Page 36: of Marine News Magazine (December 2014)

Remote Monitoring and Tracking company gplink bills itself as the most capable remote diagnostic tool available for high horsepower systems. In a nutshell, gplink monitors commercial vessels and equip- ment, allowing users to detect anomalies before they turn into problems. Remotely monitoring, tracking and trou- bleshooting expensive and far ß ung assets is now a mature concept, reaching all marine markets. Without a doubt, gplink is in the thick of it.Easily conÞ gured to monitor the data points that matter most to you, there are literally dozens of applications that can be safely covered. Nevertheless, potential users still hesi- tate to take the technology plunge, typically because of un-answered questions about price and logistics, or uncertain- ties about communications and data management. Current users, on the other hand, are effusive in their praise of the device. One such customer is Simon Axcell, Chief Engineer with UK-based Ostensjo Rederi AS/Solent Towage Ltd. Why gplink?ÒPrior to installing the Þ rst gplink package, we had never intended on approaching such a company, explains Axcell, adding, ÒAs operators and ß eet managers we were aware that such systems existed and had a brief understanding of their beneÞ ts but the idea of installing such a package was never considered.Ó That position changed early in 2013 with the delivery of Solent TowageÕs latest vessel, ÒLomaxÓ. The Caterpillar 3516C powered 28m Robert Allen de- signed escort class tug built to ABS rules was deployed to fulÞ ll contractual obligations to an Oil Major as well as for some Ôspot-marketÕ towing work. Axcell says, ÒAlmost immediately, we encountered a problem agreeing on a mu- tually acceptable means to prove fuel consumption dur- ing Ôoff HireÕ periods when Lomax was released for outside work. The vessel itself was only Þ tted with sight glass level gauges and sounding pipes on all bunker tanks meaning a time consuming cargo survey by an independent authority The myriad beneÞ ts of gplink are well documented. What you do with it is literally Ôyour business.Õ By Joseph Keefe Making Money Making Money with Marine with Marine Monitoring Monitoring TECHNOLOGYDecember 201436 MNMN Dec14 Layout 32-49.indd 36MN Dec14 Layout 32-49.indd 3611/25/2014 11:54:47 AM11/25/2014 11:54:47 AM