ShaPoLi solution
Shaft Power Limitation Solution for Vessels
Ascenz Marorka ShaPoLi is an advanced system designed as an add-on to Ascenz Marorka’s onboard performance management platform, providing essential functionality for compliance with MARPOL Annex VI MEPC.335(76) EEXI regulations. This innovative solution enables ship operators to monitor shaft power in real time, ensuring that vessels operate within the calculated EEXI power limits while maintaining operational safety and efficiency.
The ShaPoLi system continuously measures shaft power and issues alerts in the wheelhouse when the shaft power exceeds the EEXI-calculated maximum. By recording all data, it allows the crew to create comprehensive reports on any periods when the shaft power limit was breached. This contributes to operational transparency, supports fuel efficiency, and assists in demonstrating compliance with MEPC regulations.
System Overview
The ShaPoLi system comprises several key components to ensure reliable shaft power monitoring and control:
- Shaft power meter for real-time measurement
- Data acquisition hardware (DAQ) for accurate collection
- Central server for storing and processing data
- Remote client software accessible from any computer onboard the ship network
- 8’’ touch-panel display on the bridge with a built-in buzzer and LED indicators for alert notifications
The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with broader vessel performance management solutions. Additional sensors, such as fuel flow meters, bridge signals, and draft sensors, can be connected to enhance overall performance monitoring. The ShaPoLi module focuses specifically on shaft power limitation functionality while leveraging the full potential of integrated ship data.
Alarm Functionality
If the measured shaft power exceeds the defined limit for a configurable period (e.g., 1 minute), an alert is triggered. On the bridge, this alert is indicated by:
- Visual indication in the touch-panel user interface mimic
- Red LED indicator embedded in the display frame
- Buzzer sound to alert the bridge crew
Once acknowledged, the buzzer is silenced, but the LED and visual alerts remain active until the shaft power returns below the limit for the specified duration. Alarm events are logged in the onboard database, ensuring accurate record-keeping for reporting and compliance purposes.
Additional System Alerts
Beyond the shaft power limit, ShaPoLi monitors critical system components. Alerts are generated if shaft power readings are implausible, exceed safe limits, or fail to update. The alert mechanism, integrated with the bridge touch panel, ensures that crew are immediately informed of any potential issues affecting propeller performance or operational safety.
Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting
ShaPoLi continuously records shaft power data into the onboard server’s database with a logging frequency of 15 seconds. Average values are sampled for each period, providing detailed historical insights. All data is retained for two years and archived thereafter, allowing for comprehensive reporting.
The reporting system supports operational analysis, enabling the creation of breach reports detailing:
- Start and end date/time of the shaft power breach
- Average shaft power during the breach
- Time series charts of shaft power profiles
- Reason for the breach, remarks, and crew signature
These reports are accessible via desktop client software and can be printed for regulatory submission or internal review. ShaPoLi also offers a History Viewer to chart any shaft power parameter over any period, providing valuable insights for fuel optimization and operational planning.
Compliance with EEXI and MEPC
ShaPoLi ensures ships comply with the EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index) requirements outlined by MEPC. By controlling shaft power, the system helps limit excessive energy use and fuel consumption, directly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Operators can demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements with accurate data and comprehensive reporting.
Tamper-Proof Data Management
All data collected by ShaPoLi is stored on a secure Microsoft SQL Server onboard. Server access is restricted, with administrative credentials available only to authorized Ascenz Marorka service engineers. Client access credentials are encrypted to ensure that data integrity is maintained. This robust security framework guarantees that ship operators can rely on ShaPoLi for trustworthy, auditable performance data.
Benefits of ShaPoLi for Ships
Implementing the ShaPoLi solution provides several tangible benefits:
- Compliance Assurance – Supports adherence to MEPC EEXI regulations and MARPOL Annex VI requirements.
- Operational Control – Monitors shaft power in real time, allowing crew to proactively manage propeller load.
- Fuel Efficiency – By avoiding excessive shaft power, fuel consumption is optimized, reducing operating costs.
- Integrated Reporting – Enables the generation of detailed breach and historical reports, simplifying regulatory submissions.
- Enhanced Safety – Alerts provide immediate feedback to the bridge team, mitigating the risk of overloading or mechanical issues.
- Scalability – Can be integrated with additional ship systems and sensors for a comprehensive performance management platform.
Conclusion
The Ascenz Marorka ShaPoLi system is a robust solution for ships seeking to comply with EEXI regulations while optimizing operational efficiency. By monitoring shaft power in real time, providing automated alerts, and generating detailed compliance reports, ShaPoLi empowers operators to take full control of their vessel’s energy usage and propeller performance.
With additional monitoring features, secure data logging, and intuitive interface design, ShaPoLi ensures that vessels operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with international maritime regulations. Implementing ShaPoLi will help ship owners and operators reduce fuel consumption, maintain MEPC compliance, and achieve long-term operational sustainability.
