Case StudyEnhanced Fuel Monitoring on Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels
In the dynamic world of offshore oil and gas operations, efficiency and compliance are paramount. Recently, two Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels operating in Brazil embarked on a mission to upgrade their fuel monitoring capabilities to meet stringent requirements set by major oil and gas companies.
The Challenge
Offshore vessels often consume large quantities of fuel, which is typically provided and paid for by the oil or gas companies that charter them. This set up can mean the crew has little incentive to conserve fuel, resulting in inefficiencies and, in some cases, even fuel pilferage. Additionally, with growing environmental regulations, precise fuel consumption monitoring is critical for oil and gas organisations to meet their economic and environmental goals. Consequently, the implementation of an Electronic Fuel Monitoring System (EFMS) is mandated when chartering offshore vessels to ensure the accurate reporting of fuel consumption data.
The Solution
To address these challenges, the vessel operator chose enginei’s advanced fuel monitoring system, known for its accuracy and reliability, and already approved by leading oil majors. The decision was also influenced by the existing installation of Kongsberg Digital’s Vessel Insight platform on both vessels.
Vessel Insight is a SaaS-based solution that provides vessel-to-cloud data infrastructure, capturing and aggregating quality data cost-effectively and securely. The solution provides access to fleet overview, vessel-specific dashboards, and data analysis tools. One of Vessel Insight’s main goals is to reduce emissions in the shipping industry by providing actionable insight from the analysis of operational vessel data. The consistent and standardised way of collecting data through Vessel Insight enables quality reporting, empowers transparency, and allows for in-depth analysis to optimize vessel and fleet performance, making it an ideal partner for enginei.
Implementation Process
- Installing Fuel Flowmeters - Coriolis fuel flowmeters were installed on the supply and return lines of the main engines and generators on each vessel. These flowmeters are known for their precision and reliability in measuring fuel flow rates.
- Setting Up System Interface Units (SIU) and Main Processing Units (MPU) - The enginei team installed SIUs and MPUs in the engine control room and instrument room, establishing a robust data collection and processing framework.
- Network and Internet Configuration - The network and internet settings were configured to enable seamless integration with Vessel Insight, ensuring smooth data transmission and accessibility.
- Integration and Testing - Communication between the enginei system and Vessel Insight was established. The fuel flow data was verified to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Commissioning - Following successful integration and testing, the system was officially commissioned, marking the start of its operational use
Results
The integration of enginei’s EFMS with Vessel Insight’s platform yielded several significant benefits:
Regulatory Compliance - The system provided accurate fuel consumption data, ensuring compliance with industry standards set by major oil and gas organisations.
Enhanced Operational Insights - The integrated platform delivered valuable insights into vessel performance and fuel usage, empowering the operator to make informed decisions and optimise fleet operations.
Cost Efficiency - By combining two powerful systems into one seamless solution, the operator avoided the complexities and costs associated with maintaining separate platforms.
Conclusion
The successful partnership between enginei and Kongsberg Digital highlights the importance of integrating advanced fuel monitoring technology with digital fleet management systems. This collaborative approach not only meets regulatory requirements but also enhances operational efficiency and environmental performance. As the oil and gas industry continues to evolve, such innovations will be crucial in driving sustainable and cost-effective operations.