Embedded PC for Marine applications

Marine

Mobile Marine Technology is a company of experienced and highly qualified mariners who specialise in providing technology and training solutions to the global marine industry.

MMT were formed in 2004 to service a demand for solutions, technical guidance and computerised navigation training in the leisure and commercial sectors of the marine industry, MMT provide computing and integrated bridge systems, with an emphasis on both generic and type specific systems, such as ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display & Information Systems), VMACS (Vessel Monitoring, Alarm & Control Systems) and ECS (Electronic Chart Systems) solution and training provision.

The requirement & Solution

MMT's customer is a leading maritime offshore services supplier with over 50 years experience in the marine industry. Their geographical focus is on the North Sea, Mediterranean and South East Asia with offices in Aberdeen, Den Helder, Genoa and Singapore.

The Company operates four main vessel categories: platform supply vessels (PSV), anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels, emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRV) as well as subsea support vessels. In addition, they offer a wide range of additional offshore services, such as seismic/survey support, maintenance and scientific support, on a worldwide basis.

The vessel was a new build ship operating as an ERRV (Emergency Response and Recovery Vessel) within the North Sea. MMT were contracted to supply and install their Microplot 7 VSM ECS which enables the bridge crew to ensure that vessel movements within the ERRV's sphere of operations are constantly monitored, thereby optimising the vessels effectiveness and efficiency, with a commensurate increase in safety. In order to achieve this capability, Microplot 7 VSM must operate within a stable, robust, proven and reliable hardware platform capable of sustained 24/357 operation.

Microplot 7 VSM incorporates data from other ships instruments and systems, displaying these at a central point and monitoring each data stream, creating alarms and alerts according to pre-determined parameters. The system incorporates inbuilt SAR (Search & Rescue) functionality designed to aid in rescue and recovery operations by speeding up and automating these functions.

The Amplicon Impact E 52 fanless embedded pc was chosen for its ruggedness and consistent performance demonstrated during the testing procedure. Designed for harsh environments, it features efficient Intel Core Duo processors creating a system with high performance and low power consumption. It offers 2 PCI expansion slots with 4 serial and 6 USB ports; all housed in a compact, heavy-duty aluminium chassis (195mm x 268mm x 107mm).

Results

The system has been in operation for over 15 months. Following an initial 3 month trial period when units were checked at each Port visit by the client's vessel. The system has operated without any on-site maintenance for over twelve months and reports from the bridge crew indicate a high level of satisfaction with the system which confirms their initial findings when they first used the Impact E 52 hardware loaded with the Microplot 7 software.

Why Amplicon?

MMT's philosophy is to form alliances with their suppliers and to create on-going sustainable relationships based on mutual understanding and trust. From initial meetings, it soon became apparent that Amplicon met the demanding criteria set down by MMT. The high level of investment that MMT make in their research and component testing plus the successful trials of the Amplicon Impact-E 52 led them to select Amplicon as the hardware provider for this innovative marine solution.