Kongsberg Digital and engine manufacturer MAN have formally begun work under the strategic partnership agreed by the firms with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2019, embarking on a joint project to deliver digital infrastructure to vessels operated by Höegh Autoliners.
The agreement to collaborate in developing digital services is a recognition of the complementary nature of the two firms’ services, the partners said, specifically Kongsberg’s Vessel Insight data infrastructure and MAN’s PrimeServ Assist digital analytics system for optimisation of engine use and maintenance.
The project with Höegh Autoliners is currently in the testing and validation phase, and aims to support real time engine monitoring and digital assistance for optimisation of operations, while reducing the amount of digital equipment required onboard through improved integration.
“For us in Hoegh Autoliners, this collaboration is an important step towards the utilisation of digital solutions in optimising the running and maintenance of our engines in a safe and effective way,” commented Geir Frode Abelsen, Head of Technical Operations at Höegh Autoliners.
Vessel Insight is used to capture contextualised data from vessels for use in applications by ship owners and operators. Kongsberg says that integrating engine data from PrimeServ Assist will provide a more holistic picture of status and performance for the majority of vessels with MAN two-stroke engines on board.
With the two vendors opting to collaborate on a common data infrastructure, customers will be able to interface with a single system instead of accessing different systems from both comapnies, which should support increased levels of automation in data collection and provide access to a wider selection of applications.
“The engine is the most critical component onboard a vessel, and this strategic collaboration will ensure optimal operations and maintenance of the engine. This will generate significant value to our customers,” said Hege Skryseth, President of Kongsberg Digital.
“We look forward to working together with MAN and our customers to ensure that they get the digital solutions that fit their capabilities and needs.”
