The classification society ABS awarded the SMART (MHM) notation to a GasLog LNG carrier, making it the first commercial vessel in the world to receive this certification along with the ABS Preventive Maintenance Program (PMP). The combination of both accreditations strengthens the application of condition-based maintenance within the liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipping industry.
The SMART (MHM) notation, developed under the ABS Guide for Smart Functions for Marine Vessels and Offshore Units, certifies that the vessel has a permanent system for machinery condition monitoring. This technology continuously monitors the operational behavior of critical equipment, identifies anomalies, and anticipates potential failures before they affect vessel availability.
Digital technology to improve machinery reliability
The project was jointly developed with Propulsion Analytics, whose digital platform provides the condition monitoring capabilities for the machinery installed on board.
The solution integrates information from engines, lubrication systems, vibrations, chemical analysis, and real-time operational data to generate diagnostics that support predictive maintenance strategies. It also uses physical models, digital twins, and analytical tools to detect degradation early and optimize intervention planning.
Patrick Ryan, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at ABS, noted that obtaining the notation demonstrates that smart monitoring can generate significant operational benefits through increased predictive maintenance capability and improved machinery reliability.
GasLog accelerates its condition-based maintenance strategy
As explained by Lampros Nikolopoulos, Asset Integrity Manager at GasLog, this certification represents an advancement within the company’s lifecycle maintenance strategy.
The executive indicated that the customized platform developed together with Propulsion Analytics integrates high-frequency telemetry from Kongsberg Vessel Insight, lubrication data, chemical analysis, vibrations, and the planned maintenance system to build a comprehensive condition-based maintenance (CBM) architecture.
Through this integration, the company seeks to optimize engine overhaul intervals, reduce total cost of ownership, increase operational flexibility, and contribute to improving CO₂ equivalent emissions performance across its entire LNG carrier fleet.
Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics for maritime transport
For Propulsion Analytics, the project consolidates several years of development focused on moving predictive maintenance from the conceptual phase to commercial implementation.
Its DiEM platform, backed by the Engine Hyper Cube solution, combines thermodynamic models, artificial intelligence, and continuous data analysis to detect failures earlier, decrease unnecessary interventions, and reduce costs associated with maintenance and spare parts, while increasing machinery availability.
ABS drives the digitalization of maritime maintenance
ABS continues to expand its ecosystem of smart functions through a family of voluntary notations aimed at recognizing vessels equipped with digital technologies for condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and advanced data analysis.
With more than 160 years of experience in maritime classification, the organization maintains its commitment to solutions that integrate digitalization, artificial intelligence, and clean technologies to improve the safety, operational efficiency, and performance of maritime and offshore assets.
For its part, GasLog manages a fleet of 35 LNG carriers and participates in a floating storage and regasification terminal, while Propulsion Analytics develops digital solutions focused on optimizing engine and vessel reliability through data-driven maintenance.
Source and photo: ABS
