Thermal imaging cameras help oil tankers navigate safely

by FLIR on 29 May 2014 Navigating an oil tanker in open water is very challenging. It becomes even more difficult and dangerous when this needs to be done in ice infested waters.

Shipping companies are more and more concerned about the safety of ice-class tankers during sub-zero operation and are looking for equipment that can help to detect ice in arctic waters from a far distance so that collisions can be avoided. This growing concern is reinforced by the Oil Companies International Maritime Forum (OCIMF) recommendations.

Based on OCIMF recommendations, TMS Tankers decided therefore to install a FLIR Systems thermal imaging camera on board of two oil tankers that are operating in ice infested waters.

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), formed in April 1970 in response to the growing public concern about marine pollution, particularly by oil, after the Torrey Canyon incident in 1967 is a voluntary association of oil companies with an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas. Its mission is to be the foremost authority on the safe and environmentally responsible operation of oil tankers, terminals and offshore support vessels. The OCIMF promotes continuous improvements in design standards and operation.

Late 2010 the OCIMF wrote a recommendation in its 'Ship Inspection Report Program', a standardized inspection report program among members of OCIMF, mentioning the installation of a 'thermal infrared camera' for ice detection on the foremast of ships operating in 'sub zero conditions'

Ice is not always easy to detect in arctic waters. Also not by radar. Smaller pieces are even harder to detect by radar. This is particularly true in heavy sea conditions where the radar returns from ice floes may be lost in the so-called 'sea clutter', which means that the waves show up on the radar image, making it difficult to distinguish between ice and the waves. During the daylight hours the inability of radar to detect ice in certain conditions can be compensated by visual inspection.

In the long polar nights this task becomes very difficult due to the lack of light and even during those scarce hours of daylight the visibility might be restricted by fog or snow.

In the nighttime the combination of darkness and fog or snow can limit the capability of regular eyesight to detect ice hazards even further. The searchlight only illuminates objects in the narrow path of its light beam. A thermal imaging camera presents a much wider view, resulting in better situational awareness.

TMS Tankers is part of Cardiff Marine Inc. and has established a reputation in the international shipping industry for operating and maintaining a fleet with high standards of performance, reliability and safety. It manages a fleet in excess of six million deadweight and is one of the largest Greek based tanker operators.

Based on the recommendations of the OCIMF, TMS Tankers, decided to equip two of its vessels that are operating in ice infested waters, with a thermal imaging camera. Prime Ltd., a FLIR distribution partner that operates within the Greek territory, supplied TMS Tankers with two FLIR M-625XP thermal imaging cameras.

TMS Tankers chose for the FLIR M-625XP. It is equipped with an uncooled, maintenance free, Vanadium Oxide (VOx) detector that produces crisp thermal images of 640 x 480 pixels on which the smallest of details can be seen. It needs no light whatsoever to produce crisp images. Image quality was an important but not the only criterion in the purchasing process. TMS Tankers needed to be sure that the thermal imaging cameras would be operating in harsh arctic conditions.

The FLIR M-625XP operates between -25°C and +55°C. It is also equipped with a heating system that avoids ice to grow on the lens. It delivers a sharp, contrasted thermal image even in arctic conditions.

Seeing as far as possible to increase situational awareness
The FLIR M-625XP thermal imaging cameras were installed on the bow of the mast of the oil tankers as recommended by OCIMF. This is the highest point where also the navigational lights are installed. Installed in this high position, the FLIR M-625XP can overlook a large part of the ocean in front and beside the vessels.

In both cases, the thermal images that are generated by the FLIR M-625XP can be seen on a LCD display that is installed on the bridge of the tanker.

The thermal images on the screen immediately show the captain and crew if and where there is ice so that they can more safely navigate through the ice fields. The intuitive Joystick Control Unit (JCU) has been integrated in the bridge. The JCU allows for easy access to all the features that are integrated in the FLIR M-625XP. It allows for panning the camera 360° continuously and for tilting it.

The FLIR M-Series' Joystick Control Unit (JCU) is esthetically incorporate in the bridge. The JCU presents all of the camera's commands right underneath your fingertips and with a simple tap of the finger you can easily pan and tilt the camera to employ the camera's 360° pan and +/-90° tilt reach. The ergonomic design of the JCU allows easy and intuitive operation, according to Bach.

'The FLIR M-Series thermal imaging camera is very easy to use, especially if you compare it to other navigational tools like the radar. Operating a FLIR thermal imaging camera is very intuitive, whereas radar can be more complicated at times, since it does not provide visual FLIR website