ABB launches intelligent engine performance software for Indian maritime sector

Technology leader ABB has launched intelligent engine performance software for fleet-wide use in Indian maritime sector. This will offer an easy-access web portal interface, ABB Ability Tekomar XPERT to provide accurate insight into engine performance from fleet to vessel level with all key indicators available at a glance, an ABB statement said, adding that Tekomar XPERT is subscription-based smart web solution available through ABB Ability, which is a unified, cross-industry digital offering.

Tekomar XPERT can be used with any marine main and auxiliary engine, irrespective of manufacturer, type, age or size, the company said, adding that there is no hardware to install and the application can be dropped into the shipping company’s normal IT system, accessible via PCs, tablets and mobiles. Notably, over 1,400 vessels globally have been equipped with Tekomar XPERT to-date.

Beat Guttinger, Head of Tekomar for ABB Turbocharging, said, “Tekomar XPERT for fleet makes keeping an overview on engine performance easy undertaking for fleet managers, ship operators and owners. This smart digital solution with the newly introduced Engine Health Index offers marine customers an instant overview of their entire fleet. Whether an operator oversees five ships or many more across an international fleet, they can benchmark their fleets, ships and engines and quickly drilldown into more details to identify potential low performers or late reporters, Tekomar XPERT for fleet takes away the time consuming analysis of engine performance and allows operators to immediately focus on fixing problems to reduce fuel consumption and minimizes downtime and maintenance costs.”

Indian marine operators are increasingly deploying best-in-class integrated digital technologies for fleet management. Technologies such as integrated power and automation package with access to remote operations center, which help provide reliability, safety and optimized route solutions, are rapidly gaining traction. 

Industries associated with marine sector are also deploying first of its kind digitally enabled planning and optimization software solution of barge movement for movement of iron ore and steel plant material. Expansion of electrification for container handling terminals have also been a catalyst for demand of such solutions, according to ABB.

When installed on every vessel in a fleet, Tekomar XPERT can quantify deviations in engine performance and provide simple guidance on running engines at optimum levels of efficiency, it said, adding that the software also offers recommended corrective actions for the realization of potential fuel oil savings.

Tekomar XPERT for fleet incorporates all standard features found in the original Tekomar XPERT application with additional fleet functionality specifically developed to support middle and top management decisions.

Tekomar XPERT for fleet allows company-wide engine performance assessment with controlled and consolidated analysis across a fleet, as it facilitates the benchmarking and ranking of engines, vessels and fleets and the user-friendly dashboard can be customized according to role, ABB added.