Kongsberg Maritime Alarm Annunciator Upgrade

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Alarm logic upgrade from Omniflex contributes to efficient technology for sustainable oceans.

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The Challenge: Outdated Alarm Systems in Need of an Upgrade

The aging MPAS90 alarm annunciators were no longer functional and lacked the support they needed to maintain compliance with evolving safety regulations. In addition, the replacement system had to:

The Solution: Omniflex's Omni16R Alarm Logic Racks

The Result: A Smooth, Successful Upgrade

Posted by Darren Barratt on Thursday, November 7. 2024

When Kongsberg Maritime needed to update a number of obsolete legacy alarm annunciators, they chose a solution from Omniflex. At Kongsberg Maritime, a division of the renowned Kongsberg Group, safety and operational reliability are paramount. Like many industries reliant on complex systems, the company faced a challenge with aging technology: the MPAS90 alarm annunciators, used to monitor critical alarms on vessels, were failing, and support for these legacy units had long since been discontinued by the original manufacturer.

To ensure the vessels continued to operate safely and efficiently, Kongsberg Maritime needed a solution that met modern safety standards, was easy to implement, and would seamlessly integrate with their existing systems. At this point they turned to Omniflex, a leading provider of alarm and monitoring solutions, for an upgrade that would address their needs without compromising on quality or reliability.

(The obsolete Highland/Rochester MPAS90 alarm annunciator logic rack).

Fit within the existing space of the obsolete units.

Drive existing alarm indicators without requiring additional hardware.

Comply with the latest safety standards, specifically IEC61508 SIL1.

Minimize disruption to operations, allowing for an upgrade with minimal downtime.

Kongsberg Maritime needed a solution that would enhance the reliability and safety of their systems while avoiding the costly and time-consuming process of overhauling the entire infrastructure.

(The new Omni16R alarm annunciator logic rack installed)

Omniflex's Omni16R alarm logic units, which are IEC61508 SIL1 certified, were identified as the perfect solution for this retrofit. Designed as a direct replacement for the MPAS90 units, the Omni16R was well proven as an upgrade path for similar systems, making it the ideal choice.

Key features of the Omniflex solution included:

Seamless Retrofit: The Omni16R was designed to fit into the existing footprint of the MPAS90 units, eliminating the need for panel modifications. This ensured a smooth transition without disrupting ongoing vessel operations.

Safety and Compliance: With SIL1 certification, the Omniflex system met the latest industry standards for safety, ensuring that alarm monitoring continued to function reliably and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.

Reliable Performance: The Omni16R was specifically built to drive existing alarm indicators, offering a direct and cost-effective solution without the need for additional equipment.

The solution provided Kongsberg Maritime with an easy-to-implement, reliable upgrade that ensured continued operational efficiency without the need for extensive downtime or system overhauls.

The feedback from Wayne Jackson, Project Engineer at Kongsberg Maritime, reflects the success of the project:

“We’ve completed all our testing of annunciators onboard the vessel without any need for any modifications, your professional service was 5 star. The retrofit process was completed smoothly, with no modifications required to the vessel’s control panels. The Omniflex Omni16R alarm annunciators fit perfectly within the existing infrastructure, allowing for a hassle-free installation and testing phase. The quality of the supplied equipment was exceptional, ensuring that the alarm systems on Kongsberg Maritime’s vessels would continue to meet the highest safety and operational standards"

Jackson added,

“I was very pleased at how quick and easy the changeover was. The Omniflex supplied alarm annunciator panels were of excellent quality. Perfect retrofit for our ageing equipment. The successful upgrade of Kongsberg Maritime’s alarm annunciator systems is a testament to the reliability and quality of Omniflex solutions. By providing a system that seamlessly integrated with existing infrastructure and met all safety and operational requirements, Omniflex helped Kongsberg Maritime maintain its reputation for safety, reliability, and innovation in the maritime industry"

For Kongsberg Maritime, the project was a clear example of how efficient technology and expert service can contribute to sustainable operations—all while reducing the environmental and operational impact of system upgrades.This project also highlights the importance of working with a partner who understands the technical demands of the maritime industry and can provide solutions that are not only high in quality but also easy to implement, reliable, and cost-effective. With the successful upgrade of their alarm logic systems, Kongsberg Maritime is poised to continue shaping the future of maritime technology—efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

At Omniflex, we’re proud to play a part in the technological advancements that help drive sustainability in the oceans, supporting companies like Kongsberg Maritime as they lead the way forward. Ready to learn more about our solutions for maritime operations? Contact us today to discuss how we can help optimize your systems for the future.

To find out how your business could benefit from Omniflex’s alarm management capability please click here.

January '25