Data acquisition, processing and analysis contribute to a ‘smart tug’ enabling owners to monitor and control operations more effectively
Tug operators can save costs using data visualisation and analytics, using the data for operation and performance evaluation, alarm and condition monitoring and troubleshooting, according to Schottel sales director for automation and digital products Jan Glas.
He will present his thoughts and Schottel’s monitoring and automation technology during Riviera Maritime Media’s ’Smart tugs: the industry’s Tesla, or still on the test bed?’ webinar, which will be held 1 September, as part of the Tug Technology Webinar Week.
Mr Glas will explain how data analysis can also be used for research and development and assistance systems for tug crews.
He will outline how data from a tug’s engines, generators, thrusters and winches can be combined with environmental information and other vessel data to provide insight into operations.
Other panellists on this webinar include tug owner Wilson Sons towage division regional manager Elisio Dourado, OptiPort general manager Patrick Everts and Navtek Naval Technologies general manager Ferhat Acuner.
The panellists will discuss whether the concept of a smart tug has become a reality or is still on the test bed, and if the advent of intelligent vessels is redrawing smart tug maritime economics.
These experts will outline the business case for smart tugs, explain the challenges of autonomous and remote supervision and control of tugs, and methods to optimise tug fleet utilisation using planning software.
Schottel has solutions for smarter tug operations. “With the new additions to our portfolio, we are able to offer a larger scope benefiting our customers’ operations," said Mr Glas.
"Our automation and monitoring systems support safe operations and offer insights into vessel performance. By making efficiency data easily available, the new systems and services will facilitate vessel and fleet operations. This helps our customers to optimize their operations," he explained.
"With propulsion systems, data acquisition and analysis as well as corresponding services for performance evaluation and condition-based maintenance, we provide intelligent propulsion systems that are fit for the modern vessels of today,” Mr Glas added.
Use this link for more details of this webinar and others in Riviera Maritime Media’s Tug Technology Webinar Week
Alongside its rudderpropeller propulsion units, it can provide advanced alarm monitoring (AlarMon), integrated automation (AutoControl) and power management (PowerControl) systems for tugs. It also supplies thruster controls and condition monitoring systems.
Schottel is also developing intelligent systems for marine automation and digitalisation through its 50% stake in Blue CTRL.
Schottel Automation Systems (SAS)
Value-adding applications with various types of functions can be bundled together. These include the Alarm and Monitoring System (AMS), the Integrated Automation System (IAS) and the Power Management System (PMS).
AMS: Schottel AlarMon
The AlarMon solution enables vessel operators to monitor all on-board processes and components. With the Alert Lab and Signal Lab, for example, warnings can be traced and investigated immediately. While evaluating the signals, customers profit from the intuitive user interface, which provides a clear overview of all information.
IAS: Schottel AutoControl
AutoControl makes it possible to automate on-board operations by actively controlling the individual components. For example, the IAS automatically compensates for any instability in the water by influencing the trim and heel of the vessel via the valve control of the ballast tanks.
PMS: Schottel PowerControl
PowerControl efficiently manages power generation and power distribution on board. This ensures sufficient available power for propulsion and manoeuvring. This system enables users to regulate the power supply in accordance with demand. Beyond this, PowerControl prevents blackouts while re-establishing the power supply in order to maintain the safe operation of the vessel.
Schottel Marine Services (SMS)
Schottel’s IoT gateway, MariHub, covers data acquisition as well as the connection from the vessel to the shore. By collecting and processing information from on-board equipment, customers are given real-time insights into equipment and data-driven applications. At the same time, this digital support enables detailed fleet management via the owner or on-shore operator.
The Schottel IoT Platform MariNet allows operators to identify potential for enhancing daily vessel operation. By leveraging data analysis to make decisions, users more able to get the best out of their vessel’s capabilities. The insights gained can be visualized directly either on board or through the web-based portal.
This approach allows customers to achieve operation and management processes which are even safer and more efficient – from individual vessels to the entire fleet.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.