Tech Features

Digitalizing Fuel Efficiency over Engine Efficiency: Integrating Technology to Measure Consumption

Published

12 months ago

October 9, 2024

By: Rob Mortimer, Director, Fuelre4m

Modern ships are already starting to bristle with technology to measure vessel efficiency, yet one thing stands out over all the results, tech and noise. The importance of the efficiency of fuel isn’t quite understood or calculated. You’ll hear reference back to SFOC (Specific Fuel Oil Consumption) at any time fuel consumption is measured, yet while the principal is right, the measuring and calculating is far from ideal.

Heavy Fuel Oil has an energy density of between 39MJ/kg and 42MJ/kg when burnt. That’s a wide range and depends very much on the source and quality of the fuel. How is it stored, transferred, settled, heated and purified to remove pollutants, particulate, water and reduce the ‘drop’ size to help with better atomisation when introduced into the engine. Large drops of fuel don’t fully combust in the engine. They undergo secondary combustion and turn into heat energy and emissions. Our goal, and what should be the goal of the whole shipping industry, irrelevant of fuel, vessel size and function, should be to be able to account for every drop of fuel consumed.

The Fuel System Lockdown:

MFM Bunker to Bunker

The first challenge is to know and agree what is being bunkered onto the vessel in the first place. To know the mass of the bunker, we must be using a correctly ranged Mass Flow Meter.

MFM Bunker to Settling Tank

When using Fuelre4m’s Re4mx Fueloil re4mulator, we need to dose the correct amount of product for the weight of fuel that is being treated either in the bunker or in the settling tank.

MFM Settling to Purification

Having a mass flow meter after the settling and before purification isn’t wholly necessary, but can be beneficial in understanding the temperature and density of transferred fuel, as well as understanding what the percentage of water and waste material has been lost to this point.

MFM Before Mixing Column, Pre Main Engine – Fuel In

This is the last reference check point of the fuel before it is injected into the engine. What will be reported as accurately as possible from this point will be how much fuel by weight is now passing through for combustion.

MFM Post Main Engine – Fuel Out

To understand the fuel consumption of the main engine, it’s important to be able to measure as close to the Fuel In and Fuel Out points as possible. Fuel consumption of the Main Engine should be as simple as MFM IN minus MFM OUT.

Torque / Shaft Power Meter

So, we’ve locked down the mass of the fuel flowing into the engine, now how do we measure the power produced? Despite how it sounds, a torque meter does not measure torque. It simply measures time and distance. As forces against the propellor change, the amount of power needed to maintain the same turning speed will also change, and the propellor shaft with ‘twist’ with torque.

Why is the ranging important? Because the maximum power rating of the engine changes depending on the quality of the fuel and the energy it can release.

If your fuel produces 1kWh for 160g, 1000kg of fuel will produce 6,250kWh of power. If your fuel produces 1kWh for 180g, 1000kg of fuel will produce only 5,550kWh of power. If the maximum Fuel In capacity of the engine, from where the power rating is calculated, is 1000kg, your maximum power rating of that engine, and with it, the SFOC, has now changed.

Power Cards / Power Curves

The taking of indicator cards, allows the ship’s engineer to receive more information about the combustion process (via the draw or out of phase card), measure the cylinder power output of the engine (via the power cards), and check the cleanliness of the scavenging process (via the light spring diagram).

For the purposes of measuring the efficiency of the fuel, the power cards can be used to calculate the energy release of the fuel. This can then be used to build an algorithm to ‘range’ or adjust the power readings from the torque meter to the quality of the fuel.

MFM Auxiliary Engines – Fuel In

The auxiliary engines, strangely, are probably the easiest to prove fuel efficiency and the efficiency of the fuel on. Why? Because they’re generating electrical power that can easily be measured.

MFM Auxiliary Engines – Fuel In

A common fuel flow in and fuel flow out MFM will suffice if all of the auxiliary engines are sharing a common fuel flow system.

Auxiliary Engines – Constant Power Meter

Being able to monitor the amount of power produced at a given moment is not enough. Electrical loads can vary, and at the time once an hour that the kW reading is taken, or the kWh counter is recorded, the load just two seconds later could change. The fuel consumption for 100kWh over 3 minutes is vastly different than 100kWh over 1 hour.

Boilers & Cargo Offload Systems

Some vessels use boilers to generate steam power, running off the same fuel as the main engines. It is important to lock down all fuel consumers to understand where the fuel is being consumed.

MFM Boiler – Fuel In

Often fed straight from the settling tank without needing to go through further purification, the boiler directly combusts the fuel to generate steam from water.

To be able to calculate the boiler and fuel efficiency, we now need to firstly look at how much fuel in mass is being consumed.

Volumetric or MFM – Water In

Fresh water has a very well-known density of 1g per ml, but this is also affected by temperature. The use of a temperature compensated mass flow meter will improve accuracy of water used to produce the required steam.

Recordable Pressure Gauge

The last variable? How much water and fuel is being used to produce the same amount of steam pressure.

Tech Features

Sustainable AI Practices Driving Ethical and Green Tech

Published

1 month ago

August 12, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Mansour Al Ajmi, CEO of X-Shift

Sustainable AI practices are no longer optional—they are essential for shaping technology that benefits both people and the planet. As artificial intelligence transforms industries from healthcare to transportation, the challenge is to ensure its growth is ethical, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive. This means addressing not only energy efficiency and carbon reduction but also governance, fairness, and long-term societal impacts.

Why Sustainable AI Practices Go Beyond the Environment?

AI is now deeply embedded in investment strategies, medical diagnostics, media platforms, and public infrastructure. While reducing energy usage is vital, true sustainability also requires ethical governance and the elimination of bias.

For example, biased training datasets can unintentionally reinforce social inequality. Studies, such as those from the MIT Media Lab, have shown that some AI systems perform poorly with diverse populations, highlighting the risk of discrimination. Addressing this means conducting regular algorithmic audits, enforcing transparency, and ensuring diverse representation in AI development teams.

The Environmental Impact of AI

Training advanced AI models consumes enormous computational resources. The process can generate carbon emissions equivalent to hundreds of long-haul flights. To counter this, tech leaders are investing in renewable energy and designing energy-efficient processors and cooling systems.

However, sustainable AI practices should become the default, not the exception. From sourcing materials responsibly to rethinking hardware infrastructure, the focus must be on green innovation by design.

Embedding Sustainability at the Strategic Core

Sustainable AI practices work best when integrated into an organization’s core strategy. Aligning AI solutions with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can directly support climate action, reduce inequalities, and promote responsible consumption.

In the Middle East, initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence demonstrate how sustainability and AI can align with national priorities. These strategies not only meet ethical standards but also deliver competitive advantages, building consumer trust and fostering innovation.

Governance for Responsible AI

Strong governance is key to ensuring sustainable AI practices are upheld. Regulatory frameworks, such as the European Union’s AI Act, guide transparency, accountability, and fairness.

Governance should enable innovation while preventing harm. Public-private partnerships, global cooperation, and industry alliances are critical to creating ethical, scalable, and resilient AI ecosystems.

Preparing the Workforce for the AI Era

McKinsey estimates that AI adoption could displace up to 800 million jobs by 2030. Sustainable AI practices must include reskilling and upskilling initiatives to ensure inclusive economic growth.

By investing in training programs, organizations can help employees transition to new roles in AI-related fields. This proactive approach strengthens workforce agility and supports long-term resilience.

Leadership’s Role in Driving Sustainable AI Practices

AI can significantly advance sustainability goals, from optimizing supply chains to reducing environmental waste. Companies like Unilever are already using AI to achieve greener operations, proving its real-world potential.

Yet leadership commitment is essential. Executives must set measurable goals, model ethical behavior, and integrate sustainability into company culture. This ensures that sustainability is not a side project but a core business value.

The Shared Responsibility for a Sustainable AI Future

Creating a sustainable AI future requires collaboration between individuals, corporations, and governments. Citizens should stay informed and question how AI affects them. Companies must embed sustainability into their AI strategies, while governments need to establish policies that encourage responsible innovation.

By acting now, we can ensure AI evolves as a force for good—advancing technology without sacrificing ethics, equity, or environmental stewardship.

Check out our previous post on WHX Tech 2025 to Drive Global Digital Health Transformation

Tech Features

Epicor CMO Kerrie Jordan to Drive Global Marketing Growth

Published

1 month ago

August 12, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

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Kerrie Jordan - Epicor — Kerrie Jordan – Epicor

Epicor CMO Kerrie Jordan has been appointed to lead the company’s global marketing strategy. This move marks a pivotal moment in the enterprise software leader’s expansion. Epicor, known for its industry-specific solutions for the make, move, and sell economy, announced the news on August 12, 2025, in Dubai.

Jordan brings a rare combination of senior product innovation and strategic marketing expertise. She will strengthen the Epicor brand, expand market reach, and deepen customer engagement worldwide.

Epicor CMO Kerrie Jordan Brings Product and Market Expertise Together

Vaibhav Vohra, Epicor President and Chief Product & Technology Officer, eVaibhav Vohra, Epicor President and Chief Product & Technology Officer, emphasized the importance of the appointment.

“Kerrie’s ability to connect product strategy with market execution makes her an ideal fit. Her leadership has already shaped our Cognitive ERP vision, and we’re excited to see her bring that same energy and insight to our marketing efforts.”

Since joining Epicor in 2023 as Group Vice President of Product Management and ISV Partner Programs, Jordan has advanced the company’s Cognitive ERP roadmap. This AI-driven approach turns ERP from a system of record into a system of action and insight, empowering supply chain businesses to operate smarter and faster.

A Vision for Accelerated Innovation and Growth

In her new role, Jordan will unite product innovation, analytics, and go-to-market strategies to accelerate customer time-to-value. She will also foster innovation and support Epicor’s global expansion.

“I’m honored to expand my role at Epicor,” Jordan said. “Epicor is at the forefront of enabling essential businesses to thrive through AI-driven, connected technologies. I look forward to amplifying our impact, building stronger relationships with customers and partners, and driving growth across global markets.”

A Career Built on Technology Leadership

Before joining Epicor, Jordan served in senior product marketing positions at Oracle. She developed strategies for enterprise software solutions and helped drive adoption. Earlier in her career, she led strategic marketing programs for technology clients during her consulting roles at global marketing firms.

Jordan is a recognized voice in cloud ERP, digital transformation, and supply chain innovation. She hosts Epicor’s “Manufacturing the Future” podcast, which features industry leaders discussing trends shaping manufacturing and supply chain sectors. She is also a Forbes Tech Council contributor. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Santa Clara University in California.

Epicor’s Commitment to Industry-Focused Growth

Epicor has served customers across automotive, building supply, distribution, manufacturing, and retail for more than 50 years. The company’s solutions are tailored to industry needs and adaptable to fast-changing market conditions.

Check out our previous post on WHX Tech 2025 to Drive Global Digital Health Transformation

Tech Features

In-Hand Comfort Meets Elegant Design – A UI You’ll Love and Performance You Can Count On– Meet Oppo’s Reno 14 Series!

Published

1 month ago

August 11, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Oppo Reno 14 Series promotional collage highlighting design and performance

Reviewed By Srijith KN
Device Reno 14F 5G

In today’s crowded smartphone market, very few devices make a lasting impression from the first hold. The Oppo Reno 14 Series does exactly that. Its rounded front design, sharp edges, and striking Iridescent Mermaid finish give it a premium look that stands out. At just 7.42 mm thick and 187 g, with aluminium-framed edges, it feels light yet sturdy in the hand.

The 6.57-inch LTPS OLED display offers a 120 Hz Full HD+ experience with HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. While the brightness could be slightly higher, the rich colour tones make it ideal for streaming and gaming. The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive visuals.

Display & Performance in the Oppo Reno 14

Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 mobile platform, paired with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the Oppo Reno 14 Series delivers fluid performance. Everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming feel effortless. Even after a month of use, there’s no lag, and the phone remains cool under pressure.

The signal reception is equally reliable, performing well even in remote mountain regions. For gamers, the combination of smooth frame rates and strong connectivity makes it a dependable choice.

Camera Setup Built for Creativity

The Oppo Reno 14 Series brings a 32 MP front camera and a triple rear camera system (50 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP). It supports 4K 60 fps HDR video recording, delivering sharp and vibrant footage. Oppo’s image processing handles lighting well, although the AI can occasionally produce slightly artificial tones. When it dials back the processing, the results are impressively natural.

Selfies from the front camera are detailed, making it a strong option for content creators. AI-powered tools such as AI Eraser, AI Reflection Remover, AI Unblur, AI Recompose, and AI Perfect Shot add versatility. Beyond photography, features like real-time translation and cloud-based voice transcription offer extra value.

Battery Life & Charging Speed on the Oppo Reno 14

Battery performance is one of the standout features. The massive 6,000 mAh battery easily lasts over a day of heavy use. Paired with 80 W fast charging, it goes from 0% to 100% in just 40–50 minutes, reducing downtime significantly.

Software and User Experience

Running on ColorOS 15, the interface is polished and responsive. The design is intuitive, though it comes with pre-installed apps that many users may want to remove for a cleaner setup. The combination of IP69 water and dust resistance, strong haptics, and a promised five years of major updates enhances its long-term value.

Verdict: A Strong Contender in Its Price Range

The Oppo Reno 14 Series blends premium design, solid performance, long battery life, and camera versatility into a package that offers excellent value. Whether for everyday use, creative projects, or gaming, it meets a wide range of needs without compromise.

For readers who enjoyed this review, check out our previous feature on Sustainable Tech: How Globant Shapes a Greener Tomorrow to see how innovation is shaping the tech industry.