How Schottel uses digitalization to optimize vessel operations

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Schottel MariHub is the on board hub for data collection, processing and evaluation.

Propulsion specialist Schottel, Spay, Germany, is introducing a range of digital products and services that open up new possibilities for optimizing vessel operations.

“Basically, we are creating a virtual image of the propulsion system on land, thus providing insights into the propulsion system,” says Alexander Neideck, product manager automation and digital products at Schottel. “This information can then be used to plan operational and strategic deployments better.”

Schottel MariHub is the on board hub for data collection, processing and evaluation. The system records and analyzes signals from sensors, machinery and other components. It also functions as a fault monitoring system: the signals are continuously recorded and stored, and warnings and alarms are generated if a limit value is exceeded.

MariHub performs a large part of the analyses independently on board and generates messages based on common process and measurement values. These values can be viewed by means of an integrated control panel on the MariHub system or sent automatically to the IoT platform,MariNet, via an encrypted connection. If there is no stable internet connection, the cached data can be transferred automatically or manually at a later time.

“For our customers, the focus is on safe, reliable and economical operation during the vessel’s entire service life,” says Stefan Buch, vice president after sales service at Schottel: “We contribute to this with our data analyses which, in turn, provide the needed information and recommendations for taking corresponding action.”

Operators benefit from further applications when using Schottel’s own MariNet platform. ProData, the integrated IoT service, allows the data collected by MariHub to be viewed online from anywhere. It provides information on the operation conditions and equipment status and helps to identify optimization potential. The processed data can be used for planning the strategic deployment and development of the entire fleet, which helps to maximize the potential of the vessels.

CONDITION-BASED MAINTENANCE

ProCMS, the condition monitoring service for Schottel propulsion systems, ensures that downtimes are as short as possible and can be planned. An algorithm monitors the latest measured values regularly and notifies at an early stage if there are any acute signs of wear or damage to specific components. This minimizes the risk of consequential damage.

Certified Schottel experts such as Markus Wilbert, Team Manager Service Technical Support, continuously monitor the results.

“We analyze the data, constantly adjust limit values and regularly prepare measurement reports,” he says. “This allows us to make condition-based maintenance recommendations at any time. In this way, we make sure that maintenance is carried out at the right time.”

The condition reports created by ProCMS are the basis for planning dry-dock maintenance better.

Besides the permanently installed MariHub monitoring system, the Schottel range also includes VibCheck, a mobile system for evaluating the condition of the propulsion system. Schottel service engineers carry out vibration measurements on the vessel’s installed units using a portable measuring device. This measurement data is transferred manually and analyzed by experts. The results enable more targeted maintenance planning and spare parts logistics, particularly for older vessels.

Whether a vessel is new or has been in service for years says Schottel, the company’s digital services offer a wide range of benefits that can improve troubleshooting, strategic maintenance planning or optimize fleet management.

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