Quartzelec provides seamless support for the Royal Navy

4 April 2018

Throughout 2017 Quartzelec, the independent engineering service provider that’s globally recognised as an expert in rotating electrical machines, has continued to actively support the Royal Navy via contracts placed by the MOD, Babcock Marine and BAE Systems, and this work is set to continue this year.

Often operating under challenging circumstances, Quartzelec has supplied the MOD with spare parts for Type 23 frigates and landing platform docks HMS Albion and Bulwark. This has demanded extensive research to locate or supply suitable alternative parts, as in some cases the solutions were to replace obsolete systems or sometimes the OEM itself no longer exists.

Work has been carried out at the Royal Navy’s main home ports of Portsmouth and Plymouth and occasionally abroad to support all classes of warships and support vessels in active service many of which are T23 Frigates - known as 'Duke Class' – all being named after British Dukes. This included inspections, equipment cleaning, routine maintenance and breakdown investigations and repair. In one instance Quartzelec provided diagnostic advice to a vessel deployed operationally East of Suez, which was manifesting multiple problems. Aided by Quartzelec’s support and expertise, the ship’s crew were able to investigate and order parts, resulting in repairs being made without interruption to the vessel’s deployment.

In another example of Quartzelec’s wide skills base and flexibility, it was involved in defect investigation and rectification of a mine hunter bow thruster drive system. This was achieved by gathering defect information, subcontracting the OEM and attending the ship with them at HMNB Clyde in Faslane. The age and condition of some of the equipment had taken its toll, demanding replacements or alternatives which were not readily available. However, the ship was subsequently successfully deployed to join a NATO task group.

Meanwhile at Quartzelec’s Grimsby facility, winders are currently in the process of winding the CRDM stators for the Naval Nuclear Submarine Section in a dedicated clean room and personnel at its Aberdeen facility have been working with Stone Marine, overhauling T23 frigate anchor capstan motors.  

“We have a wealth of experience working with maritime propulsion motors and are proud to be able to support and work alongside our armed forces,” stated Jeff Lloyd Quartzelec’s Project Manager and ex-Royal Navy.  He also recently received on behalf of the Quartzelec team, a Bravo Zulu email (The naval signal for ‘Well Done’ and a formal compliment) from HMS Monmouth’s Marine Engineering Officer for its out of hours support and the assistance given while the vessel was deployed in the Gulf. A shining example of service beyond the call.  

Jeff continues: “We were delighted to receive the Bravo Zulu.  Our long and prestigious heritage stretches back more than 100 years and over the past few years we have steadily built our working relationship with the Royal Navy along with key defence contractors by successfully delivering an increasingly complex schedule of critical maintenance projects. This experience is also enabling us to expand our activities in support of the oil & gas plus wider maritime sector.”

Quartzelec has also just pledged its support to UK servicemen and women by signing the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, an industry wide initiative that ensures fairness and equal opportunity for Service and ex-Service personnel, Reservists and their families. 

Crown copyright  / contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A hi-res version is also available via http://www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/archives/5042-Downloadable%20Stock%20Images/Archive/Royal%20Navy/45162/45162852.jpg 

 

 

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