure, with daily off-hire losses reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

The Turning Point
Maritech was called in to address the failure, providing technical service on site and supplying the required plate pack renewal from stock.
• Rapid assessment – Our engineers inspected the unit and confirmed the extent of the failure.
• Refurbishment where possible – Components that could still be used were reconditioned: cleaned, re-gasketed, and realigned.
• Stock-backed renewal – Replacement plates were delivered directly from stock, secured through Maritech’s stock network to ensure immediate availability.
• On-site support – The system was reassembled and tested under Maritech supervision, ensuring reliable performance before the vessel’s departure.

The Result
✅ The vessel was able to return to service within only 48 hours, as Maritech teams worked around the clock to restore full operation and minimize further off-hire costs.
✅ By delivering both technical service and reliable spare parts, Maritech proved its ability to support shipyards in keeping projects on schedule — building trust and helping them strengthen relationships with shipowners while avoiding costly delays.

Lessons Learned
This case highlights how late failure identification can escalate costs rapidly. At the same time, it reflects a broader industry reality: shipyards today demand specialized services that go beyond standard docking — solutions that deliver faster turnarounds, predictable costs, and warranty-backed quality. This is exactly where Maritech provides value.

Strategic Outlook
Building on cases like this, Maritech’s vision is clear: to create a global ecosystem of specialist services that reinforces shipyard capabilities, secures owner confidence, and ensures that every vessel benefits from consistent standards of quality, supply, and warranty — wherever it docks.

Trusted by Public Utilities: Repeated Plate Heat Exchanger Refurbishment for National Power Plant

A leading national energy provider operating large-scale public power plants required specialized refurbishment of multiple plate heat exchanger (PHE) units used in its industrial cooling systems. As part of its scheduled maintenance strategy, the organization initiated a competitive public tender to secure a reliable, certified technical partner.

Challenge
• Time-sensitive repair windows during plant shutdown periods
• Heavy scaling, gasket degradation, and frame surface wear
• Need for full certification and quality documentation
• Strict compliance with public procurement and audit protocols

Our Solution
MARITECH was awarded the contract following a competitive tender process, based on our technical expertise, transparent QA/QC procedures, and proven ability to meet strict public-sector requirements.
We delivered a comprehensive refurbishment service for the PHE units, covering over 2,000 plates across multiple units. The project was completed in 20 working days, fully aligned with the client’s maintenance window.
Scope included:
• Disassembly and deep chemical cleaning of all plate packs
• Plate integrity checks and regasketing with OEM-compliant materials
• Frame reconditioning, including groove preparation and protective coating
• Hydrotesting and delivery of certification reports per unit
• QA/QC traceability and documentation to meet public audit standards

The Results
For over 8 years, MARITECH has been a trusted technical partner to the national energy provider, successfully delivering 6 refurbishment projects involving critical PHE infrastructure.
✅ Consistent on-time and certified delivery.
✅ Zero post-installation issues reported across all projects
✅ Full compliance with national procurement and audit standards
✅ Reinforced reputation as a reliable service partner for public infrastructure

Why Maritech
MARITECH combines deep technical knowledge with full independence from proprietary OEM systems — enabling clients to receive optimized service across a wide range of plate heat exchanger types and models. This multi-brand compatibility avoids vendor lock-in and allows for extended asset life, better cost control, and greater operational flexibility.
In addition, MARITECH applies a strict transparency protocol:
• Detailed inspection logs
• Pre/post condition documentation
• Certified test results
• Clear handover points and Owner’s Risk notifications where applicable
This structured approach gives clients enhanced visibility and confidence in every decision — supporting quality assurance, lifecycle planning, and long-term reliability.

Emergency ME LO Cooler Restoration

The root cause was traced to an internal failure of the Main Lube Oil Cooler. With no port access and a high risk of engine damage, a time-critical onboard solution was required for the container vessel with a capacity of 13,000 TEU, located at Shanghai Anchorage. During routine monitoring, the vessel’s crew identified oil residuals in the fresh water expansion tank and further noticed an increase in lube oil consumption.

Our Solution
MARITECH deployed a structured, lifecycle-oriented strategy across the client’s vessels:
• A flying team of senior MARITECH engineers was deployed and boarded the vessel at anchorage within 48 hours.
• Onboard diagnostics confirmed gasket failure and plate deformation inside the plate heat exchanger.
• As time did not allow external reconditioning, MARITECH coordinated the emergency use of the vessel’s stock plate pack, previously supplied under a preventive framework.
• The unit was reassembled and fully tested under controlled conditions, confirming full recovery of system integrity.

The Results
✅ Vessel resumed operations with no port call or delay.
✅ Engine shutdown was avoided, saving an estimated USD 45,000-60,000 in downtime and logistical costs.
✅ MARITECH’s predictive approach, combined with advance part readiness and onboard capability, ensured a fast, safe, and sustainable outcome.

Client Insight
Operators are adopting predictive and modular repair strategies to reduce risk and minimize downtime. This case illustrates the value of forward stocking and the ability to execute advanced service scopes on anchor. The successful outcome reflects a growing industry shift toward trusted partners like MARITECH, capable of executing critical repairs under pressure while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and sustainability.

From reactive repairs to strategic maintenance

A global fleet operator approached MARITECH after facing persistent issues across their vessels’ plate heat exchangers. Rising maintenance costs, reduced thermal efficiency, and frequent failures were disrupting operations. The fleet’s mix of OEM systems, irregular servicing, and absence of a preventive maintenance plan made the situation increasingly unsustainable.

Our Solution
MARITECH deployed a structured, lifecycle-oriented strategy across the client’s vessels:
• Fleetwide diagnostics to benchmark actual PHE condition and prioritize service needs
• Workshop reconditioning using our 10-step process: plate testing, proper re-gasketing, and pressure validation
• Cross-brand expertise applied to standardize quality across different OEMs
• Tailored preventive maintenance plan, including onboard crew routines, service tracking, and spare optimization

The Results
✅ 32% drop in annual PHE-related service costs
✅ 40% longer gasket life across high-temp units
✅ Zero unplanned shutdowns in 12 months
✅ Unified service methodology across fleet, for all units

Client Insight
“MARITECH brought structure and predictability into an area that was once chaotic. Their consistency across brands made a real difference.”

The client experienced persistent issues with a critical onboard plate heat exchanger. Despite prior attempts at cleaning and re-gasketing, the unit continued to underperform, failing pressure tests and affecting system stability.

Faced with a possible replacement scenario, the client sought an expert assessment from MARITECH.

Our Solution
MARITECH’s engineering team coordinated the safe transfer of the unit to our service center in Greece. Upon diagnostic inspection, we identified:
• Frame misalignment and signs of over-compression on several plates
• Non-standard gaskets that had deteriorated under marine operating conditions
• Incomplete fouling removal in key thermal zones
• Localized warping at plate edges affecting sealing performance

Our multi-step recovery process included :
• Flatness checks and alignment testing
• Targeted replacement of select plates (avoiding full plate pack replacement)
• Full mechanical and chemical cleaning of plates
• Re-gasketing using precision-selected gasket material, compound, and hardness for extended life in high-temp operation.

The Results
✅ PHE fully restored and reinstalled onboard
✅ Estimated €38,000 in replacement costs avoided
✅ Thermal and sealing performance validated during sea trials
✅ Client reassigned additional units for MARITECH support and lifecycle management

Client Feedback
“Clear communication, reliable outcome, no surprises. We’ve continued with MARITECH for similar units.”

In late December 2024, we were requested by a Turkish shipyard to efficiently overhaul 12 plate heat exchangers on a 7455 TEU containership, restore their functionality and ensure their optimal operational performance within a strict 14-day deadline.

Our 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 led the technical assessment and overhaul planning while maintaining clear cross-team communication to avoid any delays or oversights throughout the process.

𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞
• Comprehensive inspections to identify condition
• Disassembly of the units for thorough cleaning
• Replacement of gaskets and some plates to enhance efficiency and prevent future leaks
• Reassembly of each unit followed by functional testing to ensure operational performance
• Final quality inspections to verify adherence to industry standards

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
• Unit Dismantling
• Plate packs’ Inspection, Chemical Cleaning, UV Check, Re-gasketing
• Pressure Testing
• Operation/Troubleshooting Assistance

Outcome
Positive feedback from stakeholders highlighted the swift response and the successful completion of the project within the14-day time frame, underscoring our commitment to maintaining high operational standards and meeting tight deadlines.

We have recently delivered a turnkey plate pack renewal project for two (2) Plate Heat Exchanger units onsite a leading EU steel production plant.

Maritech studied the specifications of the old/existing equipment and consequently fabricated, installed and tested new plate packs with perfect fit and optimized thermal efficiency.

Work Scope:
• Dismantling of units
• Inspection and frame set restoration
• Fabrication of new plates
• Installation of plate packs
• Pressure Testing

The Challenge
Our Plate Heat Exchanger specialists fulfilled the plant’s safety requirements and successfully met the 48-hour predetermined timeframe by working in shifts around-the-clock.

Outcome
All works were completed successfully and results cross-checked by plant’s Quality Manager.

Maritech was requested to overhaul 2x Fresh Water Distillers units (with a capacity of 80m³/day each) on-board a 1.800 PAX passenger vessel, docked at a major Greek shipyard.

Our service team reviewed the equipment’s specifications along with the customer’s representative and yard’s project manager to determine the spare parts and works required to perform the commissioned task.

The Challenge
This specific project was exceptionally challenging since the subject vessel experienced production issues right after being built. On top of that, the installations of the specific machinery type are globally scarce, hence, limited spare parts were available.

Work Scope:
• Unit Dismantling
• Plate packs’ Inspection, Chemical Cleaning, UV Check, Re-gasketing
• Pressure Testing
• Operation/Troubleshooting Assistance

Outcome
All works were completed successfully, instructions were given to the crew and the results had been cross- checked by our customer’s and the shipyard’s representatives. This lady was ready to sail.

Maritech’stechnical expertise was requested from the operator of a 12-year-old superyacht regarding a damage issue on one of its MTU Diesel Generator sets. The engine had recently undergone routine overhaul, but while operating leakages occurred.

Work Scope:
• Dismantling of the whole unit and dispatch to our premises for inspection & cleaning
• Inspection & Chemical Cleaning
• UV Inspection
• Reassembly and Pressure Test
• Return on-board and Reinstallation

We were requested to overhaul all coolers of our customer’s 35K Chemical Tanker during her docking at Dubai Dry Docks World, with scope to remove/refit plate packs, renew gaskets and perform in situ press test for two Central Coolers, one Lub Oil and one M/E jacket.

Our team of service engineers attended the vessel while at S/Y and after the initial inspection was conducted, we discussed with our customers about the poor condition of the coolers, the overhauling options, we finalized the scope and timeline of the works.
Both Central Cooler frames were found with heavy pitting marks and Maritech was asked by the customers to coordinate with a local workshop for the machining of the frame sets and their correct re-installation onboard vessel.
After all the subject works completion and checkmark verification, Maritech engineers made a joint inspection with the vessel’s Superintendent and Chief Engineer and delivered all units in operation.
The specific project was most challenging and even though other workshops had turned it
down due to the poor condition of the coolers, it was completed successfully and within the given timeframe, enabling our customers to save substantial time and budget.

This is a blast from the past case that we wish to share with you.

Maritech’s Flying Team of Technicians attended our customer’s idled vessel in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean. The Main Engine’s Lube Oil Cooler suffered a total breakdown during voyage.
At the same time, our Land-based Team designed, assembled and shipped an emergency ME LO Cooler unit in order to be installed on-board.
Upon delivery, our technical experts installed and rigorously tested the unit, confirming its efficacy and good operation, verifying that the vessel was ready to safely sail.

WE WERE REQUESTED TO CONDUCT IN-SITU INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE & UPGRADE WORKS ON OUR CUSTOMER’S 1700 DWT (1150 PAX) PASSENGER VESSEL’S ME LO AND LT FW COOLERS.


INSPECTION:

ME LO Coolers findings:
• Frame plate corroded at the SW inlet.
• Groove deformations on several plates due to excessive tightening.
• Wrong plate sequencing.

LT FW COOLERS findings:
• Plate packs had been excessively compressed and the majority of plates were found heavily deformed.
• Plate packs were found in poor condition, where the material aging was evident.

MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS:

ME LO COOLERS services:
• Frame inlet’s were reconditioned and machined.
• Frame sets were epoxy painted.
• Pressure plates were upgraded with filter sets and flanges.
• All plates were checked, cleaned, repaired from deformations and re-gasketed.
• Units were hydrotested at both circuits. No leakages were detected.

LT FW COOLERS services:
• Frame sets were machined, reconditioned and epoxy painted.
• Pressure plates were upgraded with filter sets and flanges.
• Rubber sleeves and bolts were renewed.
• All plates were checked, cleaned, repaired from deformations and re-gasketed.
• Units were hydrotested at both circuits. No leakages were detected.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

We advised our customers not to combine existing with new plates, and rather opt for the renewal option through acquiring and installing a complete plate pack. This way the can enjoy long-lasting, efficient performance results.

OUTCOME:

All units were delivered compressed and ready-for-installation.
Our customers’ lady was geared-up for her new voyages and ready to provide tons of joy to her future passengers.