Technology group Wärtsilä has shown its development work on a smart concept for onboard water and waste systems. It involves[ds_preview] combining the latest environmental technology and process expertise with real-time data collection and digital modelling. This is made possible by Wärtsilä having the marine industry’s most extensive portfolio of waste and water treatment solutions, and a unique offering in digital tools such as data collection units and route planning. According to the company, the concept promises to change the industry’s approach to waste and water treatment, thereby opening up opportunities for new business models. The primary benefits are anticipated as being the enablement of trouble-free operation, full regulatory compliance, valuable cost savings resulting from the higher level of efficiency attained, and the lack of harmful impact on the marine environment. The inclusion of remote monitoring of the systems will enable operational improvements based on real-time facts validated against a digital twin of the system. Initial studies show that, when linking water and waste operation to route planning, the potential reductions in energy consumption could be as much as 25 %, Wärtsilä stated. With its capabilities in simulating, modelling and designing complete solutions from the ground up, Wärtsilä aims to create a holistic integrated system with all the elements designed to work and interact seamlessly together. System reporting will be automatically generated, and in line with local and international port regulations.
