Sailing on a technology wave
Once the initial system was installed, the LOGIMATIC team continued to sail with the Danish Navy onboard the newly refitted HDMS ABSALON (L16). Testing and refining the infrastructure in real life scenarios throughout Norway and Scotland allowed for a collaborative effort to hone systems, hardware and protocols.
What was a heavy system of aged hardware and countless sub-systems had been upgraded with customised server based software and virtual machines at each user terminal. Easily accessed by assigned personnel and seamlessly delivering the content that is most relevant to each situation, the HDMS ABSALON (L16) had taken a giant leap forward from its fifteen year old self that had been hoisted into dry dock only months earlier. So-much-so that sister ship HDMS ESBERN SNARE (L17) was quickly approved for a complete technological overhaul.
“Any unforeseen downtime at sea can be dangerous, especially in potential combat situations,” shares Søren Præsius, Project Manager, Electrical Power and Automation, Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation.
“Having the ability to work on terminals with a consistent, lightning-quick speed can literally be a life or death situation. Our crew members are now empowered to quickly act, under any level of stress, with a system that is consistent and intuitive to use.”
Lowered cost of operation is also one of key benefits the Danish Navy has experienced as a result of the ThinManager implementation. Excessive and expensive-to-maintain hardware has been removed in place of more modern, efficient controls together with HMI software. ThinManager is also scalable to allow for any number of adaptations and necessary changes over the coming years, which translates to a reduction in costs especially when compared to the legacy system.
Security in any armed forces is paramount and nothing more so than a naval vessel at sea or dockside where all precautions need to be taken against malfunctions and the threat of outsiders bringing computers or USB’s onboard for example. LOGIMATIC implemented the ThinManager system to employ the highest of security measures. While the new system is still an ‘open system,’ the architecture makes executing protective means far more efficient and effective.
“We’ve seen a very positive impact on the entire Danish Navy via of this project,” says Søren Præsius. “The new technology provides a blueprint for improvements to be made throughout the rest of our fleet. The successful upgrades to both HDMS ABSALON and ESBERN SNARE has paved the way for enhancements to three of our Naval frigates. We’re looking forward to seeing what else we can accomplish together.”
The results mentioned above are specific to the Danish Navy’s use of Rockwell Automation products and services in conjunction with other products. Specific results may vary for other customers.
Trademark Information:
ThinManager, FactoryTalk View SE are trademarks of Rockwell Automation Inc.