Tank Control Systems: Precision Monitoring and Management for Marine Fluid Operations

In modern marine operations, the safe and efficient management of onboard liquids—fuel, ballast water, freshwater, bilge, oil, and waste—is vital for vessel safety, stability, and environmental compliance. Tank Control Systems provide centralized, automated, and real-time control over all shipboard tank operations, ensuring precision, efficiency, and operational safety.

At Serden Ship Supply Marine Electric & Electronics Ltd., we design, install, integrate, and maintain comprehensive Tank Control Systems tailored to each vessel’s configuration. Whether for new build or retrofit projects, we deliver turnkey solutions that align with class standards and operational requirements.

 What is a Tank Control System?

A Tank Control System is an integrated automation system used to monitor and manage multiple tanks onboard a vessel. It ensures:

• Real-time level measurement

• Pump control for filling and emptying

• Alarm generation for high/low levels

• Pressure and temperature monitoring

• Remote control of valves

• Load distribution and stability optimization

These systems are crucial for the safe operation of various marine and offshore vessels.

 Our Tank Control System Services Include:

1. Feasibility Study & System Design

• Tank layout analysis and fluid types assessment

• Signal type review (analog/digital/smart sensors)

• Hazardous area compliance (EX zones)

• Customized control panel layout and PLC/HMI design

• Class requirements mapping (e.g., IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL)

2. Sensor & Instrumentation Installation

• Level sensors (pressure, ultrasonic, radar, capacitive)

• Temperature probes

• Pressure transmitters

• Flow meters for bunkering and transfer

• Gas detectors (if applicable)

3. Control & Monitoring System

• PLC-based control cabinet with redundancy options

• Graphical HMI screens (touch interface)

• Multi-tank visualization dashboard

• Pump & valve automation logic

• Alarm monitoring & historical data logging

• Integration with IAS/AMS/BNWAS systems

4. Electrical & Network Integration

• Field signal wiring from tanks to control panel

• Shielded cable layout in engine control room (ECR)

• Network connection with ship’s data backbone

• Modbus / CANBus / Profibus / Ethernet communication

• Remote access configuration (optional)

5. Commissioning & Class Certification

• Calibration of tank level sensors

• Signal testing and redundancy check

• Pump/valve remote functionality test

• Alarm trigger simulation

• Class society witnessing and certification (ABS, DNV, BV, RINA, etc.)

 System Features

• Real-time tank status overview

• Smart automation for pumping logic

• Automatic high/low level and leak alarms

• Data logging for compliance reporting

• Remote monitoring and mobile access (optional)

• Password protection and user access levels

 Applications

Our Tank Control Systems are suitable for:

• Fuel oil tanks (HFO, MGO)

• Ballast water tanks

• Potable freshwater tanks

• Grey/black water tanks

• Lubrication and hydraulic oil tanks

• Bilge water tanks

• Sludge and waste oil tanks

• LNG/LPG tanks (with ATEX compliance)

 Supported Sensor Technologies

We use and support a wide range of sensor brands and technologies:

• Radar Level Sensors (e.g., Emerson, VEGA)

• Ultrasonic Sensors

• Pressure Transmitters (e.g., WIKA, ABB)

• Capacitive Sensors

• Temperature & Flow Meters (Siemens, Endress+Hauser)

 Retrofit & Upgrade Services

If your vessel has a legacy tank system, we offer:

• Removal of outdated equipment

• Replacement with digital sensors

• Custom-made PLC panels

• Conversion of manual systems to full automation

• Upgrading local displays to centralized monitoring

• Integration with Fuel Management Systems (FMS)

 Class & Regulatory Compliance

Our Tank Control Systems comply with:

• IMO MARPOL Annex I / IV / V / VI

• SOLAS regulations for safety and control

• USCG, EPA, and PSC requirements

• Flag State guidelines and ISM Code

• Classification society standards (ABS, DNV, LR, BV, etc.)

 Crew Training & Technical Documentation

After installation, we provide:

• Onboard crew training on HMI and alarms

• Detailed operation manuals and wiring diagrams

• Maintenance and calibration guides

• Troubleshooting and support checklist

• Remote assistance and annual inspections

 Global Support

Serden Ship Supply provides worldwide service for Tank Control System installation, retrofit, and repair. Our technicians and engineers are available for rapid deployment in ports, drydocks, and offshore facilities.

 Why Choose Serden?

•  Over 30 years of marine electrical & control system expertise

•  Turnkey projects from engineering to commissioning

•  Certified sensor and automation specialists

•  Integration with existing ship systems (IAS, AMS, PMS)

•  24/7 technical support and global reach

•  Custom HMI & panel design to suit all vessel types

 Upgrade Your Vessel’s Tank Monitoring Today

Whether building a new vessel or upgrading an older system, Serden’s Tank Control Systems provide intelligent, real-time control that improves safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Contact us today for a customized solution.