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Japanese classification society ClassNK has announced that it will participate in a joint project together with Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and MES Technoservice Co., Ltd..

ClassNK says it will support research into the development of condition-based engine monitoring systems for the Mitsui MAN B&W engine. The developed systems will assist in the early detection of abnormalities in electronically-controlled diesel engines in ships.

"In recent years, vessels are increasingly being equipped with more fuel-efficient electronically-controlled diesel engines, allowing ship operators to obtain large amounts of sensor data in comparison with conventional mechanical engines. However, this means it becomes the responsibility of the ship operators to monitor and assess such sensor data, requiring seafarers experienced in analyzing sensor data to be allocated to such roles. Subsequently, the increase of this sensor data leads to the increase of workloads at shipping companies.

"The aim of this joint project is to discover ways to eliminate workloads by creating a system that automatically analyzes the electronically-controlled engine’s sensor data for performance diagnoses, to prevent system failures and to extend the frequency of overhaul intervals. With this system, both safe operation of the ship and a reduction in lifecycle costs can be realized," ClassNK said.

In 2004, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding introduced an online marine engine support system called e-GICS, or electronic Global Internet Customer Support, that provides a variety of functions for performing diagnoses and maintaining equipment. As of the end of June 2014, the number of registered vessels on the system had already grown to 3,000.

ClassNK has also teamed up with its subsidiary, ClassNK Consulting Service Co. Ltd., to provide ClassNK CMAXS, an advanced and highly reliable engine condition-based monitoring system that uses sophisticated technology to analyze data.

Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding will incorporate the advanced data analysis functions of the ClassNK CMAXS system into its own e-GICS system as part of this joint project into the development of e-GICSX, a practical and quality preventative maintenance system capable of monitoring engine abnormalities and equipment performance. This project is scheduled to continue until March 2016.

In this joint research project, ClassNK says it will use the knowledge gained through years of surveying to make engine inspection even more efficient. ClassNK also aims to use the results from this joint research project to incorporate e-GICSX as part of its even more advanced and reliable service system, CMAXS.

Image: MAN B&W ME-GI low-speed, dual-fuel engine.