The global trade landscape today is witnessing unprecedented growth, with a significant increase in cargo volumes that includes everything from dry bulk cargo and containers to refined oil products and liquefied natural gas. Maritime trade stands out as a low-cost mode of transportation and so plays a vital role in facilitating the movement of goods across international borders, bolstering the global supply chain.
According to GlobalData, the global marine freight industry is forecast to have a value of US$1,603.7 billion by 2028, an increase of 17.2% since 2023. However, trade tariffs can increase operational costs, creating market uncertainty and leading to temporary market adjustments such as frontloading. The overall effect is a challenging environment for shipping companies.
Marine cranes are vital for shipping
In this intricate web of global logistics, marine cranes emerge as indispensable tools. They are vital for loading and unloading cargo from ships, ensuring that goods are efficiently transferred between vessels and port facilities. The effectiveness of marine cranes directly impacts the speed and reliability of shipping operations, which are essential to keeping costs down.
As the volume of goods transported by sea continues to grow, the importance of marine cranes in enhancing both operational efficiency and safety in cargo handling will only increase. Their role is crucial not only in optimising the supply chain but also in supporting the ongoing boom in the shipbuilding sector, a direct consequence of thriving maritime trade.
Protection against corrosion
Exposed to the relentless assault of corrosive saltwater and harsh sea air, hydraulic cylinder chrome rods face a daunting battle against rust and degradation. Replacing or repairing these cylinders can be costly, with larger ones costing upwards of US$20,000.
“Without protection, the cylinder rods corrode, and companies end up having to re-chrome the rods every few years,” says Leigh Carlson, CEO, Fluid Control Services. “Downtime can be costly if they need to disassemble and replace cylinders.”
To combat the risk of breakdowns and ensure peak performance involves preventative maintenance, a rigorous regimen of regular inspections of hydraulic components – the lifeblood of heavy lift equipment. The quality of hydraulic fluid should be meticulously monitored, ensuring it remains pristine and free from contaminants that could jeopardise efficiency. In addition, a robust corrosion protection plan needs to be implemented, effectively shielding machinery from the ravages of rust and degradation and safeguarding your investment.
As part of a preventative maintenance plan and to bring operating costs down, Fluid Control Services produces a simple, yet innovative product made from ballistic nylon that covers the rods like a boot, which has proven to be extremely effective in protecting marine equipment from saltwater’s corrosive effects. The boots extend the lifespan of hydraulic cylinders on cranes and other offshore equipment, reducing the need for costly re-chroming of rods. Marine companies can save thousands by preventing cylinder corrosion and minimising the frequency of repairs, which also reduces downtime costs.
This durability has made Seal Saver an essential component of marine operations, where it has proven effective in protecting equipment from the corrosive effects of saltwater. The oil and gas sector and marine industry are closely related, especially in offshore drilling operations. Here, hydraulic cylinders are crucial for operating drilling equipment and machinery on platforms exposed to the harsh sea elements and chemicals. As Carlson notes, “Saltwater is harsh on cylinders and Seal Saver offers enduring protection. In some cases, the boots last a decade, sometimes more, because there’s no external impact beyond the sea air.”
Seal Saver can even become a potential lifesaver, where downtime can lead to safety concerns as well as significant financial losses. Indeed, offshore platforms often face logistical challenges in obtaining replacement parts, making preventative maintenance with Seal Saver even more critical.
For more information on how Seal Saver can help with your maritime equipment, download the free paper below.
