International power solutions company Wartsila has presented its new communication and control centre Wartsila 3C at the SMM conference in Hamburg, Germany.

A unique system, the Wartsila 3C is the first of its kind and unites the vessel’s entire control system together into one interface, providing a fully integrated solution to fleet management, routing, energy configuration and much more. Following consultations with maritime professionals, Wӓrtsilӓ developed the system with the aim of improving ship operations, from both a safety and practical angle. The Wartsila 3C is also designed to help companies in reducing fuel consumption and meeting emission reduction targets. Aaron Bresnahan, vice president, special vessels told SMM how Wӓrtsilӓ’s broad approach has assisted the company in realising its environmental and cost-effective objectives for this new system:

“I think what really makes us different from anything else on the market is that because we’re an engine and propulsion system manufacturer, we are able to give advice on how the vessel is deployed – more so than simply saying “I’m going to go from Rotherdam to New York”, what we can actually say is that if you run at say, 18 knots for a certain period of time then go to 20 knots for a period, you can still arrive where you need to in the same amount of time but using less power.

He added that a specific feature of the Wartsila 3C is “being able to be more efficient in the use of energy, so we reduce the emissions, reduce the environmental impact and save money for the operator whereas a lot of the other systems are simply navigational or have an electrical and automation package that integrates with the systems onboard – by taking it one step further and saving energy, we’re different to everyone else.”

Comprising a range of informative screens and carefully positioned controls within a sleek panel, the Wartsila 3C also boasts an aesthetic quality which may add further appeal for owners and managers looking to purchase a new bridge system. Mr Bresnahan explained how a well-organised design can assist in easing crew duties while helping to improve overall vessel safety: “It is easy for the crew to go from one screen or one operating mode to another. I think the problem today is that when a shipyard takes one piece from one maker and another piece from another maker, you have a jumble of buttons and switches and flashing lights but by having everything neatly and efficiently laid out without having to worry “am I in the right place?” – that’s another added safety feature.”

In addition, Wartsila is able to offer complete training opportunities for crew prior to working with the new system through its Land and Sea Academy which has locations throughout Europe, North America and Asia. “One of the key features of this academy will be a simulator system that will allow crew to train.” Mr Bresnahan said, adding: “Also, for the remote asset optimization feature (which allows the home base to monitor the engine, the way that spares are being utilised etcetera) the shore based crew can come in and learn how they can interface with those features.”

Of course, simple design features can provide additional charm to such an investment, as Mr Bresnahan concluded, the Wartsila 3C also includes a selection of cup holders so crew can drink their morning coffee with comfort and safely, without fear of spillage.

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