Shipping firm Alfons Hakans relied on Steerprop to modernise the control system on Artemis, among the longest-serving ASD pulls in the firm’s fleet. Steerprop made the procedure fast, very easy, as well as cost-effective.
Back in 2019, the technological division at Alfons Hakans discovered a demand to modernise as well as update the propulsion control system on its Azimuth Stern Drive pullArtemis It was no more feasible to obtain extra components for its initial control system; as well as although it was still dependable, for safety and security factors the firm determined to seek practical remedies for a full-blown upgrade.
“We noticed pretty quickly that it made sense to renew all parts related to the control of the propulsion units,” claims technological supervisorTuomas Raumanen “Basically, everything between the master’s hands and propulsion units had to be replaced, including things like control levers, cables, computer units, and feedback sensors.”
Alfons Hakans started to seek providers, as well as Steerprop, situated near Hakans’ head office, without delay offered a quote. Raumanen keeps in mind that Hakans specifically valued the convenience of interaction as well as quick reactions, as well as this, covered with rapid distribution as well as a sensible rate, made Steerprop an evident option.
Minimal downtime
The last order was verified at the end of 2020. First, Steerprop paid a couple of check outs to be familiar with Artemis as well as its procedures. During these brows through, a schedule was readied to make sure the downtime of the pull was maintained to a minimum.
To lower the quantity of downtime, Hakans’ very own employees as well as subcontractors began initial jobs, such as mounting brand-new cable televisions as well as making structures for electrical closets, whilst the pull was still running typically. Meanwhile, Steerprop was developing the whole control system at their workshop.
“This way the installation time onboard would be as short as possible,” Raumanen claims.
The installment started at the end ofAugust First, the old control system was taken apart, as well as the group made sure that all required cable televisions had actually been mounted. Next, all-electric closets associated with the brand-new system were mounted, which was a very easy procedure many thanks to all the initial job.
Connecting the brand-new cable televisions to various devices was one of the most taxing component, as well as it was finished on time. After 7 days of job, it was time to run an examination. During the sea tests, the adjusting of the last specifications was quickly done as it had actually been thought about currently when intending the software application.
Increased integrity
From the start of the installment to last authorization from Alfons Hakans, mounting the brand-new control system took 9 days in overall.
“After sea trials and final adjustments, our masters and chief engineers were satisfied and also surprised how well the whole process went,” Raumanen claims. “Of course it takes a while before masters and others get used to the new type of control levers, but that’s common when changes are made to older vessels.”
The most significant benefits in contrast to the old system are, in Raumanen’s sight, that all modifications are really simple to make, as well as the brand-new system is substantially a lot more dependable. The info the system supplies concerning the standing of the propulsion devices is additionally a lot easier to comprehend.
In overall, Raumanen approximates the upgrade to include 10 to 15 years to the lifecycle of the vessel.
“All in all, we’ve been satisfied with the new control system and will continue our good relationship with Steerprop in the future,” he keeps in mind.
Remote solution diagnostics improve upkeep
From Steerprop’s viewpoint, the co-operation with Alfons Hakans went very well. Technical Sales Manager Esa Peltomaa informs that Steerprop developers remained in regular call with the workers aboard to make sure that the brand-new system fitted existing rooms as well as places in addition to met the desires of end-users.
Steerprop supplied a control system changed to existing propulsion, in addition to a bridge control system with control bars, control board, as well as pertinent touch displays. Like Raumanen, Peltomaa claims that the brand-new system is a lot more easy to use than the old one, as well as it additionally communicates in-depth info that makes solution procedures, transforming setups, as well as calibrations very easy as well as dependable.
Steerprop was additionally able to make customisations based upon the client’s desires. For instance, bridge control board were tailor-maked to fit existing closets, as well as touch display sights, control board switches, as well as signs fit existing vessel capabilities as well as wanted features.
“By modernising the system, Steerprop also provided a capability for remote service diagnostics, which gives Steerprop’s service department the ability to diagnose faults and status of the system remotely,” Peltomaa discusses. “This makes better service assistance possible by diagnosing possible faults even before the first service engineer’s visit on board.”
Essentially, the vessel has actually currently been future-proofed. For instance, must Alfons Hakans intend to change existing devices with Steerprop’s azimuth propulsors, the existing control systems can be totally used with very little modifications to additional boost cost-effectiveness.
“Steerprop guarantees the serviceability for our products for decades by using and selecting components that are not becoming obsolete as well as designing the system well enough that future upgrades are possible with minimal work,” Peltomaa wraps up.
Sea News, April 14
