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Light Structures chosen to deliver real-time ice-load data on 10 new Arctic-bound LNG carriers

Samsung Heavy Industries chooses ATEX approved, fibre optic-based SENSFIB(TM) monitoring technology to help keep new Sovcomflot ice-class vessels safe



Oslo, Norway: Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has selected Light Structures AS, the world leading supplier of fiber optic condition monitoring systems for maritime applications, to deliver comprehensive ice load monitoring systems for 10 Arctic Liquid Natural Gas Carriers (ALNGC) operated by Russia´s largest shipping company, Sovcomflot.


The first of Sovcomflot’s newbuild ice-class ships will be delivered before the end of the year, with six more due in 2022 and the final three arriving in 2023. Using LNG for primary fuel, the vessels will produce 45 MW of power, which is comparable to that of a nuclear icebreaker, enabling the safe transport of LNG while breaking ice up to 2.1 metres thick in minus 52 degrees Celsius.


Operating in such extreme conditions, Sovcomflot’s new ALNGC vessels will be subject to powerful dynamic forces that could potentially impact hull integrity and operational safety, but with the Light Structures SENSFIB system providing uninterrupted real-time ice load monitoring and alerting, the captain and navigators can make informed decisions based on live structural stress data. SENSFIB has already proven invaluable on Arctic routes, following its installation on the first ever icebreaking LNG carrier, ‘Christophe de Margerie’.


SENSFIB’s fiber optics technology is based on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG), a solution that delivers more accurate data while reducing cost and complexity when compared to less resilient electro-mechanical systems. Uniquely, SENSFIB sensors are installed using an adhesive, negating the need for any welding, and with no moving parts, users can save the cost of annual recalibration required by electro-mechanical systems. Light Structure’s solution is also EX and ATEX approved, making it perfectly suited to hazardous environments as found on gas carriers and oil tankers.


“We’re delighted to receive such an extensive order for our SENSFIB ice-load monitoring technology, especially as it reflects the long-standing and positive working partnership we have with SHI,” said Niklas Hallgren, Chief Executive Officer, Light Structures. “The contract also shows that leading shipyards and owners are willing to invest in precision structural stress monitoring due to safety and operational advantages, despite the lack of any regulations forcing the use of such technology.”


Ends


Further information:


Light Structures AS

Goetz Vogelmann, Sales Director

Tel: +47 23 89 71 33


Oceanspace Communications

Saul Trewern, Account Director

Tel: +44 (0)7312 105130


Image shows an example SENSFIB system GUI for illustration purposes

About Light Structures AS

Light Structures AS was founded in 2001 as a spin-off from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment and is now established as the leading provider of turnkey fiber optic stress and fatigue monitoring systems based on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology. Light Structures leverages its passion for monitoring to deliver custom solutions based on its SENSFIBTM portfolio for the qualification of uncertainties in relation to ship and maritime asset design, safety and operations. More than 300 SENSFIBTM systems have been installed globally for diverse applications, vessels and customers. Light Structures is headquartered in Oslo and has a growing network of international offices. SENSFIBTM solutions are sold through a dedicated network of partners and agents worldwide. www.lightstructures.com


About SENSFIB(TM)

The patented and intrinsically safe SENSFIBTM range unlocks environmental and financial benefits by giving ship owners and operators the potential to avoid incidents before they happen or to gain a deeper understanding of causes during incident investigation. The range includes diverse solutions that can be customized for specific applications such as Hull Stress Monitoring, FPSO Monitoring, Ice Load Monitoring, Sloshing Monitoring, and the customized HullInfo application. In addition to real-time operational data for decision support on board, SENSFIBTM also provides data for Active Fatigue Management reports, which can contribute to reducing operational cost and extending a vessel’s lifetime. Leveraging the reliability and precision of FBG technology, SENSFIBTM provides unique visibility into asset integrity, enabling improved predictive & condition-based monitoring to be integrated in newbuild vessels or retrofits. Data from SENSFIBTM systems is available on dedicated user terminals, through integrated automation and control systems, and as part of IoT networks and cloud-based operational platforms.



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