Blue Star installs updated fuel, emissions software

This updated software, combined with EMP’s Aquarius management and automation (MAS) hardware, allows fuel consumption data from flow meters to be displayed and logged in real time. Emissions of CO2, SOx and NOx are calculated based on the fuel used, while a dedicated GPS unit logs the ship’s location and speed. A trip-meter enables consumption to be monitored for a specific time period or voyage.

The new software is part of a solution which also monitors the power output and status of the marine solar power system (including batteries) that was installed on the ship – which operates daily from Piraeus to several islands in the Aegean Sea – in 2014.

Myron Vergis, director, electrical & electronic department at Blue Star Ferries owner Attica Group said: “This is another important step forwards in our project with Eco Marine Power and we are pleased that Blue Star Ferries is once again a pioneer in bringing innovative solutions to the shipping sector.”

The software was developed in co-operation with Osaka-based KEI System. It will also be made available via a new hardware and software package from EMP, Aquarius MAS Compact, which is similar to Aquarius MAS but does not include the functions or interfaces to manage a marine solar power system. These functions and interfaces can be added via a subsequent upgrade.