Successful Integrated Monitoring, Alarm and Control System [IMACS] Upgrade

Austal Delivers Vessel Optimisation Through Successful Integrated Monitoring, Alarm and Control System [IMACS] Upgrade 

Austal has successfully delivered a complete MARINELINK-Prime upgrade package, utilising the company’s proprietary Integrated Monitoring, Alarm & Control System platform and in-house engineering capabilities, on the passenger ferry Prony Express in New Caledonia.

The vessel, which was built by Austal and entered service in 2012, provides critical daily workforce movement to support Prony Resources’ southern New Caledonia mining operations.

The MARINELINK-Prime upgrade will significantly improve the vessel’s operational reliability and maintainability through replacement of obsolete machinery control hardware with a modern, scalable and fully supportable control platform.

Austal was contracted to deliver project and technical management, including developing a tailored end to end solution of MARINELINK-Prime software and commercial off the shelf hardware, Factory Acceptance Testing, on-site installation and commissioning activities in New Caledonia, crew training and familiarisation, and ongoing remote technical support capability.  

Delivered on time and to budget, utilising the company’s global workforce and expertise - as well as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) knowledge - the project totalled approximately 4,200 hours which included Austal technical personnel travel to New Caledonia to undertake installation and commissioning activities.

“This MARINELINK-Prime upgrade project demonstrates why Austal is a leading sustainment partner, and our ability to deliver complex sustainment and capability upgrade activities across the globe – even within geographically remote Pacific operating environments.” Ben Wardle, Executive General Manager – Sustainment, Austal

“It has been a great pleasure to collaborate with Austal once again on this major project, which demanded a full year of dedication, expertise, and commitment from our respective teams. The MARINELINK upgrade of the Prony Express was carried out smoothly and without incident, delivering an excellent result.” 

Olivier Rousseau, PRNC Port and Marine Manager and Owner’s representative 

“During the MARINELINK upgrade on board the Prony Express, we had the opportunity to work closely with Austal's technical team. This collaboration proved to be highly positive.

Austal's technicians demonstrated a high level of competence, professionalism, and commitment throughout the project. Their responsiveness, efficiency, and willingness to meet our requests were greatly appreciated and contributed significantly to the successful completion of the upgrade. Overall, it was a very positive experience, and the quality of Austal's support deserves to be recognized.”  Sébastien Gibert, PRNC Technical Lead