Sovcomflot is investing in remote diagnostics technology to improve operations and safety on a fleet of LNG carriers
It has added remote monitoring facilities on its ice-breaking LNG carrier Christophe de Margerie, increasing the number of its ships using these services to 16. This investment enables round-the-clock remote support of LNG operations with advanced data analytics and diagnostics of potential issues.
Sovcomflot contracted ABB to provide remote support for Christophe de Margerie. It already uses ABB Ability remote diagnostics system for 15 other LNG carriers in the fleet.
This support comes from global network of eight ABB Ability collaborative operations centres. Remote monitoring and diagnostics enhances operational safety and ensures optimal performance, while helping to promptly detect and correct faults on board.
“ABB’s Ability remote diagnostics system ensures our crews can rely on robust round-the-clock support, which helps enhance vessel performance and operational safety,” said Sovcomflot president and chief executive Igor Tonkovidov.
ABB provided three large Azipod propulsion units for LNG carrier Christophe de Margerie which helps the tanker transport liquefied gas from the Russian Arctic to Europe and China through ice fields. “ABB Azipod propulsion strongly contributed to Christophe de Margerie’s successful passage along the Northern Sea Route while facing some of the world’s most challenging ice conditions,” said Mr Tonkovidov.
Christophe de Margerie completed an eastbound journey across the Northern Sea Route in May, two months earlier than usual, to deliver liquefied gas from the Yamal LNG industrial complex to China. This was supported by ABB’s Ability remote diagnostics system.
This ARC7 ice-class tanker has 172,600 m3 capacity. Its three 15-MW Azipod units provide total power of 45 MW, enabling the vessel to navigate safely through ice up to 2.1 m thick.
ABB Marine & Ports managing director Juha Koskela said installing remote diagnostics on this ship was part of a long co-operation the company has with Sovcomflot.
“It comes at a key moment in shipping’s digital journey, with real-time support for a sophisticated vessel such as Christophe de Margerie demonstrating our connected expertise can be delivered in full, no matter how remote the location,” he said.
More than 1,000 ships are supported by ABB Ability’s collaborative operations centres worldwide. These monitor operational shipboard systems, co-ordinate equipment diagnostics and offer predictive maintenance services.
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