A RAM extension to enhance ship planned maintenance system

This study develops a knowledge-based planned maintenance system (PMS) supported by reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) analysis. The system enables maintenance plan revisions based on the data analysis which calculates instant RAM values and predicts the future trends. The visualised data is monitored to support decisions at both the operational and management level. The proposed system is demonstrated with the periodical data of the main engine installed onboard a container ship. Particularly, the data visualization is conducted on fuel injection valves. The results illustrate that the enhanced PMS system adds value to the timely and effective planning of routine and non-routine maintenance tasks onboard ships. Considering the existing potential of PMS applications onboard ships, the RAM analysis provides reasonable contributions to ship engine room crew and technical managers. The further study focuses on developing a maintenance planning app to digitalise the process and to strengthen compliance with ISM Code Clause 10 and TMSA 4A.4 requirements.