Offering to help Operate ships in icy waters

Railotech has developed state of the art Ice Load Monitoring System (ILMS) to ensure the navigators get needed information to make right decisions while operating safely in icy waters.

ILMS – Ice Load Monitoring System

Railotech’s Ice Load Monitoring System (ILMS) is developed to support navigators’ decision-making when operating in ice.

Ice poses a hazard to a ship’s outer hull structure and waterproof integrity. When operating in ice, most mariners cannot accurately judge how close they are to damaging their ship. Railotech’s Ice Load Monitoring System (ILMS) provides ice navigators with information based on measured data, enabling them to safely utilise their vessels’ full potential and carry out operations that would otherwise not be possible.

Read more about ILMS

Ice navigators typically have no indication of how close to the structural limits they are operating their assets. Mariners experienced in ice operations develop an intuitive feel for this over time. However, operators who are new to working in ice, or who only occasionally operate in ice, may not have this intuition.

ILMS improves the operational safety, accountability, and efficiency of shipping operations. Improved safety is achieved through an on-bridge interface, which provides real-time feedback on the current operating status. ILMS uses a unique prediction tool developed by Railotech to forecast risk when the ice loads reach critical levels, allowing ice navigators to take preventative action. Integrated online monitoring and logging allow shipowners to monitor their assets and can be used to justify suspending operations if conditions become unsafe. Data retrieved from ILMS can also be used to conduct post-event and seasonal analysis, allowing clients to better understand their operations and refine operational procedures to improve efficiency.

Railotech’s in-depth understanding of ice-going vessel hull forms and propulsion, combined with knowledge of ice loads and hull structures, is central to the delivery and installation of ILMS. ILMS relies on sensor data measuring the hull stress, which are then interpreted as ice loads on the hull.

ILMS project phases

ILMS can be installed to existing ice-operating vessels. The project includes the following phases:

Feasibility Study

To assess, together with the customer, the approximate scope and implications of the installation.

System Engineering

To define the needed instrumentation and configure ILMS, including Finite Element Modelling, possible model testing, detailed sensor placement, and system configuration.

Installation of the solution

Mounting the sensors and cables, installing the bridge computer and display, setting up data collection, and, possibly, remote monitoring.

Monitoring

Data logging, remote monitoring, and seasonal or user-specific analysis.

ILMS is a monitoring solution that we continually develop with new features. We are currently developing integrated propulsion-line monitoring. ILMS can also be installed on autonomous vessels, providing information for remote control. The solution is particularly well suited for navy vessels that occasionally need to operate in ice conditions. Railotech also offers consultancy services to support seasonal analysis of the data.

References

LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT

Customer´s bold vision of reaching the North Pole with a luxury cruise ship became reality through collaboration with Railotech.

FINNISH NAVY CORVETTES

A propulsion system that combines high speed and efficiency in open water with the strength required for operation in ice.