Technical
Best Practices & Design Improvement Items – Part III
By Natassa Sakellariou and Christina Toki
Following “Best Practices & Design Improvement Items – Part I and Part II” described in the two previous issues of Wavelength, there are some additional items which have been implemented on fleet vessels as design improvements for the following systems and onboard areas in order to ensure safer and more efficient operations corresponding to the highest marine industry standards and recommendations. • Navigation & Communication Systems • Cargo and Ballast Systems • Inert Gas System • Engine Room • Deck Area & Ballast Tanks
Navigation & Communication Systems Navigation and Communication systems used on vessels are vital for the safety, protection of life at sea and marine environment. They increase the efficiency of voyage planning, operations and trading. The Company has adopted the following improvements in the equipment on board:
d. Two (2) Inmarsat-C satellite communication systems Two Inmarsat-C systems are fitted for redundancy purposes. They allow vessels to send and receive data, including email, SMS, telex, navigational warning and meteorological information. SSAS and LRIT are incorporated into the systems.
a. Independent magnetic off course alarm This equipment operates as an independent heading monitor with an off-course alarm. It is designed to integrate with a ship's existing magnetic compass installation and generates an audible and visible alarm when the vessel deviates from a chosen course by more than a pre-set amount (in degrees).
Figure 1: Independent magnetic off course alarm
b. Two (2) gyro compasses Many vessels of our fleet are fitted with two gyro compasses for back-up purposes in order to determine, display and transmit heading information.
Figure 4: Two Inmarsat-C systems
e. V-Sat satellite communication system Satellite communication equipment capable of sending and receiving data and voice communication is installed on board. The system is interfaced with the vessel’s computer network system and auto telephone system.
Figure 2: Two (2) Gyro compasses
c. Echo sounder with recording capability Vessels are equipped with a depth finder that has the capability of recording and setting the alarm set point according to ExxonMobil Criteria.
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Issue 77-September 2021
Figure 5: V-Sat system
Figure 9: Cargo tanks pressure readings in CCR
f. Radar mast of the foldable type (tilting type) Some fleet vessels are fitted with Radar Mast's top part of the collapsible/foldable type that allows compliance with air draft requirements of various ports and enhancement of their trading profile.
