| dc.description.abstract | Effective operational readiness of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) in Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) is crucial in performing its vital roles and there are few such asserts possess. Maintaining these vessels in an operational state has been increasingly challenging due to high maintenance costs, aging equipment and resource constraints. Traditional Planned Preventive Maintenance now is being replaced by Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) being considered as an effective and efficient approach. This new technology enables maintenance to be performed based on the needs of the equipment rather than pre-determined schedule. This paper investigates the potential application o fCBM strategy for SLN, OPVs main machinery, aiming to identify specific challenges and opportunities inherent in this transition. Literature highlights factors such as organizational barriers, technology gaps and financial constraints are some challenges in implementing this new maintenance strategy to engineering organizations. This research examines CBM’s applicability to SLN’s unique operational context. Several challenges have identified in this study are insufficient of data, human factors, organizational barriers and availability of ageing fleet in the adopting if this new technology in SLN. Further, establishing better communication between the policy makers in Navy Headquarters and onboard crew as the end users will reduce the gap in understanding the requirement on adopting new technology in order to harness its full potential. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative interviews with the Navy engineers and quantitative data analysis of maintenance records to evaluate the expected impact of CBM in OPV machineries. Preliminary findings suggest that the technology has the potential to improve vessel availability, reduce maintenance costs and significantly lower failure rates. However, SLN already possess with dedicated facility in implementing CBM technology as well as allocating Significant amount of funds on this regard, those barriers could be overcome by strategic Planning and pragmatic implementation. In addition, relevant personnel subject to specialized training to data management, interpretation and acquire and use latest technological instrumentations will facilitate better implementation of the technology. To fill the capacity gaps, establishment of collaborative partnerships with technology providers and academic institutions for training and support are better options available. The paper concludes with recommendations for a feasible implementation plan to adopt to the technology to the Navy overcoming the challenges facing. | en_US |
