Svitzer Stanlow undergoes major Voith propulsion repairs at Balaena Birkenhead

The UK-flagged tug Svitzer Stanlow is undergoing a significant repair programme at Balaena Birkenhead, where yard teams are carrying out extensive work on the vessel’s Voith Schneider propulsion system during a scheduled drydocking.
The project centres on repairs to the tug’s Voith Schneider propulsion units and involves a combination of specialist machining, welding and mechanical engineering activities. Balaena said the work has required close coordination between production teams, engineering management, specialist subcontractors and the vessel’s owner to execute what it described as a technically demanding programme.
Voith Schneider propulsion systems are widely used on harbour and terminal tugs because of their high manoeuvrability and rapid thrust response. Repairs and overhauls of these units typically require precise machining and alignment work, together with detailed inspection of mechanical components subject to high operational loads.
Alongside the work on Svitzer Stanlow, Balaena Birkenhead recently completed a repair and maintenance package for the UK-flagged multi-purpose flat-top pontoon barge Mormaen 15. The scope included high-pressure hull washing, hull coating work, an ultrasonic thickness measurement survey and fabrication repairs.
The projects form part of a continuing programme of shiprepair and maintenance activity at the Birkenhead yard, covering a range of vessel types and supporting operators with statutory survey requirements, structural repairs and machinery maintenance.