Kongsberg Marine automation system, K-Chief 700
Distributed alarm, monitoring and control system that can be tailored to meet individual requirements of complex vessels The K-Chief 700 marine automation system is a distributed monitoring and control system. Its flexible, architecture allows it to be used for a wide range of tasks within offshore industry, safety- and vessel control systems. TheK-Chief 700is primarily a stand alone system that covers all important functions onboard a vessel, such as: The K-Chief 700 system is built from modular hardware components and modular application software. Any number of these modules can be combined to provide an optimal solution for a specific vessel's requirements. The K-Chief 700 marine automation system is based on distributed processing where the various processes are controlled by input/output (I/O) modules located close to the processing units. Our remote I/O modules, may also be installed in our own cabinets or those supplied by others. Typical examples are switchboards or valve control cabinets, to achieve complete installation and pre-commissioning before installation. The K-Chief 700 remote I/O range includes modules for a wide variety of applications including installations in hazardous areas. The K-Chief 700 marine automation system may be integrated seamlessly with Kongsberg Maritime dynamic positioning, propulsion control systems and custody transfer system. Our integrated solutions offer significant advantages over stand alone systems: Integrating all functions for monitoring and control of a vessel provides benefits both technically and economically. Functions are integrated to reduce the need for hardware and software functions and to reduce interface requirements. The benefits of system integration are fully realised when all components are based on the same technology, both in hardware and software.
Inspector Detail
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Common issues
- Field I/O module or process station faults causing loss of specific sensor readings
- Network switch/redundant LAN faults reducing system redundancy without immediate operator awareness
- Alarm flooding from a single faulted sensor generating repeated nuisance alarms
- Operator workstation software lock-ups requiring a restart
- UPS/backup power failure causing an automation system reboot on mains transfer
- Sensor calibration drift (temperature, pressure, level transmitters) feeding incorrect values into the control logic
- Software/firmware version mismatch after a partial system upgrade causing station communication errors
Inspection checklist
- Verify redundant network/LAN paths are both active and correctly configured, not just one live path
- Check the alarm and event log for repeated or unacknowledged faults
- Test UPS backup and confirm automatic changeover on mains failure
- Verify process station and I/O module status shows no fault on the system overview
- Confirm bridge and ECR operator workstations show consistent, synchronised data
- Cross-check a sample of field sensor readings against local gauges for calibration drift
- Verify software/firmware revision level is consistent across stations per Kongsberg documentation
- Check that the independent/backup alarm function operates if the automation system itself fails
- Inspect automation cabinet cooling fans and cabinet temperature
Service intervals
| UPS battery test/replacement | battery replacement typically every 3-5 years, per UPS manufacturer schedule |
| Software/firmware review against Kongsberg service bulletins | annually |
| Field sensor calibration check | annually, or per the class requirement for the associated machinery |
| Cabinet cooling filter cleaning | every 3-6 months |
| Full backup of system configuration/logic | after any change, and reviewed annually |
Typical wear limits
| Automation cabinet temperature | keep within the Kongsberg-specified operating range - sustained over-temperature shortens component life and increases the fault rate |
Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.
Critical spares
- Process station / I/O module (model and slot-specific - order via Kongsberg with the system configuration reference)
- Network switch (redundant LAN)
- UPS battery pack
- Operator workstation power supply
- Spares for critical field sensors/transmitters per the ship-specific monitored parameter list
Safety
- This system carries alarm and monitoring functions for machinery safety - do not disable a monitored function without a documented, time-limited permit, and ensure independent/local backup instrumentation stays available
- Working inside automation cabinets requires isolation and lock-out/tag-out; low-voltage control circuits can still carry hazardous energy from connected field devices
- Loss of the automation system should trigger a drilled fallback to local/manual control per the ship's SMS
- Do not apply unverified software/firmware updates without confirming compatibility, since this can affect safety-critical alarm functions
Class survey
Note: this record is filed under 'X-Band Radar' / 'Radar & ECDIS' but the actual product is the Kongsberg K-Chief 700 marine automation, alarm and monitoring system - the content above addresses that system. Automation systems tied to machinery alarm/monitoring functions normally fall under Continuous Survey Machinery; class checks that alarm/monitoring functions tested at survey match the approved list, and that any independent backup instrumentation required by class rules remains functional.
Components & Design
Component data being added…
Technical Data
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