Wilhelmsen’s automated boiler water maintenance solution - Digi Boiler receives DNV GL AIP

Granted an “Approval in Principle” (AIP), DNV GL and Wilhelmsen are currently working together towards a full type approval for the smart boiler water dosing system. Wilhelmsen also plans to qualify as an approved service supplier (AoSS) as part of the class society’s unique boiler monitoring (BMON) programme.
Press release |

Minimizing the risks associated with poor boiler water management, Wilhelmsen’s system monitors boiler water condition, dosing chemicals as and when they are needed. Delivering real-time condition monitoring, essential data is accessible to both the vessel’s crew and onshore staff, via a custom-made portal.

A seemingly perfect fit, the enhanced approach towards boiler management advocated by the DNV GL BMON class notation aims, like Wilhelmsen’s system, to negate the risk of corrosion and poor boiler water quality caused by inferior maintenance. In place since 2012, over 150 vessels have been granted DNV GL’s BMON classification, of those not a single one has reported any significant boiler condition issues.

Once having gained type approval and AoSS qualification, Wilhelmsen’scautomated water treatment systems can be used on DNV GL classed vessels, ascan alternative to periodic manual boiler water testing requirements for main class and BMON class notations. In addition, as vessels with BMON notation, equipped with Wilhelmsen’s system will benefit from a higher level of reliability, they could also benefit from greater flexibility in terms of manual testing and inspections.

Commenting on the agreement, Rune Nygaard, Business Manager Ventures, Wilhelmsen Ships Service says, “Working with DNV GL to receive this type approval and become a service supplier is ideal, as we share the same vision for boiler water management. Consistent, accurate monitoring and dosing helps eliminate the unnecessary risks of premature boiler deterioration or in the worst cases failure. Customers were desperate for a solution and we are delivering it.

Tested and refined with feedback from trial customers, the prototype system has benefitted from several upgrades, with improved sensors and better remote support meaning the final iteration of the system requires minimal hands-on maintenance.

“We are very pleased to have worked with Wilhelmsen in awarding this AIP,” said Hamid Farahany, DNV GL Principal engineer in the Hull, materials and machinery section based in Høvik. “With the BMON notation we have tried to make it easier for owners and operators to maintain their boiler plants in an optimal condition. Since its introduction, we have seen a very positive response and very good results from the vessels with the notation. Having approved systems like Wilhelmsen’s available to the market, will help to accelerate progress in this area.”

Working onboard seven different vessels for over a year Wilhelmsen is currently in advanced discussions with a number of companies looking to be first to equip their vessels with the production version of the system.

The Digi Boiler venture is currently on hold. We have received tremendous accolades and interest from a wide range of stakeholders and positive feedback from the early pilots. Nevertheless, in the course of the venture we have learned that certain Maritime IoT features need further development in order to make the Digi Boiler venture truly scalable. This being the case, we have decided to freeze the venture for now pending greater traction in the IoT space of the maritime industry. If this is a venture that continues to be of interest to you either as part of a bigger IoT play or as part of a particular industry engagement please do feel free to reach out to rune.nygaard@wilhelmsen.com or nakul.malhotra@wilhelmsen.com. We would be very happy to hear from you.