Frode Eriksen befinner seg ombord i Color Fantasy som går i rute mellom Oslo og Kiel. I midten av januar var det tid for planlagt vedlikehold på Revierkaia i Oslo. I den forbindelse var servicemedarbeidere fra TESS ombord, blant annet for utskifting av hydraulikkslanger til styremaskinen som beveger skipets ror.
In this single vessel alone, there are approximately 1,000 hoses that, among other things, ensure power transmission to the bow door, stern door, stabilizers, and car deck. A hose failure can have serious consequences and, in the worst case, result in the ship being taken out of operation.
– Just think about the costs if the ship docks and is unable to open the bow door due to a fault in a hydraulic hose. We are talking about hundreds of vehicles and passengers who are unable to disembark or board the vessel, says Eriksen.
Providing Predictability for the Customer
And this is where TESS comes into the picture with its hose management system (TESS Hose Management): All hoses are fitted with an ID marking that is scanned using a handheld device. In this way, the inspection carried out by TESS is registered, along with the status of the hoses and planned replacements.
– TESS provides a complete overview and a maintenance plan. This gives the customer control over when hoses need to be replaced, as well as a budget for the associated costs. We find that the system is very well received and provides predictability for the customer, says Frode Eriksen.
With capacity for 2,400 passengers and 750 cars, Color Fantasy is one of the world’s largest cruise ships with a car deck. TESS is also responsible for the hoses on board the four other vessels belonging to Color Line.
– Together with Stig Madsen, Service Manager at TESS South, we hold regular meetings with the chief engineers at Color Line. During these meetings, we agree on how often the hoses should be replaced and define the criteria accordingly, says Eriksen.
– For example, hoses for doors and bow mechanisms on Superspeed 1 and 2 were previously replaced every other year. We have now extended the interval to 10 years, provided that no faults or wear are identified during the annual inspection. From a sustainability perspective, it makes sense to reduce unnecessary replacements, Eriksen points out.
– How important is Color Line as a customer?
– I would say it is a very important customer for us, and we also see further growth potential, he says.
TESS – en totalleverandør
In the long term, it may also be possible for TESS to supply bunkering hoses, as well as take responsibility for hydraulic hoses at quay facilities where the vessels berth.
One of TESS’s strengths is the breadth of products and technical services the company can deliver. In addition to hose service and maintenance, TESS has also supplied lubrication systems, hydraulics, and cylinders through its subsidiaries Hydraulikteknikk, Smøreteknikk, and Sylinderakutten.
– TESS has chosen to acquire the right companies within piping, hydraulics, hoses, and technical services. This enables us to deliver a wide range of products and services. We always say yes to inquiries, whether they concern seals, expansion joints, or special tools, says Eriksen
– Color Line sees that TESS can deliver much more than just hoses.
