The collaboration turned out to be a bullseye
"Due to an increasing demand for capacity, we sought expansion of CNC production through our network. Through a trusted partner, we connected with Smart-M – and it turned out to be a perfect match," says Joram IJkema – Team Lead Purchase at AEGIR-Marine.
"Our standards are high, which is why we can't just turn to anyone. Parts need to last for years in a harsh maritime environment, under heavy load, and with minimal downtime. For the partners we work with, this means: continuous high product quality, fast delivery, quick response time – preferably at a competitive price. And in our world – service and maintenance – a supplier must also be able to adapt quickly."
Quick & Flexible
In this respect, Smart-M proved itself quickly. Joram: "We are very satisfied, even for urgent orders, they’re there for us. For example: on a Friday afternoon, we learned that we urgently needed a sealing ring. Despite the company party – which was happening when I called – the product was delivered to our workshop on Saturday morning. That really shows what Smart-M is about."
"And it was the same when we called about a potential collaboration; within 1.5 hours, Rob (the director of Smart-M) was at our company. That level of flexibility is essential for us and makes the way of working very pleasant."
Sparring Partner
Smart-M also adds value on a technical level: "For a complex wear part with a surface treatment (plasma nitriding), Smart-M looked for ways to produce the product faster. After a knowledge-sharing session with our engineers, their work planners, and the experts who carried out the treatment, we now have a new process that is cheaper, faster to produce, and delivers a technically better end result. The search for improvements in process and technology is a great added value from Smart-M. And if something does come up, it’s quickly addressed."
Seamless Integration
Joram continues: "Another important advantage is their flexibility in working methods. For instance, we want our products measured using our own digital measurement protocol, and we have quite a few requirements for that. Nothing is too much for them – they adjust everything exactly as we need it. The combination of all these factors, including a well-maintained machine park with good capabilities, ensures that we are fully taken care of, and everything seamlessly fits our needs and processes."
With more than 2.5 years of collaboration behind them, IJkema has no doubts: "It’s truly a full-fledged partnership that thinks along with us, develops with us, and adapts with us. So yes, we are very satisfied."
*The visualizations on this page were created with AI and are meant to provide an impression of the actual product.
AEGIR-Marine is an international service provider, specializing in propulsion systems below the waterline of seagoing vessels. This includes maintenance and repairs of bow and stern thrusters, azimuth thrusters (a 360-degree rotating rudder propeller), and shaft seals. These are all components that are essential for a ship's propulsion and maneuverability.
Due to continuous exposure to harsh underwater conditions—such as corrosion from seawater, fluctuating temperatures, and heavy mechanical stress—high-quality standards are essential to prevent failures and ensure the safety of the ship, including its crew.
With 12 locations worldwide, including in Singapore, Panama, Dubai, and Greece, AEGIR-Marine is available 24/7 to serve customers across the globe. The company's headquarters is located in Wijk bij Duurstede.