#Canada #Dartmouth #Gastops #Leeway Marine #Oil Monitoring

Gastops and Leeway Marine Innovate Engine Oil Monitoring

In a significant advancement within the maritime sector, Gastops has announced the completion of a full season of successful field testing of its innovative online fluid condition monitoring system. This collaboration with Leeway Marine, a respected vessel operator based in Nova Scotia, showcases the potential of real-time analytics in ensuring the operational reliability of marine engines and equipment.

The Essence of the Innovative Monitoring System

The newly developed system provides continuous monitoring of fluid condition and contamination in engines, gearboxes, and other essential rotating machinery. This technology aims to enable predictive maintenance, allowing operators to anticipate issues before they escalate, thus enhancing asset reliability across various industrial and transportation platforms.

Throughout the past year, Leeway Marine and Gastops have engaged in rigorous testing of the monitoring system aboard Leeway’s advanced hydrographic survey vessel, RV Novus. During the 2024 sailing season, this vessel provided a real-world testing ground where the system was tasked with continuously monitoring propulsion engine lubricants, collecting critical data and insights under challenging marine conditions.

The extensive testing period allowed for an assessment of the monitoring system's performance and reliability, delivering valuable information for further refinement. Participants noted that the findings from this initial testing phase were instrumental in upgrading the onboard system to newer prototype hardware, ensuring the technology meets the practical demands of marine environments.

Enhancements for Future Monitoring

As a result of this collaborative effort, Leeway Marine is set to continue its testing with the latest-generation prototype during the upcoming 2025 sailing season. The enhanced system will play a vital role in supporting marine management and hydrographic survey activities in crucial areas like the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Brennan West, Vice President of Defence Aftermarket at Gastops, highlighted the fruitful partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with Leeway Marine has been extremely productive. Their operational expertise and willingness to test new technology in real-world conditions have been instrumental in advancing the development of the monitoring system.” He further expressed gratitude for Leeway’s commitment to fostering innovation in the marine sector.

Industry Impact and Future Prospects

Mark Decker, Chief Technical Officer at Leeway Marine, echoed this sentiment, remarking on the collaborative efforts ahead and the impact this technology could have on the future of marine maintenance. “Gastops has a long-standing reputation for innovation in condition-based maintenance. Working with their team on the monitoring system trials has given us firsthand insight into a technology that has the potential to fundamentally improve how vessel operators monitor and manage machinery health in real time.”

With roots tracing back to 1979, Gastops has established itself as a leader in intelligent condition monitoring solutions, serving a myriad of industries including Aerospace, Defence, and Energy. Their experience in providing online monitoring sensors, engineering services, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul support continues to optimize operations across sectors.

On the other hand, Leeway Marine stands at the forefront of maritime technology, focusing not only on vessel management but also actively engaging with the Royal Canadian Navy to evaluate new maritime technologies at sea. The integration of Gastops' monitoring system signifies a leap forward in ensuring effective equipment management and reliability for the maritime community.

As these innovative collaborations continue, stakeholders in the maritime industry can anticipate significant improvements in machinery maintenance, extending operational lifespans, and enhancing safety protocols. The successful testing and subsequent upgrades to the engine oil monitoring system by Gastops and Leeway Marine mark a promising step towards more efficient and proactive marine operations in the future.