Activities from Industrial Members
Kongsberg
Early in May it was reported that Kongsberg Digital with its Vessel Insight system had entered into an agreement with MAN Energy Solutions in respect of its PrimeServ Assist device in digitalisation.
Kongsberg Digital’s Vessel Insight is a cost-efficient data infrastructure provision for the maritime market while MAN PrimeServ Assist digital concerns optimisation of engine use and maintenance. After entering a strategic partnership they undertook the delivery of a joint digital infrastructure to Höegh Autoliner’s Horizon class sister-vessels Höegh Trotter and Höegh Traveller. It is understood that the pilot completion is formalised, and the project has been successful.
In the words of Andreas Jagtøyen, EVP Digital Ocean, Kongsberg Digital: ‘We are very pleased with the results of the pilot project with Höegh and MAN Energy Solutions.
‘The joint digital infrastructure allows the operator to monitor vessel assets and check the running conditions of the engines remotely from shore, in order to give decision-making support to the ship’s crew.
‘Also, the Vessel Performance application from the Kognifai Marketplace gives Höegh tools for reducing fuel consumption and unnecessary running of equipment, as well as benchmarking performance between vessels. We are happy that Höegh has decided to roll Vessel Insight, MAN PrimeServ Assist and Vessel Performance out on several additional vessels.’
It is understood that Höegh, are currently installing Vessel Insight, the MAN PrimeServ Assist app and Vessel Performance on four other vessels. Access to complete and relevant high-quality data from several vessels allows fleet benchmarking and is a significant step towards digitalising fleet operations.
Navigation simulators
In April, Kongsberg Digital announced that it had signed a contract with the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to upgrade and extend the K-Sim Navigation simulators based in SIDMAR; the Center for Simulation, Research and Maritime Development of the Panama Canal Authority. Equipped with the new technology, the Panama City-based centre will be able to include many vessels in training scenarios and extend the realism of simulator training provided for pilots and tug masters.
Mobilis
It was announced in March that in the region of 800 ESPAR buoys have been installed along the channels of the Wadden Sea by the Dutch Rijkswaterstaat (RWS). Safety, reliability, modernity and cost have replaced ancient wooden piles stuck into the seabed. With a lifespan of over 15 years, ESPAR buoys are frost resistant and will then be recycled at life-end, it is reported.
Created in 1990 in Aix-en-Provence, it is in Agen that the company manufactures aids to navigation such as buoys, polyethylene floats, and mooring devices, many incorporating stainless steel and aluminium components.
Consideration is given to each site of an AtoN’s positions along with the client’s specific demands, at the same time the company takes into account the need for the longest possible time in service.
Simultaneous with the Dutch order above Mobilis unveiled its latest oceanographic and meteorological data acquisition buoy, the type DB 8000, a floating platform equipped with more than 30 sensors to collect a multitude of data.
Sealite
Monitoring the operational status and location of aids to navigation is essential for the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands with safe navigation for all vessels a priority. Sealite reports how Star2M® helped reduce ongoing maintenance costs, labour and equipment expenses and, most importantly, increased safety for marine traffic.
The Caymans are a trio of islands in the Western Caribbean Sea. They average over 500 vessel calls and over 1.5million cruise ship visitors annually, with more than 450,000 tons of cargo passing through their ports each year. The busy waterways are also home to commercial fishing fleets and hundreds of pleasure boats. Safe navigation for all vessels is a priority for the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands (PACI).
For decades, PACI had used metal poles topped with marine lanterns to mark inner channels through reefs and waterways. These AtoNs required frequent replacement since the poles rusted and broke so the Acting Port Director sought an alternative formula for all three islands to improve reliability and reduce maintenance.
Harbour Patrol and Facilities Maintenance Departments of the Cayman Islands developed a unique AtoN work practice for their waterways. Five ton concrete blocks were locally produced. Each block holds a non-metallic pole fitted with Sealite’s Solar SL-75 Marine Lantern. It is understood that this new AtoN requires minimal maintenance and eliminates the need for specialised service craft. The new AtoN provision simplifies deployment. However, it still requires physical checks to ensure all AtoNs are on-station and performing to IALA requirements.
PACI subscribed to Star2M® for remote monitoring of their new AtoNs. This cloud-based portal and mobile application uses the Iridium® satellite network to provide critical data. Here are recorded alarm conditions, performance history, real-time lantern reporting and maintenance records. Navigation safety for all vessels and operators in the Frank Sound and South Sound Channels in these waters has been improved.
Rapporteur: Paul Ridgway
