Cornwall, UK-based trawler Crystal Sea has undergone a planned main engine rebuild using Caterpillar remanufactured parts, as owners Alec and David Stevens invest in long-term reliability and operational efficiency for their fishing business.
The brothers, who operate the 24.5-metre twin-rig trawler from Newlyn, worked with Finning UK & Ireland to overhaul the vessel’s Cat C32 main engine using genuine Cat Reman and OEM components. The rebuild was scheduled around fishing activity to minimise downtime and disruption.
Delivered from Macduff Shipyards five years ago, Crystal Sea operates with a single main engine, making reliability critical to both safety and profitability. Alec Stevens said preventative maintenance was essential given the vessel’s heavy workload.
“Crystal Sea is in constant use, so we need to be confident in parts availability and quality,” he said. “With only one engine, any failure would have serious implications for the business and crew. The remanufacturing standards behind Cat Reman give us confidence the parts will perform like new.”
Cat Reman components are not refurbished or repaired parts, but fully remanufactured through a controlled engineering process. Components are stripped, cleaned and inspected before worn elements are replaced to meet original performance specifications.
According to Stevens, the decision also aligned with the company’s sustainability goals. “The return for us is reduced costs, reduced downtime and reduced waste, while still having the power and resilience needed for tough conditions at sea,” he said.
Finning will complete final programming of the fuel injectors, followed by a full power sea trial, before the vessel returns to service.
Kyle Turton, Product Support Account Manager at Finning, said the rebuild was delivered through a committed planned repair order, ensuring parts availability aligned precisely with the vessel’s maintenance window.
“Compared to new components, Cat Reman parts typically cost 45–85% of the price and use up to 90% less raw material,” Turton said. “Preventative engine rebuilds also reduce the risk of unplanned failure and help control fuel consumption and emissions over the long term.”
Sustainability is a growing focus for the Stevens brothers, who participate in Fisheries Industry Science Partnership projects. Alec Stevens said continuing the relationship with Finning was also important to the family business.
“My late father built that partnership, and it’s something we value,” he said. “Even though the engine has performed well, rebuilding it now helps ensure longevity and keeps the vessel working efficiently for years to come.”
