HMC's Hull Monitoring System

HMC’s Hull Monitoring System (Hullmos) is a real time measuring method monitoring the on-board stresses and forces in the hull online and continuously. It also measures motion fluctuations of the hull and the wave heights around the ship. This system enables the captain and the owner of the ship to gather data concerning constructional strain, motion fluctuations, wave height and impact on the hull or other parts of the structure and the possibility to optimize speed and heading in order to diminish motions and fatigue damage.

Hullmos can be used either as a stand-alone monitoring system, or integrated in a complete bridge information system. The system includes an alarm system for the crew in case the pre-defined design and operational limits are exceeded. The system processes and displays the information to the master of the vessel for operational purposes. Hullmos also stores data for analysis purposes.

Advantages

Using Hullmos aboard your ship creates the following advantages:

• Proper use of Hullmos reduces hull repairs and reduces the risk of damaging the cargo.
• Hullmos provides data to plan ship maintenance minimizes condition-based maintenance and supports the classification process.
• Implementation of Hullmos may result in the application of lighter constructions and the reduction of costs.
• The system promotes the safety of vessel, cargo, passengers and crew by reducing hull strain and increasing the durability of the hull.
• Hullmos enables the master to operate the vessel prudently.
• Hullmos provides data to estimate the fatigue life of the hull; more over, this data can be used to improve the design of new vessels.
• Finally, the system acts as a recorder, which enables owners to monitor the handling of their vessel.

ISM regulations

Installing Hullmos on your ship also benefits compliance to the ISM regulations:

• Ensuring safe operation as per article 1.2 of the ISM-code.
• Chapter 5 on master's responsibility and authority is supported by different log-in levels ensuring authorities to be clearly stated and carried out.
• Chapter 7 as Hullmos can be used to ensure safe loading of the vessels.
• Chapter 6 & 10 as Hullmos can contribute in maintenance planning and keeping maintenance records.

References

Hullmos is currently installed on semi submersible heavy transport vessels. A client of HMC that operates in the Heavy Loading Transportation is an experienced partner when it comes to heavy load transport aboard semi submersible ships. Because of the variations in cargo weight fatigue is a serious issue aboard these ships. Answering the need for fatigue information Hullmos was installed in the hull of both ships. Data is gathered and an insight on the true fatigue life of both vessels is provided.