NOAA maintains a fleet of research vessels performing oceanographic research and mapping on open seas. NOAA ship RAINIER is equipped with (2) MTU Detroit Diesel engines in a diesel-electric configuration for the vessel’s main power. RAINIER is under going repairs and the MTU engines have not been in service for approximately 9 months due to fire causing the ship unable to sail safely under its own power.
The ship’s force conducts routine maintenance on the MTU engines while the ship is on survey. Periodic repair and maintenance of the MTU engines is outside ship’s force expertise and capabilities and has been performed by MTU, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or authorized servicing dealers.
Substituting with aftermarket parts may result in decreased efficiency, performance and risk of failure of the MTU engines leading to mission delays or cancellations incurring more costs to repair the engines.