A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions and technology group Kongsberg Digital will lead to more efficient engine operations, longer periods between maintenance and higher vessel performance
They signed the MoU to explore the potential for collaboration on a common data infrastructure for the maritime sector.
Together, they intend to “broaden the value offering to vessel operators, improve the return on investment in digital solutions, and increase the adoption of secure connectivity” both said in a statement.
Under the MoU, MAN Energy Solutions will investigate using Kongsberg Digital’s data-infrastructure platform, Vessel Insight, to securely collect and transmit data using MAN CEON.
A successful trial would enable MAN to use its remote monitoring and optimisation package, PrimeServ Assist, to provide more efficiencies during ship voyages.
MAN Energy Solutions head of digital and strategy Per Hansson said this would help the OEM “increase the safety, reliability and predictability of vessel performance” across a fleet of ships.
“Through this co-operation, we aim to securely provide our new digital services, advanced analytics and support,” said Mr Hansson.
“As an additional benefit, I also expect faster development of our core functionality, supported by a stronger focus and customer interaction.”
Kongsberg Digital president Hege Skryseth thinks collaborating with OEMs will lower costs for both shipowners and vendors of data capture and transfer to analytics programs.
“Collaboration between vendors in the industrial digital value chain is therefore a win-win for vendors, who can focus on digital development within their core competencies, and shipowners, who will get faster access to better and more cost-efficient solutions,” she said.
Both companies are looking to increase the return of investment for shipowners on their digital investments.
“This could help accelerate the maritime transformation, where new technology and digital solutions enable a move towards smarter, more efficient, safer and greener operations,” they said.
Kongsberg Digital delivers ship performance monitoring and optimisation services using Vessel Insight and its Kognifai internet of things (IoT) platform.
Shipowners and managers use Kongsberg’s Vessel Insight to remotely monitor ship performance and equipment condition in real-time. They can access this service, and other online applications using Kognifai IoT to optimise fleet operations.
Kongsberg is delivering the first commercial versions of Vessel Insight this year after conducting pilot trials with ship operators.
In June, Kongsberg signed an agreement with KVH Industries to work together to offer real-time vessel monitoring. That month, KVH introduced its Watch connectivity service for OEMs to use for remote monitoring.
Vessel Insight solution was the first application to be introduced on KVH Watch.
Optimisation of vessel performance and engine operations will be discussed at Riviera Maritime Media’s Optimised Ship Forum, the next will be held in London on 10 December.