Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has opened its newly expanded and modernised Marine Service Centre in the Port of Rotterdam.

The investment marks the latest stage in the development of a global Marine Service Centre network, which currently comprises dedicated repair activities in 34 countries, providing 24/7 support to customers worldwide.

Rolls-Royce is making significant investments in global infrastructure and capability to deliver complex, integrated power systems and services for its marine customers.

The facility, located in Pernis, Rotterdam, originally opened in 2001, and has undergone a major expansion programme, including a doubling of maintenance workshop space to 1,500 square metres and the modernisation of equipment used in the servicing marine products.

Martin Hall, Rolls-Royce, Vice President Commercial – Services, said: “Rolls-Royce is continuing to invest in its global service capability, and this state-of-the-art facility in Rotterdam, one of the world’s busiest ports, enables us to better meet the needs of our marine customers across the merchant, offshore and naval sectors.

“Ship owners are seeking to maximise vessel availability and we are helping them to do this through a global network of highly skilled service engineers, maintenance facilities and long-term service and maintenance contracts.”

The facility serves a variety of customers from the commercial and offshore sectors, as well as the Royal Dutch Navy. It can repair and overhaul the full range of Rolls-Royce diesel and gas engines, thrusters, steering gear and propellers. Rolls-Royce engineers also carry out servicing and repairs on board vessels and in some cases essential maintenance takes place underwater, minimising the need to dry dock vessels.

The Rolls-Royce facility employs 70 people, an increase from 50 just two years ago. In addition to the management of servicing and maintenance throughout Europe, the facility is also a regional centre for marketing and sales of the extensive range of Rolls-Royce marine products – the world’s largest range from a single supplier.

In Europe, Rolls-Royce is currently constructing Marine Service Centres in Hamburg, Germany and Gdynia, Poland, both of which are due to open this summer.

Source: rolls-royce ,March 11, 2011;