SKF has announced the availability of SKF Thruster Monitoring, an integrated and flexible condition-based maintenance (CBM) solution for propulsion and positioning thrusters (tunnel and azimuthing thrusters) in the marine and offshore industries.

"There is a clear desire and trend to integrate existing separate systems onboard a vessel. The SKF Thruster Monitoring solution combines all required information in one system, which can be integrated with both the thruster and ship management systems," says Gerald Rolfe, SKF Marine Executive Business Manager.

SKF condition-based maintenance solutions offer great flexibility and are fully scalable. Additional critical machinery systems can easily be added onto the same monitoring platform and system.

The new monitoring solution is applicable for both ship operators and thruster manufacturers, and for aftermarket and new build installations. The SKF Thruster Monitoring solution can be used for all makes and types of thrusters across various sectors of the marine industry. The solution is based on the proven range of SKF condition monitoring products and services, including robust on-line technology for vibration, lubricant and data monitoring. Services available include turnkey installation, commissioning, remote data analysis and reporting, as well as suggested reliability improvements based on the monitored results.

SKF Thruster Monitoring supports ship operators in achieving classification agency CBM requirements, as well as providing the basis for proactive maintenance and operational decisions based on actual thruster condition. Benefits include extended class survey intervals, reduced need for dry-docking, reduced risk of failures and improved ship availability. The solution enables the end-user to operate the vessel with more thruster reliability and with greater profitability.

SKF has been providing condition monitoring services to the marine industry for many years, and has to date equipped over 200 propulsion and positioning thrusters worldwide.

The marine industry continuously demands reduced dry-docking and higher availability of ships and the need for condition monitoring is increasing. SKF's specialized thruster monitoring solution serves the entire marine industry value chain.

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