When a pump fails on board, the superintendent has three options: buy a used pump, buy a reconditioned one, or buy new. Each has its place. The right choice depends on the vessel’s age, the budget, how quickly the part is needed and how critical the service is. This guide explains the difference and how to decide.
Used, reconditioned or new: what the terms mean
Used means an original maker pump or spare that has been removed from a vessel, inspected and tested, and is supplied in working condition. It is the lowest-cost option and often the fastest, because the part already exists.
Reconditioned means a used original maker pump that has been stripped, cleaned and rebuilt. Worn parts such as mechanical seals, bearings, wear rings and gaskets are replaced, and the pump is tested before dispatch. It costs more than a used pump, but much less than a new one from the maker.
New means a pump or spare that has never been in service. New spares can be OEM parts or quality equivalents made to the same drawings and dimensions. They suit critical services and vessels that need full documentation.
Five questions to ask before you order
1. How critical is the service?
For main sea water, boiler feed water and fire pumps, reliability comes first. A reconditioned or new pump is usually the better choice. For general service, bilge, ballast or transfer duties, a tested used pump is often the most sensible option.
2. How old is the vessel, and how long will it trade?
On an older vessel with a few years of trading left, a used or reconditioned pump gives the best value. Spending the price of a new pump on a ship close to recycling rarely makes sense.
3. How fast do you need it?
New pumps from the maker can take weeks or months for older models. Used and reconditioned pumps are usually ready to ship sooner. If the vessel is waiting at anchorage, delivery time often decides the order.
4. Is the model still in production?
Many pumps on older ships, such as Shinko, Naniwa, Taiko Kikai and IMO models, are no longer made in the same version. For these, original used or reconditioned units are often the only way to get an exact fit without changing pipework or foundations.
5. What does the class or charterer require?
Some services need certificates or maker documentation. Check this before you order, so the supplier can quote the right option.
What to send your supplier for an accurate quote
- A clear photo of the nameplate (maker, model, capacity, head and speed)
- The part number or drawing reference, if you need spares rather than a complete pump
- The quantity, the vessel name or IMO number and the delivery port
- Whether you want used, reconditioned or new, or prices for all three
With this information a good supplier can confirm the matching pump, its condition and delivery time in one reply.
How AMAF Marine can help
AMAF Marine supplies marine pumps and pump spares from makers such as Shinko, Naniwa, IMO, Allweiler, Taiko Kikai and Teikoku. We offer used and reconditioned original maker pumps, as well as new spares (OEM and quality equivalents), so you can compare options in a single quote. Used and reconditioned pumps are inspected and tested in our own workshop before dispatch, and everything ships from our warehouse to any port by air or sea.
Browse oil pumps, boiler feed water pumps, main sea water pumps and fire and GS pumps, or send us your nameplate photo and we will quote within 48 hours.
