In a major development, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Neptunus Power Plant have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the world’s first indigenous marine engine condition-monitoring technology.

The MoU was signed during Maritime India Week 2025 in the presence of the Prime Minister of India, supporting the country’s goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.

As part of this partnership, IRS has given Type Approval Certification to Neptunus for two technologies: VIB 360, an engine condition monitoring system, and Torque Sense SHAPOLI, a torque monitoring device.

These are the first IRS-certified, indigenously developed condition-monitoring technologies for marine diesel engines and propulsion systems.

According to an official statement, the certification demonstrates India’s capability to design and deliver globally compliant, export-ready maritime technologies developed entirely within the country.

Traditionally, ships have been maintained at fixed service intervals set by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), which are often expensive and conservative. With the VIB 360 system, ship operators can now shift to Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM).

This approach uses real-time data to track engine health, helping to reduce unplanned downtime, increase reliability, and cut maintenance costs by up to 30 per cent based on previous results. The system also helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, supporting India’s Digital Maritime Vision and Green Shipping goals.

The MoU also aims to create new frameworks and standards for CBM. This change is expected to improve operational reliability, extend asset life, and support sustainable shipping practices.

Managing Director and CEO of Neptunus, Uday Purohit, the MoU with IRS shows confidence in India’s engineering strength and its ability to shape the global maritime future. He said that the certification proves India’s capability to design and deliver advanced, data-based maritime technologies that meet international standards, improving safety, efficiency, and reliability in the global fleet.

Akshay Purohit, Director and COO of Neptunus, said the agreement is an important step toward making condition-based maintenance a mainstream practice in India’s maritime sector. He added that local innovation combined with data-driven insights can reduce downtime, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of ship engines.

References: Bharatneeti, Neptunus Power