The Wärtsliä Communication and Control Center (Wärtsilä 3C), connects all the separate systems used on board a vessel through a single interface providing full command and control of each individual system. It provides shipyard and ship operator with a one stop solution to the problem of integrating all the vessel’s different control systems into one package. Data may also be communicated to a remote server, for example the owner’s head office if so desired. Various systems such as optimal engine configuration, engine condition monitoring, trim management, navigation and route planning etc., are brought together under the one Wärtsilä 3C interface: it will comply with all the major classification societies.
Wärtsilä unveiled it’s new fully integrated vessel control system earlier this month at the SMM exhibition in Hamburg, Germany.
The Wärtsliä Communication and Control Center (Wärtsilä 3C), connects all the separate systems used on board a vessel through a single interface providing full command and control of each individual system. It provides shipyard and ship operator with a one stop solution to the problem of integrating all the vessel’s different control systems into one package.
The bridge command center is designed using input from experienced marine professionals to ensure easy and safe operation of the ship. Data may also be communicated to a remote server, for example the owner’s head office if so desired.
Various systems such as optimal engine configuration, engine condition monitoring, trim management, navigation and route planning etc., have been available for a number of years as separate stand alone systems but are brought together under the one Wärtsilä 3C interface. Situation awareness and interdependent linking factors are efficiently managed by the single integrated system and alarms are set, where appropriate, indicating when manual intervention is required. Increased fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced maintenance requirements are further benefits offered by the new harmonized system.
The safety of the system is paramount and redundancy is built in at different levels of the system to provide full reliability and comprehensive awareness of the conditions on board the vessel. Wärtsilä 3C is designed to meet the highest standards including being used in the harshest environments and will comply with all the major classification societies.
As manpower reductions continue in the future and functions presently carried out manually will become automated or operated remotely, one can’t help wondering how long it will be until the first unmanned ships will be plying the oceans?