Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD) has launched its new data collection and monitoring platform.

The launch is part of WinGD’s strategy to lead the engine industry in accessing the full benefits of digitalisation for the operation and management of its low-speed diesel and dual-fuel engines.

In mid-2017, WinGD signed an agreement with Polish marine automation, navigation and communication specialist Enamor that formalised an existing collaboration covering the development of a sophisticated data collection and monitoring (DCM) platform for engines and associated onboard systems. The collaboration has now borne fruit with the first version of the DCM hardware with monitoring software ready for commercial applications.

The platform is tailored to operate with WinGD’s engine and ship-specific software, including the advanced diagnostic software WinGD is developing with Propulsion Analytics of Piraeus, Greece, as announced in 2017.

“The collaboration with Enamor is the next step in our plan to lead innovation in the field of shipping digitalisation”, said WinGD vice president of research and development, Dominik Schneiter. “The DCM platform will provide engine owners and operators with an advanced tool aboard ships that collects, stores, visualises and post-processes all engine data, as well as relevant ship information and other machinery data. This comprehensive fund of data will be the foundation of our digital solution portfolio, enabling value-adding analysis and remote support. It is the starting point of a game-changing product that will provide optimum customer value.”

Complementing its basic computing functions, the DCM platform will also enable the reliable and secure transmission of data from ship-to-shore via encrypted communication. Ashore, the data can be analysed by the shipowner and WinGD to enhance engine and vessel operation and provide valuable input to further product and service development.