Retrofits
Turn-key Retrofit and Integration Specialists whether you’re changing sections of an existing system or adding new equipment. Engineering, procurement and installation. On-voyage and globally. Making compliance easy.
Our organization is shaped to deliver a multi-layered approach to complex retrofits and the integration of green solutions and innovative technologies.
From a project’s conception to its EPC execution, we accompany Customers by providing great technical advice throughout the entire development process.
We plan the project to meet the Customer’s needs, define the project execution plan, lead the procurement and supply chain, and deploy our team of experts and craftsmen to execute the projects in shipyards or on voyage.
Service Portfolio
EGCS stands for Exhaust Gas Cleaning System which allows vessels to comply with the IMO 2020 Sulphur Cap requirements.
The integration of EGCS on existing vessels can be challenging because it requires major modifications (often in crowded spaces) of the engine casing and installation, using large quantities of piping and cabling. This complex process also requires an extra sea chest for water intake and one overboard for discharge.
Customers usually select their scrubber of choice. Our job starts with the laser scanning of engine spaces, the 3D modelling and the preparation of piping isometric and structural modification drawings (plus a stability check).
We then manage the complex supply chain, which often includes sending large quantities of large GRE pipes on board, up to DN 1200. Sometimes, the Scrubber is also delivered on board in pieces and is mounted on site.
The next step is execution, which involves our project managers and craftsmen including carpenters, specialized welders, riggers and electricians. The project ends with our support to the Makers commissioning engineer.
Recent installations have been made in Australia, Japan, Singapore, the Bahamas the Eastern Med, and the Baltic Sea.
Based on our estimations, about 50,000 vessels will need to have an operational and compliant WBTS installed within 2024 at the latest (this compliance date is mandated by the vessel’s next International Oil Pollution Survey).
As an independent specialist in EPC retrofits, Bluestone is a worldwide leader in WBTS integrations, making compliance easy.
Customers can cherry pick all or just some of what Bluestone has to offer:
- Feasibility Study
- Option analysis
- Engine spaces Laser Scan and 3D modelling
- Engineering for class approval and installations
- Procurement & supply chain
- Project execution and system commissioning
Our independence guarantees impartiality throughout the process and an attractive cost basis. Our experience in GRE and metal piping, our flexibility in installing while the vessel is on voyage, and our engineering capabilities integrated with our installation teams, make Bluestone the number to dial if you still should install a system.
Bluestone’s value proposition surpasses that of traditional repair yards: we’re more flexible in following the vessel, we offer the whole package, we guarantee consistent installation standard across the fleet and our cost basis is more efficient, with minimum or no off-hire.
Maximization of energy efficiency on vessels cannot be achieved with a single solution but instead requires the implementation of multiple technologies. The improvement of hydrodynamic and frictional resistance is certainly one of the key areas of intervention, and air lubrication technology is here to play an important role.
Air Lubrication Systems have been developed to provide a constant flow of air bubbles to lubricate the flat bottom area of a vessel’s hull during sailing to reduce drag and increase efficiency. Recent studies have demonstrated up to 7% in net savings, not to mention a dramatic improvement in noise reduction which is always important on cruise vessels.
Over the years, Bluestone has learned how Air Lubrication technology works and is in close contact with the industry leading manufacturers.
We are available to support Customers with the following packages:
- Feasibility Study
- Selection of best technology
- Onboard survey, laser scanning and engineering package (structural, piping and electrical)
- Project execution plan, purchasing and supply chain management
- Integration on board, minimizing drydocking time
Why are Air Conditioning Chillers replaced on cruise ships? The key word is efficiency. Chillers are among the largest consumers of energy besides propulsion and therefore newer and more efficient models reduce fuel consumption, operating costs and emissions.
On large vessels, these chillers weigh up to 30 tonnes and are replaced by sliding it into the correct location via an opening on the side shell, and eventually connecting it electrically to a medium voltage switchboard and to the upgraded cooling system.
Bluestone acts as an integrator and helps Makers and Owners make replacements as fast as possible in order to prevent impacts on vessel operation.
With dozens of these projects already complete, we’ve learned to remove the old and install the new in less than 72 hours.
Other (new) equipment which has recently been installed is Micro Auto Gasification Systems, or MAGS; the most compact technology for the conversion of a variety of combustible materials into thermal energy for use. A good alternative to traditional incinerators.
The list goes on with CO2 compressors for provision plants, Advanced Waste Treatment Systems and so forth.
