ULSTEIN AUTOMATION solutions

ULSTEIN automation solutions are three marine automation systems built on one platform, X-CONNECT®: the Integrated Automation System (IAS), the Power Management System (PMS) and the Energy Management System (EMS). They are delivered for both newbuild and retrofit projects. The platform scales from small fishing vessels to large expedition cruise ships, and is in service on offshore, cable-laying, cruise and fishing vessels. See references here. 

X-CONNECT® is the marine automation platform that ULSTEIN IAS, PMS, EMS and AMS are built on. It combines standard marine-approved hardware with configurable software, so each system is set up for the vessel without writing software from scratch. All systems share one user interface, one network and one set of engineering tools, and work together as one system on board. X-CONNECT® is developed within the Ulstein group.

• Distributed design: control is spread across independent controllers. No central server is needed to keep the vessel running, so a single fault stays local.
• Configurable software: systems are built from a library of standard, proven components. This shortens engineering and commissioning, and makes later changes easier.
• Scalable: the same platform is used on small fishing vessels and on large offshore and cruise vessels. Systems can be extended after delivery.
• Hardware independent: the platform runs on standard, off-the-shelf hardware that is available worldwide, so components can be replaced one by one as they age.
• Built to last: software updates and new features can be installed remotely on the existing hardware.
• Cyber security: ULSTEIN IAS, PMS, EMS and AMS hold DNV Type Approval for Cyber Security Essential (SP1).
• User interface:  an award-winning interface, with a day and a dusk colour palette, used across all systems.

Each system has its own job. The IAS monitors and controls the vessel's systems, such as ballast, bilge, cargo, propulsion and alarms. The PMS controls power generation and distribution: generators, circuit breakers, load sharing and blackout prevention. The EMS controls battery energy storage, deciding when batteries charge, discharge or act as backup power. All three share the same X-CONNECT® interface, so the crew works with one way of operating.

No. You choose the systems your vessel needs. ULSTEIN PMS can be delivered on its own or together with ULSTEIN IAS. ULSTEIN EMS is only relevant if the vessel has battery storage, and works together with ULSTEIN PMS. ULSTEIN IAS can also monitor and control a PMS from another supplier.

Yes. All three systems are available for retrofit. The new system can be introduced in phases alongside the existing one, so you avoid replacing everything at once. A scheduled yard stay is often a good time to do it. We assess the scope and approach for each vessel. Ageing automation systems are more likely to suffer part failures, so planning the upgrade early reduces the risk of unplanned downtime. Explore upgrade options

Yes. ULSTEIN IAS, PMS, EMS and AMS hold DNV Type Approval for Cyber Security Essential (SP1), certificate no. TAA00003W8. The computer and network hardware is marine type approved to IEC 60945. The system design supports the segmentation and redundancy class societies require for safety-critical systems.

The systems run on standard marine-approved hardware, so individual components can be replaced without replacing the whole system. Software updates and new features can be installed remotely on the existing hardware. Secure remote access through a VPN connection allows remote diagnostics and support. When needed, our service engineers support you on site. On-site support.

The cost depends on the scope. The main factors are which systems you need, the number of signals and connected equipment, the redundancy and segmentation your class notation requires, the number of operator stations, and whether it is a newbuild or a retrofit. Contact us with your vessel type and requirements for an estimate.