Member Article

Technology keeps a close i on marine performance

New technology designed and developed in the North East is set to help a Newcastle firm reinforce its position as a market leader in marine engineering.

Royston’s new engine_i_ fuel and engine monitoring system uses a web-based management system and GPS technology to enable owners and operators of large ships to reduce fuel usage and engine maintenance costs.

engine_i_ also uses sensors to monitor the performance and status of ships’ engines, allowing potential problems to be identified and corrected before they become a serious issue, as well as helping to reduce the carbon footprint created by each journey made.

Royston’s development since 2007 has been backed by a six-figure investment from NEL Capital, the specialist venture capital arm of regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers Ltd.

Lawrence Brown, Managing Director of Royston, said: “engine_i_ is a real landmark for us, and provides a simple way in which operators of large vessels can address a number of economic and environmental issues. “Providing this depth of real-time information gives the chance to make immediate adjustments to an engine’s operation, as well as the opportunity to plan out and reduce future maintenance time.”

Nick Edgar, investment executive at NEL Capital, adds: “The engine_i_ system offers huge potential for both Royston and its customers, and is yet another example of north east innovation leading to business success.

“Providing this sort of investment support for companies like Royston is crucial to the health of the regional economy, especially in the current climate, and NEL remains very active in its search for growing local companies with strong management teams and robust business plans.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .