Kongsberg Maritime's first installed AutoChief® C20 propulsion control system has successfully completed sea trials. The main engine remote control system received its stamp of approval from Hyundai in Korea on January 26th 2005, paving the way for the AutoChief C20 system to become as successful as Kongsberg Maritime's previous propulsion control systems.
The system is fitted to one of the first delivered MAN B&W ME 'intelligent engines'. Following a successful shop test at Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine and Machinery Division (HHI EMD) Ulsan plant in Korea, the engine and control system were installed onboard SCF ALDAN, the first in a series of six Suezmax crude oil tankers for Sovcomflot. All six tankers are to be fitted with AutoChief C20 propulsion control systems.
"We are delighted that the installation and subsequent testing of our first AutoChief C20 propulsion control system has gone so smoothly," comments Morten Hasås, Vice President, Marine Automation, Kongsberg Maritime. "We have already sold over 60 AutoChief C20 systems, mainly for ships running Sulzer RT-Flex and MAN B&W ME engines so it's satisfying to see the first in action at sea without any problems."
The combination of the MAN B&W ME engine and the AutoChief C20 represents a significant technological leap in propulsion technology. Both systems are highly sophisticated, offering benefits in safety, performance and efficiency. MAN B&W and Kongsberg Maritime have for the last fifteen years driven propulsion technology and control forward with the highly successful MC engine / AutoChief 4 combination, providing a wealth of experience to develop the next generation in propulsion and control.
The six Sovcomflot Suezmax tankers will also utilise the Kongsberg Maritime DataChief® C20 alarm and monitoring system. The AutoChief and DataChief share a common architecture utilising Kongsberg System Technology, and communicate on CAN-bus, sharing non-essential sensors and information. This enhances system compatibility, reducing failure rates and also makes the systems easier to install and more cost effective.
The sea-trial for the next ship in Sovcomflot Suezmax series, hull 1563, starts 2nd February, and another three B&W ME-type engines are currently in shop test, all fitted with the AutoChief C20.