SpiraTec Group delivers high-performance systems for international shipbuilding
Speyer, September 17, 2025 – Technology meets challenge: Under the strict conditions of international shipbuilding and the associated high demands, the SpiraTec Group, as a key supplier to TGE Marine Gas Engineering GmbH, has developed and manufactured the complete switchgear technology for controlling complex liquefied gas processes for state-of-the-art multi-gas carriers. The project impressively underscores the successful cross-company collaboration within the SpiraTec Group – always with a focus on tailor-made solutions in the customer’s interest.
For the international deployment of advanced multi-gas carriers for Fortitude Shipping Pte Ltd, built at the Chinese shipyard Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., LTD, SpiraTec Group delivered the complete switchgear technology for controlling challenging liquefied gas processes, as well as engineering and software development. The ships, each with a cargo capacity of 24,000 m³, are designed for transporting LEG, LPG, ammonia, and VCM, meeting the highest safety and performance standards. The successful implementation was carried out in cooperation between onoff automation services gmbh, a subsidiary of SpiraTec AG, and the Line of Business Industrial Automation Solutions (IAS) of SpiraTec AG.
Heiko Kröber, Vice President IAS, SpiraTec AG and Managing Director of onoff automation services gmbh, explains the cross-company project: “The core of the project was the development of a highly available control solution that reliably maps both gas handling and central safety-relevant processes. Among other things, a redundant Control and Alarm System (CAS), an Emergency Shutdown System (ESD), and customized switchboards were used – all manufactured individually for each ship.”
Engineering was carried out by the IAS of SpiraTec AG – from creating circuit diagrams to implementing the individual control concepts and visualizations developed with TGE Marine, all the way through software programming, simulation, and the still pending commissioning. onoff automation services gmbh complemented this scope of services with professional switchgear construction, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT). “Through the close integration of both areas of expertise, a complex automation project could be realized reliably, efficiently, and with the highest technical precision,” emphasizes Heiko Kröber.
Complexity under extreme conditions
The limited space on board, international classification according to DNV, ABS, LR, BV, RINA, etc. as well as operation in potentially explosive areas, impose high demands on the required solutions.
In this project, classification was carried out according to BV class rules:
- Switchboards with 2x 3,000 A, modular design, compact for maximum space efficiency.
- Control and Alarm System & ESD System with highly available redundant control architecture, MRP ring, H-CPUs, explosion-proof components, and worldwide remote access via VPN in accordance with IACS UR E26/E27.
- Safety architecture in accordance with SIL 2 standards with intrinsically safe sensor/actuator components.
- Simulation of all challenging processes with WinMOD – for early error detection and practical testing in the software FAT.
Safe & ready for worldwide deployment
Thanks to global remote access via satellite connection, the system is future-proof and particularly maintenance-friendly, designed for the highest demands at sea. The standardized software architecture with user-friendly faceplates also enables intuitive operation and flexible adaptation, while ensuring maximum process safety.
The tight project schedule as well as the highest requirements for documentation, execution, and choice of materials were met – all switchgear cabinets and software were completed, tested, and made ready for export on time.
More information about the companies involved can be found at: www.spiratec.com, www.onoff-gmbh.com and www.tge-marine.com
