India is set to introduce the world's first homegrown technology for monitoring marine engine conditions, marking a significant milestone in maritime innovation. The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Neptunus Power Plant have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring this advancement to the global shipping industry.

This collaboration was highlighted during Maritime India Week 2025, with the Prime Minister of India in attendance, aligning with national initiatives for self reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and developed India (Viksit Bharat).

Under the agreement, IRS has issued Type Approval Certification to Neptunus for two key systems: VIB 360, designed for comprehensive engine condition monitoring, and Torque Sense SHAPOLI, a specialized torque measurement tool. These represent the inaugural IRS approved, fully indigenous solutions for overseeing marine diesel engines and propulsion setups.

The certification underscores India's proficiency in creating maritime technologies that adhere to international standards and are ready for export, all developed domestically.

Conventional ship maintenance relies on rigid schedules dictated by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), which can be costly and overly cautious. The VIB 360 enables a transition to Condition Based Maintenance (CBM), leveraging live data to assess engine status in real time.

This method minimizes unexpected breakdowns, boosts operational dependability, and can lower maintenance expenses by as much as 30 percent, according to prior implementations. It also enhances fuel economy and curbs emissions, contributing to India's ambitions for digital maritime advancement and eco friendly shipping.

The partnership seeks to establish fresh guidelines and protocols for CBM practices. Such developments are poised to elevate fleet reliability, prolong equipment lifespan, and promote environmentally responsible maritime operations.

Uday Purohit, Managing Director and CEO of Neptunus, emphasized that the MoU with IRS reflects trust in India's technical expertise and its potential to influence worldwide maritime trends. He noted that the approval validates the nation's ability to produce sophisticated, analytics driven solutions that enhance safety, performance, and consistency across international vessels.

Akshay Purohit, Director and COO of Neptunus, described the pact as a pivotal move to integrate CBM into standard procedures within India's shipping sector. He highlighted how domestic ingenuity paired with data analysis can decrease interruptions, optimize fuel use, and lengthen engine durability.

For seafarers and marine engineers, understanding these technologies is crucial for modern vessel management. Traditional fixed interval servicing often leads to unnecessary work or overlooked issues. CBM, powered by systems like VIB 360, involves installing sensors to track vibrations, temperatures, pressures, and other parameters continuously.

Vibration analysis in VIB 360 detects early signs of wear, such as bearing failures or misalignment, allowing crews to schedule repairs during planned port calls rather than emergency stops. Torque Sense SHAPOLI monitors shaft power and efficiency, aiding in overload prevention and fuel optimization, which is vital for compliance with regulations like the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).

Training on these tools includes interpreting dashboards, setting alarm thresholds, and integrating data with shipboard planned maintenance systems (PMS). This shift not only reduces costs but also empowers engine room teams to make informed decisions, preventing accidents from mechanical failures.

In practice, adopting CBM requires crew familiarization through onboard drills and simulations. For instance, during routine watches, engineers can review trend graphs to predict component degradation. This proactive approach aligns with SOLAS requirements for machinery safety and supports IMO goals for reduced greenhouse gases.

India's innovation positions its maritime workforce at the forefront of sustainable practices. Seafarers trained in these indigenous systems gain skills transferable to global fleets, enhancing career prospects. Educational modules should cover sensor installation, data calibration, cybersecurity for connected devices, and troubleshooting false alerts.

By mastering VIB 360 and Torque Sense SHAPOLI, marine professionals contribute to safer seas, lower operational risks, and greener voyages. This technology exemplifies how local development can drive international standards, benefiting engine departments worldwide.

**Resource:** Based on announcements from marineinsight.com