Rockwell Automation showcases solutions for the marine industry

Rockwell Automation is applying control, visualisation and power solutions, and commercial off‐the‐shelf technologies to complex marine applications. These technologies work to virtually integrate vessels vertically and horizontally; enable islands of automation to ‘communicate’; provide networks that self‐diagnose and self‐heal; as well as control smart systems that help to reduce the workload.

Rising energy costs, increasing environmental regulation, accelerating demand for larger multi‐purpose ships and increasing regulatory compliance are some of the global trends forcing ship designers and builders to move from traditional methodology to solutions that will improve the ships’ efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and lower emission levels. These new trends have their own challenges such as meeting the requirements of the various classification societies for marine applications; and providing cost-effective solutions that deliver high efficiency, higher MTBF, low MTTR, lower harmonics and a smaller footprint.

Today there’s a convergence of new technologies – flexible, configurable controls, self‐diagnosing networks, user‐friendly operator interfaces – to help the world’s marine industry. These are encompassed in the Rockwell Automation Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) technologies with a proven track record. These technologies are already at work around the world in industrial environments that rival conditions at sea, performing reliably day-after-day. Best of all, their widespread use and economies of scale result in cost-effective solutions.

By building multifaceted systems that ensure effective interaction of processes, Rockwell Automation enables the industry to integrate control and information systems, enhance operational flexibility, reduce unnecessary maintenance activity, reduce energy costs and optimise overall performance.

Rockwell Automation discussed its extensive technology and solutions-based approach to addressing these challenges at its recent conference held in Tokai, Cape Town on the 26th of August this year.

To find out more about the Rockwell Automation ship-wide strategy for integrated processes, control and network infrastructure, contact: