Rockwell Automation is applying control, visualisation and power solutions to complex marine applications. These technologies work to integrate vessels both horizontally and vertically by enabling islands of automation to communicate, providing networks that self-diagnose and self-heal, as well as controlling smart systems that help to reduce the overall workload.
Rising energy costs, increasing environmental regulation, accelerating demand for larger multi-purpose ships and increasing regulatory compliance are some of the global trends forcing ship designers and builders to move from traditional methodology to solutions that will improve the ships’ efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and lower emission levels. These new trends have their own challenges such as meeting the requirements of the various classification societies for marine applications; and providing cost-effective solutions that deliver high efficiency, higher MTBF, low MTTR, lower harmonics and a smaller footprint.
Today there’s a convergence of new technologies – flexible, configurable controls, self-diagnosing networks, user-friendly operator interfaces – to help the world’s marine industry. These are encompassed in the Rockwell Automation commercial off the shelf (COTS) technologies with a proven track record. These technologies are already at work around the world in industrial environments that rival conditions at sea, performing reliably day after day. Their widespread use and economies of scale result in cost-effective solutions at sea.
By building multifaceted systems that ensure effective interaction of processes, Rockwell Automation enables the industry to integrate control and information systems, enhance operational flexibility, reduce unnecessary maintenance activity, reduce energy costs and optimise overall performance.
Rockwell Automation discussed its extensive technology and solutions-based approach to these challenges at its recent conference in Tokai, Cape Town during August.
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