Intelligent solutions for ship automation
As the maritime industry moves toward greener and smarter technologies, ship automation plays a crucial role in shaping the future of shipping. ifm offers intelligent sensors, robust systems, and IIoT solutions for shipbuilding applications ranging from drive technology and emission control to water treatment and deck equipment.
Our rugged sensors operate reliably even under extreme conditions, enabling precise condition monitoring of critical systems like powertrains and hydraulic units. Whether you're building or retrofitting vessels, ifm helps ensure safe, sustainable, and efficient operations.
The future of ship automation
Modern ships are transitioning to hybrid and electric drives to reduce CO₂ emissions and comply with environmental regulations. Advanced sensor technology and data analytics enable predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and maintenance costs while improving operational safety.
Key trends include:
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Predictive maintenance using real-time data
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Integration of IIoT and cybersecurity for smart ship networks
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Sustainable technologies like hybrid drives and fuel cells
ifm provides solutions supporting this transformation with decades of experience, a commitment to innovation, and certifications from DNV and Bureau Veritas.
Operational efficiency
Real-time condition monitoring enables predictive maintenance, which reduces unplanned downtime and extends equipment life. Continuously tracking key parameters conserves resources like oil, energy, and system components.
Safety & reliability
Monitoring pressure, temperature, vibration, and fluid levels ensures early fault detection, helping prevent critical failures and enabling safe, uninterrupted operation of essential shipboard systems.
Compliance
Automation supports hybrid and electric drives as well as ballast water treatment, helping ships reduce CO₂ emissions and meet strict global environmental and discharge regulations confidently.
Rugged technology
All sensors are certified by DNV and Bureau Veritas. They are built to handle saltwater exposure, heavy vibration, and temperature extremes, ensuring reliable performance in harsh marine environments.
Scalable integration
IO-Link and IIoT-ready systems streamline installation, reduce wiring complexity, and enable real-time data access for smarter decisions and secure connectivity across onboard networks.
Drives and rudder propellers
Challenge: Failures in gears, bearings, or shafts can lead to expensive repairs, unscheduled docking, and safety risks. Modern ships often use hybrid drive systems with electric motors and combustion engines. These components experience high mechanical stress from high torque, continuous operation, and harsh sea conditions.
Solution: Detect wear before failure occurs with condition-based monitoring using advanced vibration and temperature sensing.
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Vibration monitoring (VSE/VSA system) detects early damage to bearings, gears, and shafts by tracking changes in oscillation amplitude caused by misalignment, unbalance, or wear.
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Temperature monitoring (TS series with DNV approval) tracks housing and oil temperatures to identify overheating, poor lubrication, and internal gear issues.
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Monitoring the oil temperature differential between supply and return lines provides insight into energy loss, flow problems, or component degradation.
Hydraulic power packs on cranes
Challenge: Contaminated or degraded hydraulic oil is a common cause of performance issues and system breakdowns. Deck cranes, knuckle boom cranes, and winches rely heavily on hydraulic power packs. These systems are often under continuous load, exposed to sea spray, and experience pressure fluctuations that can cause leaks or failures.
Solution: Comprehensive monitoring of pressure, temperature, oil condition, and fluid levels ensures safe, reliable crane operation and prevents system failures.
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Pressure transmitters (PT series) monitor system pressure to ensure safe valve control.
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Temperature transmitters (TA series) keep oil operates within optimal temperature ranges to maintain viscosity and lubrication.
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Level sensors (LMC series) detect low reservoir levels early, preventing pump damage.
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Oil quality sensors (LDH / LDP) track contamination and water content, providing real-time warnings to avoid unexpected failures.
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IO-Link masters collect and transmit sensor data to the onboard control system, reducing wiring complexity and enhancing operational efficiency.
Ballast water system
Challenge: Operating ballast water systems without precise monitoring can result in inefficiency, system failure, or environmental non-compliance, especially with stricter global ballast water discharge regulations. These complex systems use multiple tanks, pumps, and valves to help stabilize vessels during loading, unloading, and in rough sea conditions.
Solution: Reliable automation and monitoring of flow, pressure, level, and valve position enhance safety and ensure compliance.
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Level sensors detect high and low points in ballast tanks, preventing overflow or dry running.
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Flow sensors measure flow rate, total volume, and media temperature, protecting pumps and verifying water transfer between tanks or during treatment.
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Pressure transmitters with high saltwater resistance ensure safe operation by monitoring system pressure.
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Valve position sensors (MVQ series) provide reliable feedback on open/closed status of pneumatic or electric actuators, ensuring effective ballast exchange and treatment.
