Sumitomo Heavy opts for FBG stress monitoring for Aframax newbuilds

SHI-ME has entered into an agreement with Norway-based Light Structures AS for the delivery of comprehensive hull stress and fatigue monitoring systems on two 115,000 dwt crude oil tankers. The technology combines data from optical sensors installed on the vessel’s steel architecture with information on the ship’s structure. The vessels are due for delivery in Q2 2023 and Q3 2023. 

Light Structures’ SENSFIB technology is well established, with solutions already deployed on more than 300 large and specialist vessels. The Motorship has previously reported on applications of Light Structures’ SENSFIB technology on very specialized vessels, such as ARC 130 icebreakers.

The deployment of Light Structures’ hull stress monitoring technology on Aframax vessels reflects a growing interest in long-term structural monitoring due to the safety and financial benefits it can enable, for instance, by helping to extend the operational lifespan of a ship. 

The vessels will feature a customised hull stress monitoring system that will provide precise and actionable real-time data. This data will enable the Aframax captains and navigators to reduce the impact of dynamic forces such as whipping, slamming and shearing while underway. 

The SENSFIB installations will also help SHI-ME verify its latest Aframax design by measuring stress loading over time and comparing it to design values. When integrated with a Condition-Based Monitoring (CBM) system, long-term stress and fatigue measurements can enable servicing regimes designed to add years of useful life to a ship.

“We believe that we should keep ships healthy because it improves the ship charterer’s reputations, increases resale values and reduces the pain-points such as insurance costs. Our target is to supply more healthy ships to our clients using our in-house ship monitoring system AVEDAS^TM (Automatic Voyage and Engine Data Acquisition System). By adopting a structural health monitoring system like SENSFIB™ from Light Structures, AVEDAS^TM will become even more valuable to our clients.” said Yoshinori Tagaya, senior engineer, SHI-ME.

Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) technology

Light Structures offers specialized structural stress monitoring using fiber optics and Fiber Bragg Grating technology (FBG). a solution that delivers more accurate data while reducing cost and complexity when compared to less resilient electro-mechanical systems. As previously reported, the system relies on mechanical pressures affecting a segment of optical fibre. The ‘grating’ within the fibre is a pattern in the core that changes the wavelengths that are transmitted or reflected back. 

Despite the sophistication of the technology, the SENSFIB sensors are also robust. Installation can be completed using a powerful adhesive, negating the need for any welding, while the absence of moving parts eliminates the requirement for an annual recalibration, which further distinguishes the solution from competing systems.

“We are delighted that SHI-ME has recognised the advantages of our fiber optic measurement technology and tasked us to deliver, install and commission turnkey solutions for its new mid-sized tankers,” said Goetz Vogelmann, Sales Director, Light Structures.