Alfa Laval service centre in Zhoushan adds strength to global service presence

Alfa Laval has inaugurated a new and expanded service centre in Zhoushan, China. The facility places vital services, spare parts and skilled service engineers in one of the world’s largest and busiest dry dock hubs, used by vessels from near and far.

Shipyard and shipowner representatives were on site for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Alfa Laval’s new Zhoushan service centre. The modern, well-equipped centre is located strategically near some of the region’s most prominent shipyards. But its resources will benefit customers worldwide, including the many European ship operators who do their dry docking here. 

“The marine industry is global, which makes Zhoushan a key piece in a much larger logistical puzzle,” says Anders Lindmark (pictured), President of Heat & Gas Systems, Alfa Laval Marine Division. “Alfa Laval has service centres near major ports all over the world, and we will continue investing in our service network. Wherever their operations are, customers need easy access to the expertise and support that will keep them running smoothly.”

Alfa Laval’s expansion in Zhoushan strengthens a range of services for key marine products: Alfa Laval PureBallast, PureSOx, Gas Combustion Units, gasketed plate heat exchangers, freshwater generators, purifiers and boilers. Accompanied by a large stock of spare parts for rapid dispatch, the services extend from plate reconditioning to repair work. For boilers, inspection, maintenance and repair can now be carried out on board with even greater efficiency.

“The Zhoushan service centre is another permanent base for our Alfa Laval Aalborg boiler service engineers,” says Lindmark. “Engineers are stationed there for rapid deployment in the region, and the centre has a full stock of OEM spare parts and materials to support repair work. For East China shipyards and the many global customers who operate in the area, that will mean fast and predictable turnarounds with less downtime involved.”

For the many fleets who do their dry docking in or near Zhoushan, the new service centre’s proximity will also support planning of service downtime. Dry docking is ideal for preventive maintenance, equipment overhauls and installation of upgrades or new equipment, and coordinating these services is a major opportunity.

“When those fifth-year efforts are arranged well, vessels can benefit more from their time out of service,” says Lindmark. “Alfa Laval offers pre-docking assessments that identify needs and opportunities in advance. By also investing in service centres where dry docking occurs, we can ensure that skills, equipment and materials are in place when the vessel arrives.”