Wartsila Fleet Operations Solution to Increase Safety and Efficiency in Sensitive Arctic Waters

The technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted by Sovcomflot, Russia’s largest shipping company, to roll out a Wärtsilä Fleet Operations solution for Sovcomflot’s fleet of Arctic shuttle tankers. The aim is to promote sustainable development, and to increase the safety and efficiency of operations in the sensitive Arctic waters. Wärtsilä will also provide a core solution for the company’s fleet operation centre. The order was booked in March 2019.

The solution has been developed as a result of collaboration between Sovcomflot and Transas, a Wärtsilä company. It provides a unique integrated infrastructure that combines the bridge systems, cloud data management, data services, decision support tools, and access to real-time information. In addition to the significant efficiency benefits, the solution also offers operational cost reduction advantages.

“The Fleet Operations solution is an important element within Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine Ecosystem approach, which employs high levels of on-board automation, integrity and computerised decision support for safer and efficient navigation. The solution is fleet-size. It enables smart situational awareness, automated voyage planning and optimization, digital (paper-less) navigation, and remote technical support, all of which add considerable value to fleet operations,” says Vladimir Ponomarev, Director, Voyage Solutions, Wärtsilä Marine.

“We are happy to continue this cooperation with our longstanding partner Wärtsilä Transas, who always provides us with high quality and efficient products. For example, all our latest newbuild Arctic tankers, LNG carriers, and offshore supply vessels are equipped with integrated navigation systems from Transas. The Fleet Operations solution will support our strategy, which is aimed towards sustainable development of our Arctic operations,” says Igor Tonkovidov, Executive Vice President and Chief Engineer at Sovcomflot.

The Fleet Operations solution agreement signed with Sovcomflot comprises the upgrade of the navigation systems installed onboard the company’s vessels operating in Arctic waters. The upgraded onboard systems will ensure real-time ship-to-shore data exchange, thus connecting the onboard equipment with Sovcomflot’s operation centre to enable shared-decision making.    

The Sovcomflot shuttle tankers are operating year-round in Russian Arctic waters. The project is expected to be completed before the end of this year. The fleet operation centre, located in the company’s St Petersburg headquarters, has already been commissioned.