A new Italian company EcoStone Solutions has launched as a new specialist marine service company providing independent aftersales support for shipboard environmental technologies.
EcoStone supports shipowners and technical managers across a broad range of shipboard environmental and process technologies, providing diagnostics, maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, spare parts, training, upgrades, conversions and remote technical assistance. Exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) are where the team’s experience runs deepest today, with capability extending to water treatment and ballast water management systems, emissions measurement and LNG fuel gas supply systems.
EcoStone operates independently of equipment manufacturers, aimed at giving owners greater choice in how systems across mixed OEM fleets are serviced and managed. As part of the wider Bluestone Group, it can support projects requiring wider engineering, integration and turnkey retrofit delivery.
The company has been launched in response to a growing operational challenge for shipowners. EGCS and other regulated onboard technologies only continue to protect compliance, vessel availability and asset value if they are properly maintained, documented and supported throughout their operational lives. This is becoming more complex as fleets operate equipment from several manufacturers, acquired vessels arrive with existing systems and service histories, and some installations no longer receive adequate support from the original supplier. EcoStone’s fleet-level approach is designed to reduce supplier complexity and support more consistent maintenance, reporting and technical decision-making across mixed-equipment fleets.
Paolo Gozzi, EcoStone Solutions MD, said: “Owners have invested significantly in onboard environmental systems, and those systems must continue performing reliably long after commissioning. EcoStone gives owners a practical, independent alternative, backed by people who understand these systems, the conditions in which they operate and the international and local regulations that they are subject to. We can provide day-to-day technical support across different makes, while drawing on Bluestone’s wider engineering and project delivery capability when equipment requires a substantial upgrade, conversion or replacement.”
EcoStone’s founding team brings hands-on experience in the commissioning, operation, troubleshooting and after-sales support of EGCS. This includes experience leading the after-sales service unit of a major marine technology manufacturer and supporting hundreds of installations in operation worldwide. Its services involve planned and corrective maintenance, diagnostics, commissioning assistance, calibration, repairs, replacement, spare parts support and onboard or port-stay attendance. These include open-loop to hybrid conversions, washwater treatment improvements, control system modifications and other upgrades intended to improve system performance and compliance readiness.
Matteo Di Maio, Co-founder and Director, Bluestone Group, added: “EcoStone adds aftersales and service capabilities for environmental technologies to Bluestone’s wider project management, engineering and turnkey retrofit expertise. Together, the two businesses can support owners from routine maintenance and diagnostics through to major upgrades and conversions, providing greater continuity and quality across the life of the equipment.”
Bluestone Group delivers newbuilding supervision and vessel upgrades from feasibility and engineering through procurement, installation and commissioning. Its multidisciplinary capabilities include naval architecture, laser scanning and 3D modelling, structural, piping and electrical engineering, class-approved design and onboard integration. Projects can be delivered during drydock, in port or, where practical, while vessels remain in operation.
Image: Paolo Gozzi, MD EcoStone Solutions (source: Bluestone Group)
