Client:  Cargo & Logistic operator from Great Lakes
Engines: Bergen, 3000 kW Each
Challenge: Aging Fleet, High Operational demand, and downtime Costs

Context

The Company operates a fleet of vessels in the Great Lakes; USA, where vessels operate for 9 ~ 10 months each year under heavy load. Given the fleet’s age, minimizing downtime is critical due to the high costs associated with interruptions. The company installed our Vib360 Monitoring System on one of their vessels in early 2023 with the primary goal of ensuring reliability and enabling predictive maintenance to avoid unexpected failures.

Problem Detection

In April 2024, while monitoring the vessel’s operations, the Vib360 system detected an anomaly with the compression on the starboard engine, Unit No. 4. The system flagged this issue and immediately reported it to the Chief Engineer of the Vessel.

Investigation and Findings

Upon receiving the alert, the onboard team conducted a thorough inspection and discovered that the valve bridge of Unit No. 4 was broken. This early detection prevented a potential failure that could have caused significant engine damage and costly downtime.

Impact

This incident, along with a series of earlier alerts provided by the Vib360 system, demonstrated the system’s capability to detect issues before they escalated. The Company was able to perform timely maintenance, avoiding expensive repairs and ensuring uninterrupted vessel operations.

Outcome

Based on the successful identification and resolution of this issue and following the accuracy and reliability demonstrated by Vib360, the Interlake Steamship Company has committed to installing our system across its entire fleet. The decision reinforces the importance of predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring in managing aging fleets and maintaining operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The Vib360 Monitoring System played a crucial role in ensuring the operational reliability of this vessel, detecting critical issues early and enabling timely corrective action. The system’s ability to provide predictive maintenance has not only reduced potential downtime and repair costs but has also built confidence in its long-term value, prompting fleet-wide adoption by this Company.