WinGD and Propulsion Analytics Partner to Boost Vessel Operational Efficiency Through Diagnostics System

WinGD is developing an advanced diagnostics system for WinGD 2-stroke diesel and dual-fuel engines with Propulsion Analytics.

Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Greece-based Propulsion Analytics for the joint development of an advanced diagnostics system for all WinGD 2-stroke diesel and dual-fuel engines - a move WinGD says will support vessel operational efficiency.

"In present market conditions, where shipping companies are striving to further optimise their operations and reduce costs, this technology will provide real time support to improve the performance and operational efficiency of their main engine and machinery, while simultaneously strengthening WinGD's technology leadership in this new digital era," said Andrew Stump, WinGD's VP Operations.

The system, which is intended to acquire and analyse data on the performance and condition of the engine, as well as its sub-components, providing live troubleshooting and diagnostic advice to vessel crew and onshore personnel, the new agreement is said to mark a "major step" toward digitisation in the shipping sector.

"With real-time data collection and exchange across a shipping company's vessels, WinGD's new engine diagnostic system will be the first advanced product on a 2-stroke engine that will not only optimise and monitor performance but will also track the condition of key engine components," said Stump.

"It will be able to predict future malfunctions and provide troubleshooting support to shipping companies in order to prevent failures and/or fix technical problems faster and more economically."

Under the agreement, Propulsion Analytics will develop software solutions for processing and evaluating data gathered from engine sensors based on the needs of WinGD and its engine end-users.

The agreement is set to see the implementation of one pilot system with a leading shipping company sometime in early 2017, with the prototype slated to be running in the field by mid-2017.

The full release on the entire WinGD engine portfolio is said to be expected for 2018.

"The engine diagnostic system is something that the industry has been expecting for a long time and we are really happy to embark on this journey with a pioneering partner like WinGD," said Panos Theodossopoulos, Propulsion Analytics CEO.

"The combination of Internet of Things technologies with physical models, big data analytics and human expertise are at the core of our company's philosophy."

Earlier this month, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Engine Co., Ltd. (MHI-MME) announced that its MET66MB turbocharger has been selected as the first turbocharger for dual-fuel X-DF engines produced by WinGD.