Naval forces throughout the world are currently experiencing major changes in the roles they are required to perform. Their own needs are changing in response. Today’s modern maritime defence organizations already have to complete long-term missions in remote regions – and they need to do it with reduced crews that may well be redeployed after just a few months. Missions like these can last several years and they are only possible if vessels can operate without major overhaul and can be maintained by on-board crews. That is only achievable with the aid of a sophisticated automation system. In future, continuous access to extensive and reliable data on vessel status will be essential if naval forces are to plan operations more effectively and reduce costs. This calls for an Equipment Health Monitoring System (EHMS) that can provide real-time information on the condition of the vessel and its propulsion system. Service and maintenance assignments shall not rely on fixed schedules but are to happen in response to actual equipment condition. The mtu Equipment Health Monitoring System, an extension of the company’s Callosum Ship Automation System, meets all these demands. It analyses and presents digital engine data to further enhance vessel availability whilst simultaneously cutting life-cycle costs.
