Client: Indian Coast Guard, Ministry of Defense
Engines: MTU 4000 Series, 2720 kW, Water Jet Propulsion
Challenge: Need for High Reliability and Predictive Maintenance for Critical Maritime Operations

Context

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) plays a critical role in safeguarding India’s territorial waters, requiring extreme reliability from their vessels. Being able to predict failures before they occur is a strategic advantage, allowing for uninterrupted operations in protecting maritime borders. In 2021, the ICG initiated a trial of the Vib360 Monitoring System on one of their FPVs, under the Western Command.

Trial Phase

The Vessel, equipped with MTU 4000 Series twin-screw engines, underwent a one-year trial of the Vib360 system. Over the course of the trial, the system provided real-time insights into the health of the engines, gearboxes, and oil conditions. The Coast Guard Headquarters monitored monthly reports generated by the system, assessing the system’s ability to provide accurate, predictive diagnostics.

Results

The trials were a resounding success, with the Vib360 system demonstrating its ability to detect early-stage engine and gearbox issues and provide real-time oil condition monitoring. The ability to predict potential failures and avoid critical downtime was viewed as a major advantage by the Coast Guard, contributing to enhanced operational reliability.

Permanent Installation

Following the success of the trials, the Indian Coast Guard decided to permanently install the Vib360 system on one more Fast Patrol Vessel with MTU 4000 Series engines (triple screw). The system now continuously monitors the health of the engines and gearboxes, as well as the oil condition, ensuring real-time data on the vessel’s operational status.

Impact

Impressed by the capabilities of the Vib360 system, the Indian Coast Guard has mandated that all future Condition Monitoring (CM) systems be based on Torsional Vibration technology. This decision reinforces the importance of our system in ensuring the readiness and reliability of vessels responsible for national security.

Conclusion

The Vib360 Monitoring System has proven to be a vital asset for the Indian Coast Guard, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance across their fleet. By ensuring early detection of potential failures, the system has enhanced the operational efficiency of the ICG’s vessels, allowing them to carry out their critical missions with uninterrupted reliability. The Coast Guard’s mandate for future CM systems to be based on torsional vibration technology further highlights the system’s value in maritime defense operations.