System Integrator

  • Fergus Campbell recently took the top spot at Imtech Marine USA. He discusses the path forward, particularly the desire to expand the ubiquitous Radio Holland brand.

    How did you come to a career in the maritime industry?
    There were a number of factors that led me to this career. Growing up in a small seaport town along the banks of the River Clyde, I remember from a young age being captivated by the variety of ships sailing by and wondering what it would be like to work on them. This idea of going to sea and seeing the world stayed with me throughout my teenage years and (I ended up going) to Glasgow College of Nautical Studies (GCNS) to study electrical and electronics. This was at a time when the British Merchant Navy was in decline and job prospects for Radio officers at sea were pretty bleak. However in my final year, while studying Radar Maintenance, a new classmate joined our class who was working for Denholm’s in the North Sea on a diving support vessel. I walked into Denholm’s office on speculation and six weeks later I was joining the same vessel as his back-to-back relief.  This was part of a pilot program Denholm’s was running, training Radio Officers to also take care of the engine room, electrical and automation systems. This program led to the start of Electro-technical Officers (ETO’s) which is a common function on most vessels these days. After spending five years at sea on various assignments and vessels, I came ashore and found myself working as a technician supporting automation systems on vessels.
    Over the course of seven years as a technician I found myself involved in retrofitting systems on many of the major cruise ships and spent a lot of time in the U.S. during their drydock periods. Then in 1998 I was asked to open a support office for the cruise ships in the Miami area. We established our office on October that year by renting office space from Radio Holland Miami and the rest is history. 

    Imtech has been a driver of consolidation in recent years. For MR readers not intimately familiar with the company and its offering, can you describe it in one or two sentences?
    Imtech Marine is a technically innovative global company. We offer a full range of services, from traditional Navigation/Communication systems, high capacity Satellite Connectivity solutions to HVAC, Electrical power generation/distribution, Automation and Propulsion to name a few. As a system integrator and solution provider we now can cover the entire vessel from Bridge to Engine Room.
     

    Coming into the position, what are your near and longer term goals, and how do you plan to achieve them? 
    In the near term we aim to have a larger presence and take new approaches to the market, focusing on new requirements of our customers but also building on our remote monitoring and maintenance capabilities.
    Long term we are preparing our organization for growth and focus on being a solutions provider and system integrator to our customers by introducing new technology and services that can impact their business in a positive way.  

    You have had a diverse career including 10 years with Radio Holland USA. What will you take away from your past assignment that will be of value to Imtech and its customers?
    Being with the company before has advantages from an inside perspective. Being on the receiving end of the services we provide gives you a totally different perspective, both are valuable from an experience point of view and will help us to improve and provide good quality customer service.

    How is Imtech today … and its resurgent Radio Holland USA brand … the same and different from the Radio Holland that you worked for five years ago?
    It’s the same from the perspective that our core business revolves around traditional Bridge Navigation/communication equipment and service and maintenance around the globe. However, we are adding new solutions, innovation (such as remote monitoring, ICT), new technologies we offer and maintain, such as electrical, automation, and new maintenance formats.
    Times have changed, requirements of the market changes all the time, so it is Radio Holland ‘reloaded,’ focused on our customers’ requirements and helping them achieve efficient operations, keeping their fleet operational. That last one remained the same! 

    As Director of the Imtech Marine USA, you now lead a considerable team of system integrators for the marine industries. Where do you think you and Imtech will have the most impact in the coming years in this market?
    For a number of years now there has been a trend in the shipyards to use System Integrators for their new build projects. But also refit projects, like the project we started refitting three bridges of Holland America Line cruise ships. 

    At what point does the shipyard’s responsibility and that of the OEM become yours – as the systems integrator? How will it all work when your goal of becoming “a supplier independent top three player in the global marine market.” What does that phrase really mean?
    As a system integrator, our responsibility lies in the engineering, project management, scheduling, installation and commissioning of the OEM equipment. Clearly we have to follow closely the construction schedule of the vessel which is the ultimate responsibility of the shipyard.
    As for the OEM, we have to ensure that the installation of the equipment is to their exact standards to ensure their warranty is validated and will be honored to the client. As for what the phrase supplier independent means, it speaks for itself: we believe our core competences in the key disciplines are applicable, regardless of who the equipment manufacturer is.

    The world, as always, is in various economic stages, either emerging from the economic meltdown of 2008/09 or digesting the dramatic plunge in oil prices second half of 2014. As you look over your area of responsibility, by market niche, by geographic region (or both), where do you see the most promise for better business today?
    We operate in most key markets to minimize the impact of any downturn in one. This also allows us to focus on market specific trends. Our business is also driven by new regulatory changes and the retrofitting of old obsolete equipment with more modern technology. Recently we have been successful in the retrofitting of Bridge Navigation equipment in the cruise sector for example. Efficient and effective maintenance is also a driver for better business of the ship owners. Preventive maintenance will save money and lower operational costs, keeping the fleets at sea without interruptions. ‘Connectivity’ is another driver. Connectivity is more than providing communication and crew welfare. We see a key benefit in using VSAT as an enabler to monitor systems remotely on board a ship, which increases availability and lowers the cost of operations.

    (As published in the March 2015 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News - http://magazines.marinelink.com/Magazines/MaritimeReporter)

  • in one or two sentences? Imtech Marine wants to be the best maritime service provider for its customers. We operate as a full-service provider and system integrator of tailor-made, innovative and sustainable technology solutions covering the whole ship. And most importantly, with our global service network

  • and its Dutch owners, Cornelius Vrolijk Group, found when they encountered just such a power alliance in generator-set provider, The Switch; system integrator, Norwegian Electric Systems, or NES, and their collective client, Havyard Ship Technology, a yard and designer with a track record in the design-and-b

  • Maritime Defense Agency. William C. Moyer, group vice president f o r Tracor Applied Sciences, said that Tracor will perf o rm as the hardware system integrator for this complex computer- based system, and also will train Japanese personnel in operation and maintenance of the system. According to

  • EMS systems.Rolls-Royce RetrofitsIt’s a quiet hybridization that needs some trumpeting, as the benefits of energy storage are key selling points for system integrator and fleet owner.Although moving in different directions — Rolls-Royce Marine losing money of late but gaining energy-storage and digitalization

  • In close cooperation with the Norwegian system integrator. Offshore & Marine ASA, Vacon will deliver four liquid-cooled 2.5-MW AC drives to an accommodation support unit with a capacity for 400 persons, to be stationed in the Gulf of Mexico. Vacon AC drives will control four azimuth thrusters that

  • .com Website: www.imtechmarine.com Managing Director: Captain Eric Clarke The Company: Imtech Marine operates as a full-service provider and system integrator of tailor-made, innovative and sustainable technology solutions covering the whole ship. Imtech Marine specializes in automation (platform and

  • 2011, identifying demand from commercial marine markets for accurate, reliable, fuel management and emissions control technologies, Krill became a ‘system integrator’ with the ability to supply a broad spectrum of fuel flow meters and other accessory components. Commercial clients also encouraged Krill to

  • contractors have often been involved in early stages of system R&D. For example, RCA traces its highly successful role as Aegis manufacturer and system integrator to involvement in R&D efforts in the 1960s. Procurement contracts received by RCA for Aegis systems now exceed $3 billion. Boeing's involvement

  • propellers in nozzles configured for shallow water operation.  The DE system is an AC variable rpm controlled designed and integrated by approved ABB system integrator Elkon/Imtech with complete ABB components. During the sea trials, maximum bollard pull (69 tons) and speed of 13.2 knots were displayed performed

  • , and controlling vast quantities of disparate equipment across just as many different communication protocols, EMI effectively becomes the ‘go to’ system integrator. EMI’s in-house engineering and programming capability allows it to provide solutions that are customizable by taking input from client specified

  • before the captain would,” a battery solution provider recently told us. His batteries were all “Internet of things,” meaning remotely monitored, and system integrators like Siemens and ABB are very aware of the myriad reasons monitoring batteries will be necessary.    “We see the same things as the crew onboard

  • MT Mar-24#4th Cover more SENSORS | LOGGERS | SYSTEMS | OEM rbr-global.com MTR)
    March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 4th Cover

    , the RBRtridente is easily integrated into RBR CTDs or your favourite vehicle platform.ur favourite vehicle platform. Learn more SENSORS | LOGGERS | SYSTEMS | OEM rbr-global.com MTR MarApr2023 Covers 2,3 and 4.indd 3 3/7/2023 12:39:50 P

  • MT Mar-24#48 . . . . .Remote Ocean Systems . . . . . . . . . . )
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    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rbr-global.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Please visit us online 15 . . . . .Remote Ocean Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rosys.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(858) 565-8500 1 . . . . . .RTsys

  • MT Mar-24#45 a multi-payload management system and the ? exibility for)
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    deliver AI-enabled situ- ational awareness and execute real-time onboard mission adaption, rerouting and replanning, all with a multi-payload management system and the ? exibility for ship or port-to- port mission deployments. Cellula’s Solus-LR and Solus- XR platforms will be equipped with Cellula’s hydrogen

  • MT Mar-24#44 potential objects of interest. system designed for use on an)
    March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 44

    on the most valuable task coastal infrastructure. The CL-360 Marine is the only lidar of evaluating and classifying the potential objects of interest. system designed for use on an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) Teledyne Geospatial brought its latest advancements in that provides survey grade range and

  • MT Mar-24#43 what is used for the The system is a drop-in replacement)
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    or cabinet of electronics. That bilities that enhance both its operation and data quality. means no additional hardware beyond what is used for the The system is a drop-in replacement for the GeoPulse Pinger EM 124 or EM 304 MBES systems – which is in most cases using the 5430A transmitter. It is fully

  • MT Mar-24#42 in- struments, equipment and systems. This splash and wet-mate)
    March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 42

    and robust performance, making it suitable for multiple applica- tions and the increasingly compact design of underwater in- struments, equipment and systems. This splash and wet-mate connector is manufactured from high-grade titanium and neo- prene to withstand deep ocean depths and open-face pressure

  • MT Mar-24#41 an easy to use con- trol system and topside power. Field)
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    less than 40 lbs (19kg) the ROV- 1500 is easy to transport and deploy. Similar to Outland’s previous models, the ROV-1500 shares an easy to use con- trol system and topside power. Field replaceable components continue to make maintenance a breeze. EvoLogics launched the next iteration of the Quadroin AUV

  • MT Mar-24#40 , advanced communication systems, as well positioning)
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    DriX O-16 bene? ts from a hybrid propulsion, redun- ers (MBES), Sub-Bottom Pro? lers (SBP), or acoustic subsea dant architecture, advanced communication systems, as well positioning and communication systems (USBL). 40 March/April 2024 MTR #3 (34-47).indd 40 4/4/2024 2:24:47 P

  • MT Mar-24#39 working with solar charging systems on buoys and unmanned)
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    or freezer and the leads brought out to the CBA V. The CBA V can perform a Power Pro? le, useful for designers working with solar charging systems on buoys and unmanned surface vehicles (USV). For very low currents, continuous or intermittent, the West Mountain Radio CBA HR (High Resolution)

  • MT Mar-24#38 have a lower nom- ment System) the batteries are individually)
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    cable, and to a battery by Powerpole® Connectors. Exploded view of an AGM lead-acid battery. ? Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) batteries have a lower nom- ment System) the batteries are individually balance charged inal cell voltage of 1.2v/cell. They can be recharged up to and balance discharged on the same two-wire

  • MT Mar-24#37 to a pressure-compen- sation system, thought must be given)
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    . Since the glass mat restrains the electrolyte, the AGM may be used in any orientation. For an AGM battery to be adapted to a pressure-compen- sation system, thought must be given to the introduction of a compensating ? uid other than electrolyte into the interior air-? lled voids of the cells. The

  • MT Mar-24#36 electrolyte. A and camera systems. PVC riser tube extended)
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    open to the sea The ocean lander used the batteries to power its LED lights at the top, ? led to the cat eye indicator with electrolyte. A and camera systems. PVC riser tube extended each cell and was ? lled with an im- Figure 3 James Cameron’s DEEPSEA CHALLENGER rests on its back on the deck of the

  • MT Mar-24#33 to Oil States’ Merlin riser systems were lift nodules into)
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    with Oil States Industries to calculate cost per tonne ? gures for prospective customers. Patania II uses jet water pumps to Oil States’ Merlin riser systems were lift nodules into a collection drum. successfully deployed on both the TMC / Allseas and JAMSTEC 2022 pilot projects. They also hold a world

  • MT Mar-24#32 from its pilot collection system test. pact, nodule collection)
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    FEATURE SEABED MINING by a sea? oor plume from its pilot collection system test. pact, nodule collection system that utilizes mechanical and The Metals Company recently signed a binding MoU with hydraulic technology. Paci? c Metals Corporation of Japan for a feasibility study on The company’s SMD

  • MT Mar-24#31 Allseas-designed production system consists of the Hidden)
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    The Allseas-designed production system consists of the Hidden Gem production vessel at the surface, an airlift riser system and jumper hose, and the pilot nodule collector vehicle at the sea? oor. Image courtesy of Allseas www.marinetechnologynews.com 31 MTR #3 (18-33).indd 31 4/4/2024 2:12:41

  • MT Mar-24#30 Barron. In-? eld collection system tri- height signi? cant)
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    lightest environmental impact,” says The Metals power umbilical. The LARS can operate in up to 3.5m wave Company CEO Gerard Barron. In-? eld collection system tri- height signi? cant. The physical connection and disconnection als conducted in 2022 where TMC collected 3,000 tonnes of between collector and

  • MT Mar-24#29 vessel’s launch and recovery system (LARS) which deploys)
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    which has a con- verted drillship, Hidden Gem, set up for nodule collection. Onboard technology developments include the vessel’s launch and recovery system (LARS) which deploys and recovers the col- lector and feeds its power and control um- www.marinetechnologynews.com 29 MTR #3 (18-33).indd 29 4/4/2024

  • MT Mar-24#25 2022, four months after HT-HH system differed; the volcano)
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    30 m of ash and sedi- TESMaP Makes it Mark 1331 nautical miles over 34 days. ment, added Skett. Impacts on the eco- In April 2022, four months after HT-HH system differed; the volcano was devoid erupted, scientists from NIWA and the of biology but features as close as 15 km Surfacing Subsea Discoveries Nippon

  • MT Mar-24#19 tion based on condition of CP system, Current drain (from der-prote)
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    2001. FORCE Technology’s SeaCorrTM software, it’s possible to easily identify issues such as hotspots including areas of un- tion based on condition of CP system, Current drain (from der-protection as well as the impact of CP current drain e.g., anodes on pipeline/structures to adjacent structures, e.g., drain

  • MT Mar-24#18 issues like coating (CP) systems offer only a momentary)
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    small ? eld gradients. In Conventional approaches to evaluating cathodic protection this process there is a risk that possible issues like coating (CP) systems offer only a momentary glimpse into their sta- damages are not discovered. This can happen because some tus. This limitation compels operators to

  • MT Mar-24#17 common form of measuring CP systems is known simply as ‘stabbing’)
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    determine issues with current drain to or from adjacent ci? c requirements of the maintenance plan. structures. The most common form of measuring CP systems is known simply as ‘stabbing’. It involves the use of a contact probe Field Gradient Technology (a.k.a., ‘CP stabber’) making direct contact measurement

  • MT Mar-24#15 currents, and storm condi- in Systems Engineering and Project)
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    for users who tend to operate in areas with drastic University and a Master of Engineering changes in water density, strong currents, and storm condi- in Systems Engineering and Project tions – such as the Gulf of Mexico or the Indian Ocean – the Management from Cornell University. Sentinel’s large buoyancy

  • MT Mar-24#11 mines, bottom Strikepod Systems, a research and strategic)
    March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 11

    the Author Bottom mines pose even greater chal- David R. Strachan is a defense analyst and founder of lenges. Unlike contact mines, bottom Strikepod Systems, a research and strategic advisory mines utilize a range of sensors to de- focusing on autonomous undersea systems. tect their prey – acoustic, magnetic

  • MT Mar-24#9 of lizing laser detection systems can detect mines just)
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    from marinas along the western coast. The exact number of lizing laser detection systems can detect mines just below the mines, as well as their locations, remains largely a mystery, surface, even those hiding in murky water. The Airborne Laser although reports suggest that over three hundred have been