MAN PrimeServ Hamburg, MAN Energy Solutions’ largest service center, is updating its core services in response to industry trends, such as alternative fuels, larger vessels and shorter port stays, by enhancing its workshop services and focusing on in-situ repairs starting in 2024, according to a press release.

Stefan Eefting, senior vice president and head of MAN PrimeServ Germany, said: “Our Hamburg site has developed its own concept to address these new market trends. Accordingly, it is expanding its workshop and developing its specialization in repair technologies. The future is about new welding technologies, in-situ machining of components and extending the service life of components – not to mention the associated reduction in CO2 emissions compared to manufacturing a new part.”

Located in the port’s center, MAN PrimeServ Hamburg specializes in the repair and maintenance of two- and four-stroke marine engines and turbomachinery, with 300 employees and 30,000 square meters of factory space.

Olaf Gunia, head of MAN PrimeServ Hamburg, said: “Our investment in new machines for processing components includes a machining center that reduces the machining time for certain components like piston-crowns, cylinder covers, flywheels and counterweights for crankshafts by a factor of four. These shorter processing times are intended to take account of the shorter harbor stay-times of the ships and will reduce costs, which of course will be passed onto customers.”

The conversion of diesel engines to dual-fuel technology will also be a new focus, with service engineers in Hamburg supported by MAN PrimeServ’s international network if travel is necessary. These projects involve complex planning, including the coordination of technicians, tools and the dispatch of required components to the vessel.

Gunia added: “We are preparing for conversions, procuring the necessary tools and training employees to handle the new fuels. Recruiting qualified personnel is a current challenge but we are steadily adding to our roster with experienced engineers and skilled tradespeople such as machine fitters, welders and machining technicians. New times demand new approaches and I am confident that PrimeServ Hamburg is well-positioned for the future.”