Solutions from bridge to propeller
The familiarization stage for crew and system in this pilot has come to a successful conclusion, and the task now is to add more functionality bit by bit, and ultimately exploit the full potential of mtu NautIQ Foresight. “We're delighted to be partnering with FRS, whose regular feedback helps us continue making improvements,” emphasizes Bart Kowalinski, Manager, Marine Automation at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. At first glance, collecting live data aboard a vessel doesn't seem like a complex task, “But in reality this is a milestone because the quality of data and merging it into a single tool makes mtu NautIQ Foresight very special indeed.” The successful launch of the system underlines Rolls-Royce's claim to offer solutions as a one-stop-provider – from bridge to propeller. For fleet managers, Rolls-Royce is going to digitalize the maintenance strategy and combine it with data-driven forecasting. mtu NautIQ Foresight will provide system status data at the click of a button, making uptime management easier than ever.
NautIQ Foresight is part of a complete vessel automation portfolio called 'mtu NautIQ' which includes a range of new and proven platform management and vessel management systems for craft of all types and sizes. Kowalinski reports that additions to the product family are being planned. “We now have whole new capabilities for intelligent crew support, autonomous control and remote control,” he says, citing the example of a virtual co-pilot that makes it possible to navigate more precisely. Another new product enables tugboat skippers to leave the wheelhouse and maneuver their vessels from somewhere with better visibility, improving safety and efficiency and producing other benefits as well. “We're continuously adding to our expertise as a solution provider, creating real added value for our customers.”
Artificial intelligence creates new opportunities
Among the other benefits of the new EHMS aboard the Halunder Jet, Kowalinski points to the fact that the data produced is now also available on land where people such as the fleet manager and the chief technical officer can use it whenever they need to. Components from other manufacturers are already included, such as ZF gearboxes. “And once we've collected and analyzed enough data, we can use artificial intelligence and let the system use its machine learning capabilities to detect automatically when something's not quite right.” As examples, he cites calculation of the remaining service life of injectors, and situation-related suggestions for adjusting speed to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. Bart Kowalinski is convinced that “there are many ways we can use AI to create added value.”
FRS fleet manager Jörg Erdtmann is very satisfied with the experience so far. “Our current overriding objectives are to prevent damage and save fuel,” he says, adding, “and we're well on our way towards getting there.” He reckons that, for the components already fitted with sensors, it will soon be possible to specify limits and program alarm levels: “And when those levels are exceeded, the system will then automatically send alerts to a cell phone, enabling fast diagnostics via a rapid access interface.” Among other things, a performance measuring system and ultrasonic monitoring by means of knock sensors on individual cylinders are being worked on for the near future. Erdtmann is responsible for a current fleet of 72 vessels across the world and can well imagine more widespread use of mtu NautIQ Foresight going forward. “Just giving the fleet manager, chief engineer and crew access to the same data is very helpful indeed,” he says. “It means we can discuss matters there and then, and find solutions quickly and easily.”