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Web servers used at every level of systems architecture to control a ship

Imagine taking just about every major system on a ship - propulsion, electricity distribution, heating, air conditioning, pumps, technical equipment, security, state monitoring, etc - and control the entire lot over a TCP/IP network. This is exactly what was done when a more efficient method was sought for the controlling of a platform supply vessel.

It wasn't just the case that a sail-by-wire system solution offered a way of saving on the kilometres of cabling typical for this sort of vessel. The detailed management made possible by the inclusion of web servers at almost every level of the ship's systems could speed up turnaround times in port: It enabled the signalling to offices on land of all the major operational parameters of the vessel's systems. These could then be prepared for and dealt with on arrival.

Totally automated ship

The project to build a totally automated ship began in 2002. Schneider Electric customer Aker Kvaerner proposed implementation of a Modbus TCP-based 'Transparent Ready' solution for the Viking Dynamic, a platform supply vessel managed by Eidesvik AS. "It was very exciting," remembers Eidesvik project manager Vermund Hjelland. We were a little nervous during the installation phase, but it was a great success." Admittedly, the idea of using an Ethernet-TCP/IP solution for managing communications both on board and with offices on shore did seem bold at the time. Yet Eidesvik took the project on without hesitation, convinced by its supplier, Aker Kvaerner, who in turn was fully confident in Schneider 's proposal. The strong ties between the three parties played a key role in the successful outcome of this maritime Ethernet application, they report.

Major systems of the vessel connected by Ethernet and web servers. Not only does the network provide operational control of the ship, but status data from all systems can be fed back either for analysis locally or transmitted to shore-based locations by satellite link

A Schneider Electric customer since 1998, Aker Kvaerner is a multidiscipline engineering and construction company for the shipping industry. "We wanted an open, transparent product," explains oil & gas vice president Arne Stenensen. "A captain once told me that he needed to work with more than 20 PC systems each day. Transparency was crucial both for the ship and for the ship owner's offices on shore. Equipment reliability was another key issue, since this type of vessel serves huge oil platforms in the North Sea." Ove H. Wilhelmsen, head of marine contracting sales, turned to Schneider Electric. "One of the first things we look for in the electrical propulsion control system is fuel savings when the ship is idling near a platform," says Wilhelmsen. "This means the equipment must be extremely flexible. In addition, since the ship has its own power plant, we need to be able to use the main control system to manage generation and distribution. This automated system also manages the cargo."

The system uses a web-enabled architecture that transmits data directly to the ship owner via the ship's satellite connection. "If there's a problem, we don't have to send a technician on site," notes Hjelland. We can fix it right away, saving both time and money" Remote diagnostics also generate savings because maintenance can be planned in advance and new parts can be ordered before the ship gets back to its home port. This is very good news for the ship owner, because a vessel that spends less time at dock costs less in port fees.

Schneider reports that the project outcome has persuaded Aker Kvaerner to equip all its new ships with the solution. Key features resulting from the use of an Ethernet solution include:

• Propulsion (regulates speed and propeller position to keep the ship from moving, even in very rough seas).
• Power generation using two diesel engines, and MV/LV power distribution.
• Monitoring of the utility services (heating, air conditioning, lighting, drilling system, pumps, refuelling) and related power generation/ distribution. Ballast (liquid or weight).

Typical web-served screen - propulsion system

Schneider Electric promotes this project as the absolute embodiment of what it wants to achieve with Modbus Ethernet infrastructure. In line with a vision of web-serving devices forwarding to field level while pulling back status information to the management levels, it sees the web server/browser client relationship as the answer to a complete automation and SCADA solution. For instance, an HMI need be nothing more than a browser located anywhere, provided that it can get secure access to a network, public or private. Similarly, there is nothing to prevent a secure, redundant-connected IP-enabled device controlling the 30MW of electrical power as required by the ship's propulsion motors.

There were several reasons that contributed directly to the success of the project, says Schneider. First, because of the open nature of the architecture, it facilitated collaboration methods between people, systems and products. Second, it permitted easy access to data using universal technologies (Ethernet TCP/IP via Modbus and the Internet) that people were already familiar and comfortable with. Security was built into the architecture through use of dedicated components such as routers, firewalls and virtual private networks - all familiar to operators but hooked up with redundant topologies where. Lastly the architecture allowed remote appraisals or diagnostics of installations, machines, panel boards and other equipment at less cost and without special training since most encounters with these things are no more than looking at a web page.