Aframax hull stress monitoring systems
18/09/2024
Light Structures AS, a global supplier of fibre-optic condition monitoring systems for maritime applications, has secured a contract with Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd in Japan for the delivery of its advanced Sensfib hull stress monitoring system on three Aframax crude oil tankers with hull numbers S.1417, S.1419 and S.1420.
The tankers are the final three in a series of eight new builds for Greek and Japanese ship owners. The ships will be the last tankers to be built at the Sumitomo yard, as the company shifts its focus to building more diverse maritime and offshore structures.
These 115,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) Aframax tankers are of the same design as existing Sumitomo-built vessels already operating with Sensfib on board. They feature double-hulled fuel tanks and pump rooms, state-of-the-art wing section propellers and energy-saving successive ionic layer deposition (SILD) technology.
The scheduled delivery of the Sensfib system for S.1417 was set for June 2024, with S.1419 to follow in February 2025 and S.1420 in June 2025. These systems represent the cutting edge in maritime structural health monitoring, offering real-time data crucial for the safe and efficient operation of these massive vessels, as well as optimising maintenance regimes and reducing lifetime costs.
Sensfib solutions, renowned for their accuracy and reliability, employ fibre Bragg grating (FBG) technology, distinguishing Light Structures AS as the only provider of specialised fibre-optic monitoring solutions, it is claimed. The technology ensures precise real-time monitoring of hull stress and fatigue, which is crucial for the prevention of structural failures and extending the operational lifespan of the vessel.
“These new orders reinforce our strong relationship with Sumitomo as they enter an exciting new era,” said Goetz Vogelmann, Sales Director, Light Structures AS. “The Sensfib technology extending the operational lifespan on these Aframax vessels can be applied to stress and fatigue monitoring on any ship or structure, so we are confident that we have the best solutions to complement Sumitomo’s portfolio even as it closes the chapter on tanker production.”
The repeat order from Sumitomo Heavy Industries reflects Light Structures’ proven record in providing essential structural monitoring solutions for large and specialised vessels, from fast patrol boats through to floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units, further establishing the company as a pivotal player in maritime safety and condition monitoring.
