Generator Parallel & Protection Upgrade on Jack-Up Vessel
Six Generator Synchronisation Upgrade
Monitor Systems has completed the upgrade of the generator control, protection and load sharing system on the Haeva jack-up rig, delivering a modern, reliable power management solution to support continued offshore operations.
The existing control system had reached the limits of its serviceable life, with ageing components and limited availability of spares presenting an increasing operational risk. The upgrade project focused on replacing the legacy control equipment with a modern, distributed maintainable system while ensuring the vessel's electrical distribution and protection philosophy remained compliant with the offshore operational requirements.
Detailed Survey and System Design
The project began with a comprehensive onboard survey, where a Monitor Systems Engineer reviewed the existing switchboard arrangement, generator control interfaces, and protection schemes. This initial assessment allowed the team to develop a detailed upgrade strategy that would integrate new control equipment with the vessel's existing generators, switchgear and engine governors.
Following the survey, the engineering team produced updated system drawings, IO Lists, functional design specification and system integration plans, ensuring the new solution would provide improved reliability while maintaining compatibility with the existing plant.
In-House Build and Factory Acceptance Testing
The upgraded generator control system was designed, built and tested in-house at Monitor Systems' facilities. The system incorporated modern controllers to provide stable paralleling and reliable protection of the vessel's power plant.
Before delivery, the system underwent a full Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) where all key functions were verified, including:.
- Generator starting and synchronisation
- Automatic load sharing between generators
- Busbar protection and generator protection functions
- System alarms, interlocks and fail-safe behaviour
This process ensured the system was fully validated before installation, minimising time required offshore.
Installation and Commissioning
Following successful FAT, Monitor Systems engineers travelled to the Netherlands to carry out the installation and commissioning works onboard the Haeva vessel.
The upgrade was carefully executed to minimise disruption to vessel operations. The team installed the new control equipment, integrated it with the existing generator, engine and switchboard systems, and carried out a series of live commissioning tests to confirm correct operation under real operating conditions.
Final testing, which was witnessed by DNV, included generator synchronisation, load transfer between machines, and full protection verification, ensuring the upgraded system delivered safe and stable power management across the vessel's electrical network.
Supporting Long-Term Reliability
The new generator control system provides the vessel with a modern, maintainable and highly reliable power management solution, ensuring stable operation of the generator plant and improved protection of critical electrical infrastructure.
“Upgrading generator control and paralleling systems requires careful planning, detailed engineering and precise execution. Our team worked closely with the client to deliver a modern control solution that improves reliability while integrating seamlessly with the existing plant.”
This project reflects Monitor Systems' continued expertise in power management systems, generator control and offshore electrical upgrades, supporting marine and offshore operators with practical solutions that extend the life and reliability of critical assets.
