What is TBO Extension?
TBO stands for Time Between Overhaul, the interval between major maintenance events. With the TBO Extension, these intervals can be significantly extended. This means less downtime, lower maintenance costs, and optimized operational planning for your fleet. The process follows three steps: on-site inspection, real-time digital condition monitoring, and laboratory analysis of operating media
Your benefits at a glance
- Reduced downtime for greater availability
- Lower maintenance costs through fewer interventions
- Increased planning flexibility for vessel operations
- OEM expertise and original parts for maximum safety
- Early detection of issues through digital monitoring and laboratory analysis
“We want to prevent downltimes and damage, and detect minor damage in good time before it results in greater damage.”
Michael Keßler, Manager PrimeServ Business Development
Proactive service – ready for tomorrow’s challenges
Individual and intelligent service solutions
With the expertise of an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and deep technical know-how, Everllence PrimeServ is ideally positioned to provide advanced and reliable service solutions. By combining analog and digital technologies, we create a comprehensive maintenance ecosystem tailored to each customer’s needs. The result: fast, proactive, and expert support in real time – ensuring your engines continue to perform at their best.
Step by step toward longer maintenance intervals
How TBO Extension works in practice
Maintenance on key ship components such as main and auxiliary machinery often means long idle times – and lost revenue. Wherever possible, such work should coincide with scheduled dock periods.
Everllence PrimeServ supports operators with individual consulting and technical analyses to determine what is technically feasible and economically sensible.
Regular engine monitoring and fluid checks make it possible to extend maintenance intervals safely. Feasibility depends on factors such as engine condition, fuel and lube oil quality, and general maintenance practices.
With in-depth analyses from PrimeServ Lab, Everllence creates the data foundation for every TBO extension.
Standard maintenance interval (typically between 12,000 and 15,000 running hours) defining the baseline for reliable operation.
On-site inspection by an Everllence superintendent engineer. Key components are analyzed, and samples of operating fluids are taken for laboratory testing.
Monitoring and verification phase to confirm engine stability and validate trends before extending the interval.
Data-based decision to extend maintenance intervals – reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
“We continuously monitor what is going on in the engine and proactively inform the customer about potential negative developments.”
Dr. Holger Gehring, Head of Marine & Power Digital and Academy – Germany
Three pillars of a TBO Extension
Field Service, PrimeServ Assist, and PrimeServ Lab — supported by continuous analysis — form the foundation for reliable, efficient, and long-lasting engine performance.
- Field Service: On-site inspections and spot checks carried out by Everllence experts assess key components and collect samples for detailed analysis.
- PrimeServ Assist: Continuous digital monitoring links real-time engine data with OEM expertise, enabling proactive maintenance and efficiency optimization.
- PrimeServ Lab: In-depth analysis of heating oil, lube oil, cooling water, and separator samples identifies wear or contamination early to support safe TBO extensions.
Real world application of TBO Extension
For one of our customers’ offshore fleets, the intervals for cylinder heads, liners, and pistons were extended from 12,000 to 24,000 operating hours. The result: significant cost savings, reduced downtime, and a noticeable increase in operational flexibility — without compromising safety or performance.
In regards to PrimeServ Lab, our laboratory includes a range of techniques that can identify even the smallest particles, as these can have major impacts. For instance, when all machines of a customer suddenly failed, PrimeServLab identified the cause as a fuel component. During a later delivery, the same component was detected in time, preventing anoth
Contact our experts
Technical assistance when and where you need it.
Do you want to extend the service life of your equipment, increase uptime, and minimize operational expenses? If these preconditions suit you, please contact our experts for more details on the requirements for TBO Extension.
