Canadian ferry operator Societé des Traversiers du Quebec (STQ) will use data-driven AI-based dynamic maintenance planning to manage the performance of the engines onboard the ferry F.A. Gauthier for the next five years, following the agreement of a renewed Optimised Maintenance agreement with Wärtsilä.
The 133-metre ferry operates with Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engines, as well as a range of and other Wärtsilä equipment. Signing of the agreement took place in the second quarter of 2021 and a further five-year extension option is included.
Among the services provided are Wärtsilä’s Expert Insight and Data-Driven Dynamic Maintenance Planning, made possible by the Wärtsilä Data Collection Unit (WDCU). Expert Insight uses artificial intelligence (AI) and diagnostics to perform predictive maintenance based on the data collected, reducing unplanned by an estimated 30-50%.
The WDCU transmits operational data to the cloud for remote monitoring and analytics, providing insight into the vessel’s performance. Communication between Wärtsilä experts and onboard crew can also take place via a collaboration app.
“The cooperation with Wärtsilä is important and beneficial to our operations. This latest agreement will ensure the safety and optimal functioning of the equipment, while also ensuring that maintenance planning and procedures are optimised, leading to valuable reductions in operating costs,” said Luc Morneau, Director of Marine Operations at STQ.
