On any single vessel there could be hundreds of systems from bilges to hatches to navigation lights which all need to be controlled and monitored.
Whereas in the past, systems would have been controlled by multiple columns of lights, Radamec’s latest system is monitored using computerised graphics on touch screens, with the alarm history downloadable to a USB stick for convenient storage.
“The screens are a lot more intuitive as to what is happening throughout the vessel,” explained Radamec sales director Paul Smale. “Previously the results would have been printed off and kept in paper format, now it is all carried out electronically.”
The latest monitoring and control system supplied by Radamec is for the Port of London Authority’s new ship Titan which has been fitted with eShip which the company says was chosen for the systems’ flexibility and agility. “The system will monitor key aspects of the vessel as required by Lloyds and will also control the navigation lights and ballast tank pumping system. “We’ve integrated extra functionality into the system at little extra cost,” said Mr Smale. “The system will detect which light configuration needs to be displayed, whether any doors are open.
“eShip will monitor and record every alarm, if something is critical with the engine for example or if a high water bilge alarm goes off. There’s no limit to what can be monitored and controlled. “Navigation lights used to have their own control panel but these can now be included in eShip for a low cost. Everything is logged.”
And if there is an incident, eShip will prove which lights were on and working, potentially an invaluable piece of evidence in any investigation. “By monitoring navigation lights through eShip, space is saved on its bridge, which is a huge advantage to Titan. “The system will also monitor if its bridge height needs to be lowered or can be raised depending on the height of the tide and the height of the river bridge the ship is travelling under.”
In addition, the system can have a built in Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) integrated, saving money and space. “Each vessel will have its own unique system, depending on the size and type of vessel,” explained Mr Smale. “The system is very flexible and extendable, for instance there could be an extra generator, more lights included, propulsion control, engine control, we can monitor from 20 alarm inputs to more than 1,000 and prioritise the alarms.
“Depending how big the ship is, the system can be set up to send alarms to different cabins. There is a lot of intelligence built in to make sure everything is logged.” In addition to the Titan system, Radamec has also installed its eShip on to Orkney Ferries' MV Earl Thorfinn.
“Radamec was able to design, build, deliver and commission in less than 8 weeks,” said Mr Smale. “The shipyard's electrician commented that it was one of the easiest systems he had ever installed. “These systems are our sixth generation and can be fitted on anything from a superyacht to a dredger to a cargo vessel.”
By Katina Read
