BMT SeaTech relieves stress

With the launch earlier this year of BMT SeaTech Ltd?s new touchscreen version of its world-leading hull stress monitoring system, SMART Stress, ship owners are snapping it up. Already, a number of major tanker, bulker and LNG operators have ordered a total of 12 complete systems during their newbuild stage. Existing clients are also keen to advance their old software, with 16 touchscreen upgrades to date.

BMT SeaTech, a subsidiary of BMT Ltd, has spent two years in conjunction with ship owners, operators and crew developing the only touchscreen system to be approved to the latest rules by the major class societies.

For safety-conscious operators, this system will provide improved information necessary to ensure they continue to operate a quality service, with emphasis on the safe transport, loading and discharge of goods.

The new software provides real-time stress and motion data, including information on slamming and fatigue throughout the life of the ship. This allows ship owners, operators and crew to assess the operation of their vessels and helps to prevent the early onset of fatigue damage and overstressing of the vessel?s hull. For a ship owner, the system provides a valuable asset management tool.

Quintana Management LLC, a growing international provider of dry bulk marine transportation services, became one of the first ship operators to recognise the potential benefits of upgrading their existing system to this latest technology. In other cases, an operator has placed an order to upgrade 10 vessels; another has already upgraded one ship, with two more complete systems to be delivered by BMT.

The IMO recommends the fitting of hull stress monitoring systems on board all bulkers over 20,000 DWT and since BMT developed the original long-base strain gauge in the 1960s SMART Stress is now fitted to over 120 vessels of various types worldwide.