Babcock’s LGE business has signed a Frame Agreement with Kongsberg Maritime to develop a remote LNGC monitoring solution.
This system is designed specifically for Babcock’s patented ecoSMRT LNG reliquefaction system.
With growing global energy demand, there is increasing pressure on LNGC owners and operators to have modern, efficient and reliable vessels that minimise cargo losses, while simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions, the company said.
The remote monitoring solution under development by Babcock and Kongsberg will further enhance the Kongsberg Information Management System network and will focus on boosting the reliquefaction system feedback.
This system will improve ecoSMRT’s performance, reduce the risk of plant failures, and minimise the need for physical attendance on board vessels, Babcock claimed.
In-house analysis
As well as providing more detailed feedback on plant performance, the company is also developing a performance feedback element to add to the system, where data will be analysed by in-house specialists and specific advice and performance improvements offered to vessels.
This remote monitoring system will ensure that owners and operators have all the required information to make informed operational and commercial decisions, the company said.
Babcock LGE’s Business Development Manage, Graeme McKinley, said: “We are delighted to team up with Kongsberg Maritime to develop this remote monitoring solution. As ecoSMRT is the most efficient LNG reliquefaction system on the market today, it is important to compliment that accolade with high reliability. The ecoSMRT remote monitoring system will provide our shipowners with key information to allow them to maximise plant uptime, whilst ensuring the plant maintains the efficiency that they expect.
“We are very much looking forward to further developing this solution over the coming months and providing this important service to our customers’ in-operation vessels,” he added.
Kongsberg Maritime Sales Director – Digital Solutions, Eirik Ågren, said: “We welcome this opportunity to deepen our existing collaboration with Babcock’s LGE business, a world-leading provider of cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems for the liquefied gas markets. The addition of this remote monitoring functionality to the existing Kongsberg Information Management System network will force multiply the ecoSMRT system’s benefits through more regular performance feedback while reducing manual overhead.”
The Frame Agreement was established in conjunction with LNGC operator, Latsco LNG Marine Management (LLMM), which has Babcock’s ecoSMRT technology installed and operating on the company’s existing vessels.
Elias Karystios, LLMM Fleet Manager, said, “We are more than excited to work together with Babcock’s LGE Business and Kongsberg Maritime, world leading companies in the marine and gas sector, providing our own expertise and insights on gas management and the operation of LNG carriers.
“We are confident that the final product, after completion of the development, will meet our expectations, which is to maximise usage and the efficiency of the plant at all essential operational conditions,” he said.
