The primary objective of a vessel’s propulsion plant is to convert energy into motion with maximum efficiency. At Insatech Marine, we provide the instrumentation necessary to isolate and analyze every stage of this energy transfer, allowing operators to distinguish between engine performance and hydrodynamic resistance.
Propulsion Power Monitoring (Torque)
By measuring shaft torque and RPM, operators can calculate actual delivered power with high precision. When synchronized with fuel consumption data, this allows for the calculation of Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC). This metric is the definitive indicator of how effectively the engine converts fuel into mechanical energy, serving as an early warning system for required engine maintenance or tuning.
Hydrodynamic Performance (Thrust)
While torque measures engine output, Thrust measurement is the key to understanding the external forces acting upon the vessel. By measuring the axial force generated by the propeller, operators can directly quantify:
-
Propeller Efficiency: The effectiveness of the propeller in converting torque into forward motion.
-
Hull Resistance (Drag): By analyzing thrust in relation to vessel speed, technical managers can accurately assess the impact of biofouling and hull degradation.
Data-Driven Maintenance
Integrating torque and thrust measurements provides a complete "Source of Truth" for the propulsion chain. This data allows for the strategic scheduling of hull cleanings and propeller polishing based on empirical performance loss rather than fixed time intervals, directly optimizing the vessel's Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating.