Imtech To Highlight Latest Solutions in Hamburg

Imtech (B6-2000) will be highlighting several of its latest solutions at SMM Hamburg this year.

Imtech Marine will show unique hybrid technology solutions which are being implemented on board newly built Scottish ferries, as well as a live presentation of remote monitoring and maintenance services in an operational Global Technical Assistance Centre. Various automation solutions will be shown in an eye catching modern style demonstrator. Latest technology on show will also include the Imtech Marine Seaguide ECDIS, Imtech Marine IPTV and the new riverradar RHRS2014, which Imtech Marine developed in close cooperation with manufacturer Furuno. Next to the stand in B6, Imtech Marine also has a stand in hall B5 (no. 220) where the HVAC specialists of Imtech Schiffbau-/Dockbautechnik present solutions for Heating, Ventilation and Airconditioning.

Imtech Marine announced its ambitious strategy in early 2011 for the coming five years. The company goal is to be the preferred systems integrator, service provider and automation partner for customers, during the full lifecycle of the vessel. Ultimately, the prime purpose is helping customers lower the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Whether talking about the expansion of the Imtech Marine network, which now stands at more than 90 offices around the globe, or that Imtech Marine is establishing several competence centres in various disciplines, including automation, green, HVAC, energy systems, ship automation and navigation/communication, the aim is the same – reducing the TCO, says Eric van den Adel, Managing Director of Imtech Marine. “We strive to help our customers’ progress with their business and help creating efficient operations in true partnership, so they can have peace of mind. One phone call, consider it done. This is why Enjoy Progress is our new company ‘mantra’.”

“We have to be there in all the vital spots in the world where ships are being operated. This increase in the number of locations is based entirely on customer demand. It is the very essence of our service strategy, we will continue to open more offices alongside shipping lanes and add more services into this network. There is no specific aim of 110 or 150 offices. It is simple: be where the customer wants and needs us.”

Imtech Marine is focusing on innovation not only in ship automation but also in creating green ship concepts, reducing emissions and pollution, while at the same time realising efficient operations. Smart energy management, diesel electric propulsion and energy efficient HVAC are solutions which Imtech Marine regularly provides.

CMAL hybrid ferries

One particularly fascinating project, highlighted at the Imtech Marine booth, involves two of the first ever diesel electric, hybrid seagoing ferries for Scottish state-owned ferry operator, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL). Operating 30 ferries on the west coast to 18 of Scotland’s islands, CMAL has embarked on an extensive newbuild programme and was looking to replace traditionally built, diesel mechanical vessels with conventional propulsion, with much greener vessels. Imtech Marine is supplying a hybrid propulsion system, consisting of diesel electric in combination with battery technology. A vitally important part of the project is the Energy Management System, which Imtech Marine will also supply. CMAL was looking for a system that would manage the energy coming from the battery or from the generators.

David Henderson, Project Manager of Ferguson Shipbuilders, comments on why the yard chose to work with Imtech Marine. “Right from the start we knew that an important part of the green consideration was the ability to integrate the battery propulsion with diesel generators and the electric propulsion system if this ship was going to be a success. We needed a specialist company with a high level of technical expertise and it was important that this integration was taken care of by one supplier. “

In the peak summer months the vessels are typically in operation 10-12 hours a day but this reduces to 6-8 hours in winter. This gives CMAL a 12-hour window where the batteries can be charged overnight. Fuel savings involved are certainly impressive. According to prediction calculations following model tests, the vessels will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by at least 20%. The order for two ferries was placed with Ferguson Shipbuilders of Glasgow in November 2011, the first vessel is due to be delivered in May 2013. At SMM Imtech shows the hybrid solutions which are being implemented on board the ferries.

Remote monitoring & maintenance live at SMM

Remote diagnostics and remote maintenance are becoming increasingly important, with Imtech Marine now able to carry out repairs and maintenance 24/7 remotely around the world, all from its Global Technical Assistance Centres (GTAC) in Rotterdam, Singapore and Houston. Imtech Marine knows it is vital to avoid downtime and ensure the availability of a vessel. A special “remote centre” will be at the Imtech Marine stand where visitors can see the benefits for themselves.

Imtech Marine’s dedicated Global Technical Assistance Centres render clients round the clock support. Because Imtech Marine monitors the ship’s systems 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the engineer on watch can see if there are any problems – with the Internet for example – and restore connections before the crew even notices. Imtech Marine can tackle the issues in real time, while the vessel is sailing. Ship owners do not have to go to the expense of either flying out an engineer or hiring a local, unknown company in port. 24/7 Remote Monitoring & Maintenance can be part of socalled Advanced Support Agreements. These Agreements are tailor-made to fulfil customer requirements and can cover all systems onboard, including VSAT, computers, navigation, communication equipment, airtime and connectivity, wherever the vessel is in the world.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, September 3, 2012; Image: Imtech