Wärtsilä to Upgrade Navigation Systems on Sovcomflot Tankers

Russian shipping company Sovcomflot has contracted technology group Wärtsilä to develop a “fleet operations” solution for the company’s Arctic shuttle tankers.

The solution is aimed at increasing the safety and efficiency of operations in the Arctic waters. Under the deal, agreed in March 2019, Wärtsilä would also provide a core solution for the company’s fleet operation center.

The contract comprises the upgrade of the navigation systems installed onboard Sovcomflot vessels operating in Arctic waters. The upgraded onboard systems will ensure real-time ship-to-shore data exchange, connecting the onboard equipment with Sovcomflot’s operation center.

“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,” Vladimir Ponomarev, Director, Voyage Solutions, Wärtsilä Marine, said.

The solution has been developed as a result of collaboration between Sovcomflot and Transas, a Wärtsilä company. It provides an integrated infrastructure that combines the bridge systems, cloud data management, data services, decision support tools, and access to real-time information.

“All our latest newbuild Arctic tankers, LNG carriers, and offshore supply vessels are equipped with integrated navigation systems from Transas,” Igor Tonkovidov, Executive Vice President and Chief Engineer at Sovcomflot, said.

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