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OSLO: Ship operators can now enjoy a boost to their cost-saving efforts with the new DNV Technical Operations Performance (TOP) Monitoring service, specially designed for vessels equipped with two-stroke diesel engines to operate at peak efficiency continuously.

2009-06-12

The outcome of an extensive research partnership between DNV, Marintek and several Norwegian shipowners, TOP Monitoring involves a rigorous regime of inspecting key technical parameters and implementing recommendations for optimising ship operational performance. In turn, participating vessels stand to enhance voyage safety; reduce maintenance and off-hire costs from proper engine conditioning; improve their Tanker Management and Self Assessment (TMSA) ratings; lower fuel consumption and emit less air pollutants.

“TOP Monitoring covers a broad spectrum of operating parameters and consolidates all cost-saving opportunities for a significant impact on the ship operator’s bottom line. We have, for instance, seen examples of fuel consumption cut by up to 5 per cent, while the typical reduction in our pilot studies was in the region of 1-2 per cent,” says Tore Morten Wetterhus, managing director of DNV Petroleum Services.

“Given today’s average price of US$400 for 380 cSt fuel oil, this is obviously a very attractive prospect.”

From the performance data collected, a Technical Condition Index (TCI) is derived and corrected for ISO conditions. By evaluating the TCI trends, technical experts at DNV Petroleum Services produce customised recommendations for performance improvements as well as the necessary maintenance tasks.

An important feature of TOP Monitoring is the linking of fuel quality consumed by the vessels with their operational performance and maintenance needs.

“By establishing such a connection, we can further narrow down on specific fuel quality parameters or onboard components that require close monitoring,” says Mr Wetterhus.

In this respect, not only does TOP Monitoring promote synergy between ship and shore technical office, it provides a result-oriented continuous improvement and competence building loop for these entities, he explains.

Apart from the normal engine monitoring equipment, a Torque meter and an MIP calculator are all the additional hardware required for a commercial vessel to enrol in TOP Monitoring.

This means minimal investment and convenient sign-up for interested ship operators, Mr Wetterhus suggests, adding that participating vessels can benchmark their performance against their own fleet and against industry best practices.

“In the longer term, TOP Monitoring has the potential to develop into an important and independent ship performance assessment and verification service. It can have a role in future indexing or rating schemes, such as those related to air emission regulations for the shipping industry,” he says.

DNV