Seasuite - onboard systems
The SeaSuite solution for holistic ship performance monitoring and optimisation will make it easier than ever to achieve savings.
Make it Apple easy” was the feedback received from one of our SeaSuite test users whom we asked for ideas on how to improve our product and service,’ says Team Leader Søren Hattel. ‘We decided to accept the challenge and figure out whether it is possible – and the result looks promising. Usually we tend to think that the most important thing is to have all theoretical calculations and technical details correct. Naturally, this is important, but in vessel performance optimization, we need to help the users of optimization systems to make good decisions,’ explains Søren Hattel.
The focus of the EEOS (energy efficient operation of ships - partly funded by the Danish Maritime Fund) project is to integrate the energy efficiency modules: SeaTrend for hull and propeller performance monitoring, SeaTrim for trim opitimization, the weather-based voyage optimization system SeaPlanner, and SeaEngine for engine performance monitoring. Each module will use the same ship-specific performance model which includes relevant information about optimization of the vessel and furthermore analyzes its performance.
User-friendliness
The modules interact with each other. One example of this could be a situation in which the SeaTrend analysis detects increased fuel consumption which will affect the voyage optimization results in SeaPlanner. The integrated solution is supplemented by the new data logging solution SeaLogger.Usability has had the highest priority in the development of SeaEngine and SeaLogger. In cooperation with FORCE Technology’s Department of Applied Psychology, the new initiatives of making the systems easy and intuitive to use have been tested. The new modules are also thoroughly tested with the shipping companies. The development is finalized through the results of usability tests and user feedback.
SeaEngine is a new module which aims, by an integrated solution, to make SeaSuite easier comprehensible by also including detailed engine performance evaluation. The usability in SeaEngine includes direct user guidance when the built-in intelligence records alarming values above the acceptable limits. This guidance will start the troubleshooting from typing errors to possible engine failure checks in order to find the cause of the problem. The training in the use of the system is embedded in the system and includes theoretical and practical advice to the vessel’s engineers.
