Danelec is announcing the launch of its new Remote Operational Performance Test service at SMM 2024 . A significant enhancement to its VDR  remote services suite, Safety Insights, this unique new service allows ship operators to perform mandatory VDR operational performance tests remotely, reducing the burden on vessel crews while ensuring continuous compliance with SOLAS.

The new Danelec Remote OPT is a software-as-a-service solution designed to simplify the workflows required of ship owners under the Operation Requirement Resolution MSC.333(90) and IEC 61996-1 ed.2, which states that all VDRs installed after July 1, 2014, must support an operational performance test (OPT). This test, usually performed by the onboard engineering team annually or after sensor and VDR maintenance work, is essential to ensure all VDR data is recorded correctly.

Christian Kock, EVP Safety at Danelec, commented, “The launch of Remote OPT expands our advanced portfolio of services for configuring, maintaining and testing VDRs from shore, reflecting our commitment to providing ship owners with tools to enhance compliance and operational efficiency. By enabling remote VDR performance testing, we are helping to reduce the workload on crews and ensure that our customers’ fleets remain compliant and operationally sound.”

The new Remote OPT, for the first time, enables managers and technicians to initiate and complete operational performance tests from shore. It transfers responsibility from the crew on board and simplifies the testing process, in addition to ensuring that all documentation is readily accessible onshore. The process reduces the burden on crew and aids in maintaining a vessel’s operational license, helping to avoid VDR downtime and potential sanctions including fines or port detention.

Remote OPT is the latest addition to Danelec’s Safety Insights suite, which features remote services designed to improve safety and reduce operational expenses, such as real-time VDR health monitoring, remote configuration, and instant access to recorded data for incident investigation. The browser-based Danelec platform ensures accessibility to Safety Insights from any device without local installation, unlocking an efficient approach to compliance and diagnostics for VDR installations.

Further, by pairing Remote OPT with Danelec’s VDR alarm monitoring service, operators gain an indispensable tool for verifying the seamless operation of the VDR. This proactive approach ensures reliability, allowing for quick detection and rectification of potential issues, thereby improving both safety and efficiency across the fleet.