Propulsion monitoring to save time and money
inland-headquartered azimuth propulsion systems manufacturer Steerprop is providing propulsion monitoring driven by machine learning for three platform supply vessels.
The five-year contract signed with Siem Offshore provides Steerprop’s propulsion monitoring service ‘Steerprop Care Premium’ to the three 5.500 DWT platform supply vessels Siem Pride, Siem Symphony, and Siem Thiima, which are operating in Norwegian and Australian waters.
The service is designed to enhance the availability of a vessel by continuously monitoring the health of its main propulsion systems, revealing any changes that could indicate upcoming maintenance needs.
Jarkko Sirrola, PDM Manager at Steerprop, said: “Machine learning guides our experts in predictive maintenance to focus on the right measurements at the right time, revealing consequential changes in the behavior of the propulsion system. With these insights, our team can work more efficiently, and we are able to provide information on equipment condition so well in advance that our customer can plan the upcoming maintenance as efficiently as possible.”
Sirrola claims that this new level of predictive maintenance will ultimately lead to an enhanced availability of vessels, increased safety and optimised maintenance based on the real requirements of the propulsion system. he says. Steerprop also believes that this element of automation will allow operators to lengthen overhaul intervals, optimise spare part consumption and avoid unplanned maintenance.
Aaron Barbetti, Maritime Manager at Siem Offshore in Australia, said: “We became interested in Steerprop Care Premium because it gives comfort in the operation of the vessels and streamlines the maintenance process onboard, The experience so far matches our expectations, and we hope to see long-term dividends together with Steerprop.”
The basic version of Steerprop Care is named Standalone, and it gives the onboard crew basic information about the propulsion system condition. It is included in every propulsion unit delivery since 2019. The online versions Steerprop Care Plus and Premium offer more advanced measurement capabilities, and if any development occurs that might cause future disturbances on a ship, Steerprop’s predictive maintenance team will notify the crew and provide remote assistance if necessary. Steerprop Care Plus and Premium are also available as a retrofit installation.
