Case study: Critical bridge vibrations reduced by 87% before sea trial deadline
Background
During preparation for sea trials, a vessel at one of China’s leading shipyards experienced significant bridge vibrations on a sister vessel with the same MAN B&W 6S50ME-C9.6 main engine configuration. Although this setup would not normally require an external vibration compensator, the measured vibration levels made mitigation essential before delivery.
The customer’s challenge
The need for a solution was identified less than two months before the scheduled sea trial. With the delivery schedule at risk, the shipyard required a fast, reliable and proven solution to reduce harmful bridge vibrations without delaying the newbuilding programme.
Solution: Rapid delivery of a G&O vibration compensator
G&O Compensators responded with close internal coordination, efficient planning and fast allocation of a suitable vibration compensator.
The solution included:
- Rapid technical assessment
- Allocation of a suitable compensator
- Delivery within the shipyard’s demanding deadline
- Sea trial verification under operating conditions
Result: 87% vibration reduction
During sea trials, bridge vibrations were significantly reduced.
At 94 rpm, vibration levels on the bridge decreased from 14.61 mm/s RMS to 1.88 mm/s RMS — a reduction of approximately 87%.
Impact
- Harmful bridge vibrations eliminated
- Improved crew comfort and wellbeing
- Enhanced protection of critical structures and equipment
- Shipbuilding schedule maintained without delay
- Data-verified performance during sea trial
Visual evidence
The test results graph confirms a clear before/after improvement, with the compensator reducing bridge vibration levels across the measured RPM range and delivering the strongest improvement at 94 rpm.
Do you need to eliminate vibrations before vessel delivery?
When vibration issues appear late in a newbuilding project, fast action and proven technology are critical.
G&O Compensators provides data-driven vibration solutions for marine engines, helping shipyards and shipowners protect vessel performance, crew wellbeing and delivery schedules.
Do you want to reduce vibrations on your vessel?
Contact G&O Compensators to discuss your vibration challenge.