Preparing the NCM pump series for naval applications

 

 Through planned shock qualification and a sourcing setup tailored to naval requirements, Svanehoj is preparing its newly developed NCM engine room pump series for operating conditions beyond standard commercial applications. This development demonstrates both the flexibility of the pump platform and its potential across different areas of the maritime industry.

 

Svanehoj is currently investing in naval shock qualification and flexible European sourcing to prepare the NCM engine room pump series for the naval sector, which requires higher standards for shock resistance, noise, and vibration.

 

This initiative draws on the naval legacy and technical heritage of Hamworthy Pumps, the predecessor of today’s Svanehoj Singapore, while offering the NCM platform’s key advantages: high efficiency across a broad operating range, fewer components, and shared features among pump sizes.

 

“Pumps must perform reliably in daily operation and remain functional when exposed to extreme forces. The recent selection of the NCM series by a scrubber OEM demonstrates the versatility of the platform, while preparing it for naval applications will further validate the roboustness of the design,” says Matias Ingerslev Lehm, Head of Sales, Defense at Svanehoj.

 

Pre-qualifying the NCM range for naval shock requirements

 

As a part of the effort, Svanehoj will conduct shock testing to pre-qualify the NCM pump range against a defined naval shock standard. Notably, this testing will be initiated independently of any specific customer contract.

 

Typically, shock testing is performed on a project-specific basis, with pumps configured and tested at approved third-party facilities. However, limited access to suitable facilities may add several months to the project schedule and increase costs considerably.

 

“If we have already completed the relevant testing and hold the approved documentation, we can give customers solid proof of the pump’s shock resistance from the outset. This helps lower costs and uncertainty and potentially shorten the project lead time by as much as a year,” says Matias Ingerslev Lehm.

 

The planned qualification will apply to the entire NCM range, rather than a single configuration. The series’ common design platform and high degree of component commonality across pump sizes provide a strong basis for this approach.

 

Designed for long-term operation

 

Lifecycle considerations are important across the maritime industry, where vessels and systems often remain in service for decades.

 

The NCM engine room pump simplifies maintenance and reduces spare parts requirements. Compared to conventional designs, the new pump has fewer components and only one wear part: the mechanical seal. Commonality across the range further reduces the spare parts inventory needed.

 

The hydraulic design maintains high efficiency across a broad operating range, rather than optimizing a single duty point. This enables the NCM pump to handle varying demands efficiently and support variable-speed drives.

 

“For naval operators, the purchase price is just one factor. Reliability, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and access to spare parts are just as important. These factors have been central to the development of the NCM platform,” says Matias Ingerslev Lehm.

 

Flexible sourcing for naval requirements
The origin, traceability, and long-term availability of critical components are increasingly important considerations in naval procurement. Customers may have specific requirements regarding where components are manufactured and how reliably they can be sourced.

 

Svanehoj has established alternative sourcing options for critical NCM components, including castings and electric motors, through suppliers in Europe and selected parts of Asia. This enables Svanehoj to adapt its sourcing setup to the requirements of individual naval projects, including projects that prioritize European sourcing.

 

“Naval customers are placing greater emphasis on supply chain resilience, transparency, and geographical origin. Our sourcing setup gives us the flexibility to meet project-specific requirements and provide European sourcing of key components when required,” says Matias Ingerslev Lehm.

 

This flexibility can also help customers address environmental and social criteria in naval procurement. Alongside operational performance and security of supply, naval organizations are placing greater emphasis on energy efficiency, responsible sourcing, and lifecycle considerations.

 

Read more about the NCM pump here.