Shaft Repair | Marine & Shipbuilding
Shaft Repair | Marine & Shipbuilding Case Study
Client: UK Survey Shipping Company
Industry: Marine & Shipbuilding
Location: United Kingdom
Duration: 3 Days
Service: Shaft Journal Repair
Overview
Royce Onsite Machining was mobilised to the United Kingdom to carry out precision corrective machining on a damaged windlass shaft.
The shaft exhibited severe scoring and an uneven diameter profile, and alignment had to be maintained throughout the repair. Oversize bearings were not permitted by the OEM, so the original diameter had to be restored within exact tolerances.
Our team worked closely with the OEM to ensure that all machining procedures, tolerances, and quality standards were met to the highest level, completing the entire repair onsite without removing the shaft.
Work Carried Out
- Machined 6 mm off the shaft diameter to remove damaged material
- Manufactured and installed a new split sleeve, welded and secured in position
- Performed final machining to SKF bearing limits
- Maintained centreline alignment throughout the process
- Conducted finish machining and quality verification
All work was completed onsite, eliminating the need for offsite transport and reducing operational downtime.
Technical Highlights
- Shaft machining performed using Royce Onsite Machining Orbital Head
- Final machining finished to SKF OEM limits
- OEM surface finish limits achieved
- Full alignment and concentricity maintained during sleeve installation
These tolerances ensured correct bearing load distribution and restored full OEM alignment specifications.
Outcome
The onsite repair successfully restored the shaft to OEM specifications within a 3-day window, significantly reducing vessel downtime.
By avoiding dismantling or transport to a workshop, the client avoided major logistical costs and schedule delays.
Following the successful completion of this repair, the client’s confidence in Royce Onsite Machining’s precision onsite capabilities was reinforced, leading to additional projects.
