Monitoring and maintaining engine health with sensors and sample analysis

Operational profiles of vessels are also important to understand loads and stresses on propulsion systems and the issues they create.  

For example, in propulsion systems on tugs, support vessels and workboats that take on complex operations, vigilance in monitoring engines and thrusters is needed in order to detect, identify and prevent hazards that could include towline loss and even vessel damage or grounding. 

Engines on tugs and workboats, for example, must cope with variable power loads, start-stop operations, sailing at different speeds and providing differing levels of bollard pull during towage. This complexity can lead to oil stress and water ingress into engines, which can be detected through lube oil analysis.  

“We can benchmark results with other engines of similar types and with industry averages,” says Mr Schaerer, “We can calculate oil replacement intervals, whether operators should continue putting fresh oil into the engine or replace it.”

Modern four-stroke engines have smaller oil sumps, reducing the volume recirculating and increasing oil stress. “Lubricants are designed to cope with variable loads, but the more extreme the engine use, the more frequently samples should be taken,” he comments.  

“Tugboat engines are used differently to offshore support vessels and ferries, so knowing the operating profile and having the right lube oil is important, as is keeping oil in the right condition.”

Shell Marine works with original engine manufacturers (OEMs) to analyse engine performance and health, and to develop more advanced, optimised lubricant oils.

“We work with OEMs who have sensors in their systems and engine data, but not the “blood test”, which is what we have, to check the health of the engine; help customers detect issues and react to them at a very early stage” says Mr Schaerer.

Shell Marine combines traditional lube oil monitoring with data science, artificial intelligence, engine and ship profiling. “We want to combine knowledge with OEMs and help customers,” he adds.

“Collaboration has changed things as OEMs are more interested in combining their knowledge. There needs to be more collaboration as the road is becoming more complex because of new fuels and lubes.”

More complex propulsion systems and their optimised performance is unlocking this collaboration and enabling technical experts to provide insight to crew for safety and maintenance requirements. “We help them get the information and experience,” says Mr Schaerer.

“We are introducing health, safety and environmental elements into our services; to protect the equipment and provide a care element to engines and crew. We are using our knowledge, data and intuitive platforms to guide crew to generate value and create levels of collaboration.”