Operational clarity at a glance■
The PEM-4 Propulsion Efficiency Monitoring System is a dedicated touchscreen interface that provides real-time insight into vessel propulsion performance and fuel efficiency. It visualizes processed data such as fuel consumption, shaft power, speed, thrust, and efficiency indicators, enabling crews to directly assess operational performance during operation. The PEM-4 operates in combination with the SPU-3 Signal Processing Unit, which collects and processes data from flowmeters, torque and thrust sensors, GPS, speed logs, and auxiliary systems. Through clear dashboards, diagrams, and KPIs such as SFOC and EEOI, the PEM-4 supports informed operational decision-making on board. Designed for use on the bridge or in the engine control room, the PEM-4 delivers reliable, continuous performance insight in demanding marine environments.
Intuitive touch interface
The PEM-4 features a clear, marine-grade touchscreen interface that provides direct access to key propulsion and efficiency data. Its structured menu layout allows crews to navigate quickly between engines, propulsion, alarms, and system diagnostics with minimal training.
Real-time performance monitoring
Displays live data including fuel consumption, shaft power, torque, vessel speed, and thrust, enabling immediate insight into actual operating conditions. All values are continuously updated to reflect real-time vessel behavior during operation.
Decision-support dashboards
Includes engine load diagrams, power/speed curves, efficiency indicators, and reference curves to support operational decision-making. These visual tools help crews identify inefficiencies, overload conditions, and deviations from optimal performance.
Multi-location visualization
The PEM-4 can be installed on the bridge, in the engine control room, or in multiple locations simultaneously via Ethernet. This allows consistent performance visibility for both navigation and engineering teams.
Marine-proven design
Designed specifically for maritime environments, the PEM-4 operates reliably under continuous duty conditions. The system is suitable for installation in control panels and cabinets and is built for long-term onboard operation.
integrated alarm & diagnostics interface
Provides centralized alarm visualization, alarm logging, and access to raw sensor signals. This allows crews to quickly detect sensor faults, signal failures, or abnormal operating conditions and respond without delay.
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Why choose PEM-4
The PEM-4 is designed to support operational decision-making by turning high-resolution propulsion data into directly usable performance insight. By visualizing measured values rather than calculated estimates, the system provides crews with an accurate representation of actual engine and vessel behavior under all operating conditions.
The strength of the PEM-4 lies in its ability to reveal efficiency losses that are not visible through conventional engine monitoring, such as changes in propulsive efficiency, hull condition, or engine loading. By comparing real-time data with reference curves and efficiency indicators, crews can immediately identify suboptimal operation and adjust speed, load, or routing accordingly.
In daily operation, the PEM-4 supports fuel-efficient sailing, reduced emissions, and consistent performance monitoring across voyages. Over time, the collected and visualized data forms a reliable basis for performance analysis, optimization strategies, and regulatory reporting, making the PEM-4 a practical tool throughout the vessel’s operational lifecycle.
Operational monitoring
- Touchscreen interface for real-time visualization of propulsion and fuel data
- Displays fuel consumption per engine, per consumer and total vessel
- Shows shaft power, RPM, vessel speed and engine load
- Centralized alarm overview and raw signal visualization
- Designed for use on bridge or engine control room
Efficiency monitoring made easy
- Visualizes efficiency KPI’s calculated by the SPU-3
- Displays fuel efficiency per hour, per nautical mile and per kWh
- Shows SFOC (g/kWh), EEOI (kg, O₂/ton NM) and propulsion efficiency
- Power/speed and engine load diagrams for performance assessment
- Supports comparison against reference and sea trial curves
Ready for integration
- Seamless connection to SPU-3 via Ethernet
- Supports multiple PEM-4 displays on one vessel
- Compatible with onboard networks and external software platforms
- Suitable for both newbuild and retrofit installations
- Configuration and commissioning supported by VAF Instruments
Frequently Asked Questions■
Ship data and maritime data analytics play a key role in understanding and improving vessel performance. By continuously collecting real-time operational and technical data—such as fuel consumption, power, speed, and efficiency indicators—operators gain objective insight into how a vessel is actually performing at any given moment. When this data is reliably acquired, structured, and analysed, it supports efficient operation, emissions control, and informed decision-making at both vessel and fleet level.
The PEM-4 and SPU-3 together form a practical solution for turning onboard sensor data into actionable performance insight. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the PEM-4 system, its functionality, and its role within a propulsion efficiency monitoring setup.
What is the PEM-4 Propulsion Efficiency Monitoring system?
The PEM-4 is a marine-grade touchscreen interface that visualizes propulsion, fuel consumption, and efficiency data in real time. It presents processed data from the SPU-3 in clear dashboards, diagrams, and KPIs for operational use on board.
What role does the PEM-4 play within the PEM-4 + SPU-3 system?
Within the system architecture, the PEM-4 functions as the operator interface, while all signal processing and calculations are performed by the SPU-3. The PEM-4 displays validated data and performance indicators without altering or recalculating sensor signals.
What type of data is shown on the PEM-4?
The PEM-4 displays fuel consumption, shaft power, torque, RPM, vessel speed, thrust (if available), and efficiency indicators such as SFOC, EEOI, and propulsion efficiency, Data can be shown per engine, per consumer, or for the total vessel.
Is the PEM-4 suitable for both single- and twin-screw vessels?
Yes. The PEM-4 supports both single- and twin-screw propulsion configurations when connected to the appropriate sensors and SPU-3 setup. All value are visualized per shaft line and as combined totals where applicable.
Where can the PEM-4 be installed on board?
The PEM-4 can be installed on the bridge, in the engine control room, or in other control panels on board. Multiple PEM-4 touchscreens can be connected to one SPU-3 via Ethernet for simultaneous visualization at different locations.
Does the PEM-4 store or log data?
The PEM-4 itself focuses on real-time visualization and user interaction. Data logging and external data transfer are handled by the SPU-3 via Modbus or Ethernet connections to onboard or shore-based systems.
How does the PEM-4 support efficient vessel operation?
The SPU-3 supports acquisition of:
By continuously visualizing efficiency KPIs, engine load diagrams, and power/speed relationships, the PEM-4 allows crews to immediately assess the impact of operational decisions. This supports fuel-efficient sailing, reduced emissions, and consistent performance monitoring.
Can the PEM-4 be used in retrofit projects?
Yes. The PEM-4 is suitable for both newbuild and retrofit installations and can be integrated into existing propulsion monitoring systems when combined with the appropriate SPU-3 configuration and sensors.
How are alarms handled on the PEM-4?
All system and sensor-related alarms are clearly displayed on the PEM-4 touchscreen. Alarms are logged and can be reviewed by the crew, enabling fast diagnostics and transparent system monitoring.
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