In Sammet’s offices and workshops, a dedicated team of innovators is busy solving the puzzle of a cleaner future. There is no motivational music or loud chatter in the background. Instead, a dignified, Finnish silence permeates as individuals are absorbed in meeting the latest product design challenge. Mr Sami Nurminen, Product Group Manager is responsible for servicing marine customers who rely on scrubbers and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems for emissions control. 

Expert marine innovators

A great deal of work goes into marine damper innovation. Sammet first developed marine dampers in collaboration with scrubber system developers, ship owners and the shipping industry to create quality products that meet high safety standards required for cruise ships. As the needs of ship owners became more sophisticated and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) focused on reducing sulphur oxide (SOx) limits on shipping fuel, Sammet began to design innovative products that form part of exhaust gas treatment systems. Their innovative Clean Flow damper systems benefit customers and the environment, while maximising energy efficiency and performance reliability. Another Sammet innovation benefiting customers is standardised damper design which allows extra features and options to be added to the same, basic product. Product parts can also be upgraded at a later stage due to the use of standardised building blocks. Similarly, standardised product documentation saves time and reduces costs because they are easy to understand and adaptable to specific customers design and application. 

Innovation must be beneficial

Nurminen is adamant that innovation must be beneficial. “We do not innovate without a clear purpose. Our whole attitude is that our creative thinking and related actions are focused on finding the best, workable solutions for our customers”, he explains. Marine damper innovations have benefited both onshore and offshore applications but Sammet’s newest innovations are a game changer for offshore applications. Heavy ships which are constantly moving require larger-than-average dampers to cope with additional force and motion. Marine dampers must also continue operating reliably during fierce storms at sea. In response, Sammet’s most recent innovation is a series of Ultra Large 2-Way Marine Dampers which are appropriate for duct sizes of up to DN3400. 

"We do not innovate without a clear purpose. Our whole attitude is that our creative thinking and related actions are focused on finding the best, workable solutions for our customers."

Maintaining its position as the global leader in marine damper technology requires Sammet to continuously investment in R&D. “We invest heavily in identifying and applying new innovations, both on our own and in collaboration with others so our customers benefit from the most optimal, reliable and cost effective solutions”, says Nurminen. To ensure new designs meet quality control standards, Sammet works closely with its partners to implement stringent quality checks during the manufacturing process. In addition, third party inspectors continuously monitor the materials and output at Sammet’s steel workshop. 

Total commitment to customers

Sammet’s innovation mindset also extends to its after sale service, such as spare parts and on-site maintenance. Management has made substantial investment in understanding the needs of marine customers and developing suitable services. Top quality after sale service can maximise the expected life of assets and provide assurance that products continue to deliver the outcomes customers expect and need. For example, operation reliability is imperative for marine dampers because they form part of a ship’s exhaust duct system. A malfunctioning damper can shut down a ship’s engine and affect the steering system. “At a minimum, an inoperative damper can cause costly shutdowns of the primary system as well as possible breaches of regulatory and safety obligations”, states Nurminen. Project managers advise customers to undertake annual inspections and maintenance work every five years to extend the life of their Sammet dampers.

Building a new vessel or retrofitting a scrubber system is a complex project but the relationship does not stop when delivery is complete. In line with the Sammet Way of working, project managers work in close partnership with customers to provide every assistance possible and ensure optimal damper functionality. And the feedback has been positive. “Our customers say they appreciate our short response times and attention to detail”, Nurminen states proudly.  With access to Sammet’s network of partners in Asia, customers can expect quick turnaround and personalised service in all corners of the world.  Nurminen himself has travelled through extremely remote places at short notice to undertake marine damper repairs, spending extra time on the ship to verify that all equipment was operational before making the long journey back. “There is nothing better than a satisfied customer”, says Nurminen with a big smile.