Monitoring Systems in Design of Ships

Abstract

Recent advances in sensor technology and data communications have given rise to a market for creating and retrofitting monitoring systems on-board vessels. Systems on-board the ships are commonly monitored independently, however, an integrated monitoring system that can communicate between systems will allow a wider array of applications. Typically, most of the monitoring systems and data acquisition units are retrofitted into ships. This presents a layer of complication during sensor selection and installation. The inclusion of an integrated monitoring system at the design stage is therefore proposed to enable the optimal selection of sensor types and installation locations to achieve accuracy in the quality of data. The monitoring system addressed during the design stage should include information that is necessary and important to the operators and owners. This approach will allow collection of a structured, accurate and continuous time series of data, specific to the vessel type and operation, for further analysis. A monitoring system that is designed as part of the ship during the commissioning stage will also be able to log data for analysis throughout the entire life cycle of the ship, including the initial sea trials. This paper showcases the benefits of and experience gained from an on-board monitoring system and addresses the lessons learned that will highlight the added benefit of embedding the monitoring system within the design stage of the hull and machinery arrangement. This paper considers aspects relating to monitoring systems and highlights how these processes can be integrated into the design processes of a ship.