Shell upgrades cylinder monitoring programme with digitalised features

By allowing users to compare the performance of individual assets against the rest of the fleet, down to the individual cylinder level, Shell LubeMonitor allows users to better understand their ship’s engine performance and ensure it is operating in line with OEM recommendations. The lubricant supplier believes that improved operational transparency will help to reduce maintenance costs over the long run.

The ease of accessing actionable insights has also been improved, with a simplified user interface and redesigned reports that make it easier to find relevant information. The LubeMonitor is now available via the internet on laptops and computer systems, and is also compatible with handheld devices using either iOS or Android operating systems. The data is also recorded in an offline logbook, ensuring continuity regardless of connectivity at sea.

The fleet and vessel insights have been organised to improve accessibility for both remote users and onboard users.

Shell LubeMonitor’s new features also include:

• A step-by-step guide for on-board engineers which can help standardize the inspection process.
• A comprehensive engine inspection feature which allows inclusion of recorded measurements of piston ring clearance, piston ring coating, liner wear. All data can be stored and organized with the photos captured, so users can come back to them at any point in time.
• Integration with the Shell LubeAnalyst oil condition monitoring, hence becoming a one-stop platform to easily compare all oil analysis results for your engine.

Gareth Lowe, Technical Product Manager for LubeMonitor at Shell Marine said: “Our goal goes beyond just making the programme an easy-to-use central data repository. By surfacing relevant information from onboard data, running parameters, lab data and inspection photos all from within LubeMonitor, we can start to deliver vital insights. This provides customers with a comprehensive picture of their engine’s health, and they can then use this information to make informed decisions on feed rates and maintenance schedules, which can help maintain optimal engine performance and lower operating costs.”

Marcus Schaerer, General Manager Services and Technical at Shell Marine said: “We always strive to do more for our customers and are pleased to bring about pioneering features in vessel monitoring solutions.”

The enhanced Shell LubeMonitor has since been rolled out to over 300 ships and has received positive feedback. According to Jong Hyun, Superintendent of Sinokor Ship Management Co., Ltd: “In the past, we spent a great deal of time reading and comparing reports. Ever since adopting Shell LubeMonitor, it’s a welcomed change to having all our two-stroke engine monitoring needs on an intuitive, single platform. This allows us less time fussing over maintenance needs and more time to concentrate on other areas our vessel”.