Shipyard chemical laboratory: Guardian of ship reliability

- Have you ever wondered why a shipyard needs a chemical laboratory? It is one of the most critical components of the quality assurance system. Precise chemical analyses form the foundation of technical diagnostics for repaired and serviced ships, ensuring their reliable performance, explains PGZ Naval Shipyard.

A longstanding guardian of ship reliability

- Our Chemical Laboratory, operating for several decades, serves as the guardian of the technical condition of every vessel handled in the shipyard. We specialize in testing petroleum products – from lubricating oils to hydraulic, gear, and engine oils. These analyses are not just routine tests; they are the cornerstone of diagnosing the technical condition of the most vital ship systems, shares PGZ Naval Shipyard.

Oil and fluid diagnostics: ensuring performance and reducing costs

Imagine a ship's main engine as a patient and the diagnostic laboratory as a medical center. Just as a blood test can detect health problems early, oil analysis in ship engine rooms enables the detection of potential issues before they occur. Using modern equipment and the expertise of its specialists, PGZ Naval Shipyard’s laboratory can identify even the smallest anomalies that could lead to major failures.

The laboratory’s activities bring tangible benefits to shipowners: improved efficiency, extended equipment lifespan, and significant cost savings by preventing unplanned repairs and downtime.

Time is money – The advantage of srategic location

One of the key strengths of the PGZ Naval Shipyard laboratory is its location in the heart of the shipyard. As a result, analysis results can be delivered within four hours, enabling immediate response and efficient completion of repair work. This is a considerable advantage compared to outsourcing tests to external laboratories, where waiting times usually span 2-3 business days.

This quick turnaround is especially valuable for hydraulic system flushing. On large vessels, where hydraulic installations can stretch over hundreds of meters, precise flushing is performed in stages. Each stage requires fluid cleanliness analysis – PGZ Naval Shipyard’s laboratory can issue a decision within an hour, ensuring a seamless continuation of the process. This efficiency guarantees the safety of systems responsible for key ship functions, such as onboard equipment operation and mooring mechanisms.

Sustainability at the forefront

PGZ Naval Shipyard’s laboratory actively supports environmental protection efforts. In collaboration with the Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection Department, it monitors the quality of industrial wastewater and port basin waters. Regular testing enables the rapid detection of irregularities and prompt corrective actions.

Recently, the shipyard joined the Startup Booster Poland Acceleration Zone at the Gdańsk Science and Technology Park to enhance its environmental initiatives further. A real-time water monitoring system will enable instant responses to ecological incidents, such as oil spills.

International recognition and highest standards

The PGZ Naval Shipyard laboratory boasts accreditation from the Polish Centre for Accreditation (PCA) in accordance with the PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018-02 standard. Following a recent recertification audit, not only was the certificate extended for another four years, but its scope was also expanded. This makes it one of only four laboratories in Poland accredited to determine the cleanliness class of fluids and hydraulic oils.

This achievement not only confirms the high competencies of the laboratory team but also commits them to further development and maintaining the highest standards in the maritime industry. Through its work, the PGZ Naval Shipyard laboratory not only supports the maritime sector but also plays a vital role in protecting the natural environment.