TPG implements condition monitoring on all critical propulsion equipment, such as turbine machinery, alternators, shaft generators and gear boxes. Ancilliary equipment such as bow thrusters, ballast pumps and sea water pumps are included in the condition monitoring program, as is cargo sensitive equipment such as nitrogen air compressors and service air compressors along with E/R ventilation fans.

An example of this approach is lubricating rolling element bearings on condition after SPM readings are taken – by reviewing the alarm list – without resorting to adding a work order in the maintenance management system. Another example is tightening mounting bolts or optimizing the alignment of shaft and belts when vibration analysis indicates this is needed.

Many vessels were equipped with the T30 EX instrument from SPM when they were built at HMD yard in Korea. Some of these instruments have since been replaced with Leonova Infinity and Leonova Emerald. Furthermore, four intrinsically safe Leonova Emerald IS instruments have recently been delivered to TPG, giving crew the capability to monitor deck machinery and enter zoned areas freely.

Within the scope of a five-year contract, SPM Instrument UK provides maintenance action advice and decision support to TPG. The contract involves the provision of monthly and quarterly condition reports which provide documentation of the condition based maintenance program, according to class requirements. The TPG-SPM cooperation is now in its fourth year and has delivered savings in terms of reliability and reduced dry dock scope, based on machine condition. The service contract has been expanded as more vessels were added to the fleet. An extensive new building program over the next five years will see further investments in condition based maintenance.