Kongsberg Line Boring Bow Thruster
Client: Kongsberg Marine and Shipping
Industry: Marine and Shipbuilding
Location: UK
Duration: Completed within 3 days
Service: Onsite Line Boring Services
Overview
Royce Onsite Machining was engaged to perform a critical onsite line boring operation on a marine engine component. The existing bores were damaged, risking misalignment and operational inefficiency. The client required a full restoration to OEM specifications while minimising downtime.
Royce removed the damaged bore material, installed precision-engineered replacement sleeves and carried out final machining, removing 3 mm from the bore diameter and bringing it up to the maximum allowable OEM limits, while ensuring alignment and sizing remained fully within specification.
Work Carried Out
Damage Assessment
- Inspection confirmed worn and damaged bores affecting bore alignment.
- Non-destructive testing verified that the surrounding material was suitable for repair.
Damaged Bore and Sleeve Replacement
- Existing damaged bores were carefully machined onsite, removing 10 mm of material.
- Precision-engineered replacement sleeves were supplied and installed.
Final Machining and Verification
- Line boring and finishing operations removed 3 mm from the bore diameter, restoring the bores to the OEM limits.
- Alignment was precisely checked and corrected to ensure full compliance with OEM specifications.
- Final sizing and surface finish confirmed full operational integrity.
Technical Highlights
- Repair Method: Line boring and sleeve installation
- Sleeve Type: New precision-engineered replacement sleeves
- Material Removed: 10 mm during bore preparation, followed by 3 mm during final boring
- Downtime Avoided: Completed within 3 days
- Accuracy: Alignment restored to OEM specification
- Verification: Final sizing confirmed compliance with OEM limits
Outcome
The repair was completed onsite within three days, eliminating the need for full component replacement. The bores and sleeves were restored to the OEM limits, fully aligned and operational, ensuring reliable performance and minimal downtime.
This project demonstrates Royce Onsite Machining’s ability to carry out high-precision line boring and sleeve replacement, even when working at the extreme limits of OEM specifications, in marine and shipping applications.
Why Choose Royce Onsite Machining?
Royce Onsite Machining provides specialist onsite machining solutions that allow critical repairs to be completed without removing large or difficult-to-transport components from site. Our experienced engineers can carry out precision line boring, machining and sleeve installation directly where the equipment is located.
By completing the work onsite, customers can reduce equipment removal, transportation and reassembly requirements while helping to minimise downtime and disruption to operations.
Is Line Boring an Expensive Repair Method?
Line boring can be a cost-effective alternative to replacing a damaged component or removing large machinery for workshop repairs. The overall cost depends on the size and condition of the component, the extent of the damage, the required tolerances and the working environment.
Because the machining can be carried out onsite, line boring can also help reduce associated costs such as transportation, dismantling, reassembly and extended equipment downtime.
For critical machinery, the cost of a line boring repair should therefore be considered alongside the potential cost of component replacement and extended downtime.
Does Royce Onsite Machining Have Experience in Onsite Line Boring?
Yes. Royce Onsite Machining has experience delivering onsite line boring and precision machining services across demanding industrial applications, including marine and shipbuilding.
Our engineers are experienced in working on large and critical components where accuracy, alignment and minimal downtime are essential. Each project is assessed individually to determine the most appropriate repair and machining method, with final measurements and verification carried out to ensure the required specifications are achieved.
