Crowley Maritime has installed a remote monitoring software package on one of its tugs operating out of Seattle, as a trial for possible future applications aboard larger company vessels.

Installed on tugboat Guide, the Cat Asset Intelligence software will monitor not only the vessel’s main engines but also generators, thrusters and critical systems, thereby advising on both fuel performance and any engine or equipment condition requiring preventative maintenance.

The Caterpillar Marine Asset Intelligence team will then use the aggregated data and automated analytics to provide advisory and management reports on ship operations and management.

“Guide is a four-man boat, which means the chief engineer also serves as a deckhand when he’s on duty,” said Bill Metcalf, vp of Strategic Engineering for Crowley Maritime. “This technology will make his job easier. And as it’s accessible for our engineering staff, adding another set of eyes on the vessel, another level of comfort for the captain and operations team.”