Wärtsilä integrates ship controls with a single interface
Wärtsilä Communication and Control Centre (Wärtsilä 3C) is claimed to be the first system to integrate the entire vessel's control into one solution
Wärtsilä launched its communication and control centre (known as Wärtsilä 3C) solution, intended to integrate the entire vessel's control into one solution, at the SMM exhibition in Hamburg, Germany.
Wärtsilä 3C is claimed to offer a new way of thinking, and with the introduction of 3C, the company's expertise in integrating its own products and systems, such as automation, propulsion and engines, with other operationally relevant equipment and systems to obtain a truly fully integrated solution, is highlighted. In this case, all necessary ship's controls and alarms are integrated with a common interface. Wärtsilä says that its 3C has been designed in co-operation with experienced maritime professionals to ensure fluent control of the vessel, and to make ship operation easier and safer than ever before. The system builds on the cooperation agreement between Wartsila and Raytheon Anschütz, and makes use of the knowledge of bother these partners. It has been designed for simple future expansion, to incorporate existing and new developments from both these companies, and other partners in the future.
The Wärtsilä 3C system offers efficiency optimisation and emissions reduction benefits. Route planning, optimal engine configuration and decision support will increase the vessel's fuel economy and reduce the maintenance requirements of the ship's systems. In optimising engine performance, and ensuring maximum power availability with high efficiency, fuel consumption is reduced - as is, therefore, the volume of harmful emissions.
Wärtsilä says that the 3C will comply with all major classification societies and notations, and is designed to meet the highest standards – even when being used in the most difficult operating environments. Furthermore, regardless of the ship’s level of redundancy, the company claims that it will maintain the same high system design and component quality. The navigation technology used in the Wärtsilä 3C is supplied by Raytheon Anschütz, a proven provider of advanced maritime navigational systems.
By being able to offer a totally integrated solution, Wärtsilä claims to offer cost saving benefits to both shipyards and owners. The 3C is seen as being an important step in the company’s strategy of providing a full range of efficient and environmentally sustainable ship power systems from a single source. The company says that It will hasten the development of future solutions, such as economical autopilots and other innovations.
"With Wärtsilä 3C, Wärtsilä can now provide, manage and guarantee maintenance for the full scope of all ship operating systems, which further strengthens our position as the industry’s leading systems integrator and solution provider," commented Aaron Bresnahan, vice president, special vessels, Wärtsilä Ship Power. "It is important to note that we are not merely the integrator for the ship’s controls, but we also have the most innovative technological know-how on the market together with a wide range of services. The Wärtsilä 3C is the nerve centre for the vessel, and will definitely simplify operations. It also adds features, maximizes the ship’s power efficiency, and extends its lifecycle."
The system is supported by Wärtsilä's global service capabilities to maximise the availability and efficiency of a ship's crucial operating equipment throughout its lifecycle. The modular components and custom design make the 3C suitable for all types of vessels.
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