Background

Modern ships depend on a plethora of machinery systems to traverse the oceans safely and efficiently. However these machinery systems don't operate and maintain themselves. It is down to the dedication of engineers, chiefs and superintendents who work around the clock to make sure that these systems function as they should when they should so that ships reach port, deliver and collect their cargos on time.

Inevitably, sometimes things do go wrong. But how do we know whether a particular malfunction is an unfortunate isolated incident or part of a wider trend that demands deeper investigation and a long-term solution? Gathering data to reach useful conclusions presents a formidable challenge.

Engine Room Perspectives seeks to tap into the collective insight of the world's marine engineers to identify recurring problems and shortcomings of certain equipment types and inform discussions leading to possible solutions.

Feedback from those working at the frontline of the industry is collected on a strictly anonymous basis to ensure contributors can provide candid input about their experience without fear of recrimination. The quantitative and qualitative data gathered is then be passed to subject-matter specialists within the IMarEST’s membership and Special Interest Groups for deeper scrutiny.

Outcomes

Shining a light on these issues will stimulate innovation and encourage long-term solutions. It will contribute to an acceleration in product development cycles, resulting in hardware that performs more effectively and is safer and easier to install, use and maintain.

Additionally, bringing these issues to the attention of industry regulators will inform discussions on possible amendments to relevant rules. This might entail altering baseline specifications, modifying performance standards, and/or fine-tuning reporting requirements so as not to overburden end-users.

By sharing the results, marine engineers and vessel owners/operators will be better prepared on what to expect during installation, operation and maintenance. They will be equipped with necessary knowledge to devise strategies to deal with common problems and minimise the chance of them occurring in the first place or, failing that, minimise the resultant disruption.