The Sarawak Marine Industry refers to the diverse and thriving maritime sector based in Sarawak, Malaysia, situated on the island of Borneo. Given its strategic location along key Southeast Asian shipping routes and a coastline that stretches over 1,000 kilometers, Sarawak plays an essential role in the maritime economy. The industry encompasses various sectors, including shipbuilding, oil and gas exploration, fishing, aquaculture, and coastal tourism. These sectors contribute significantly to Sarawak's economic landscape and support the state’s industrial and commercial activities.
One prominent company supporting this growing industry is Ultech Engineering, a Sarawak-based industrial automation solution provider. Ultech specializes in process control design, manufacturing, and power distribution systems, playing an important role in the region’s maritime and offshore sectors. By offering innovative automation solutions, the company helps optimize operations in shipbuilding, offshore oil platforms, and sea transportation, ensuring higher efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) Laila Taib Mukah Campus will launch a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Maritime program in February 2025, with state-of-the-art facilities like an advanced engine system simulator. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari has urged UTS to broaden the program’s scope by including port management, underwater modules, and unmanned technology to meet the region's growing maritime industry demands.
He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary education in advancing Sarawak’s maritime sector, particularly in oil and gas, where technologies like robotics and remote sensing are critical. The campus, located on a 10-acre site, aims to become a leading maritime education hub and will collaborate with Sarawak's Semiconductor Manufacturing Division (SMD) on marine technology advancements.
Despite its potential, the maritime industry in Sarawak faces several challenges:
Ultech Engineering's collaboration with DEIF started in 2016, initiating a partnership that redefined standards in electrical engineering. As DEIF's designated system integrator in the Sarawak region, Ultech Engineering has demonstrated its dedication to excellence and expertise in deploying DEIF's innovative solutions.
The YD420 vessel, a massive 160-meter floating dock built by Shin Yang Shipyard, presented distinct challenges requiring advanced solutions. Ultech Engineering, utilizing the accuracy and dependability of DEIF controllers, effectively deployed the DEIF PPU300. Central to the vessel's electrical system, the PPU300 was essential for optimizing and managing power generation and distribution. This project's success strengthened the DEIF and Ultech Engineering partnership, highlighting their capability to provide efficient and seamless power management solutions in challenging maritime settings.
In 2020, Ultech Engineering undertook another major project at Shin Yang Shipyard, showcasing its steadfast commitment to quality in the construction and commissioning of the YD987 UAE Navy ship. The advanced DEIF PPM 300 power management system, which Ultech Engineering expertly integrated, anchored the vessel's power system. This seamless implementation set a new standard for efficiency and resilience in maritime operations. With more upcoming marine projects on the horizon, Ultech Engineering continues to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence—stay tuned for what's next.
Introducing the iE Marine Series, the next generation of intelligent maritime energy controllers. Meet the iE 150, iE 250, and iE 350 Marine—a complete range of controllers designed to meet any vessel's diverse energy control needs. Whether managing single-asset operations or complex dynamic positioning, this innovative series offers all the features you need from a single, reliable, global supplier.
The DEIF iE 150 Marine is a cost-effective and user-friendly energy controller designed for coastal vessels such as tugs, workboats, and riverboats. It offers reliable asset control and efficient power/energy management, making it ideal for pleasure craft and non-oceangoing vessels. The iE 150 simplifies operations with an all-in-one controller that supports diesel generators, energy storage systems, shore connections, or bus tiebreakers, offering quick reconfiguration via an intuitive display or PC tool.
Users benefit from its easy-to-navigate interface with illuminated buttons and configurable shortcuts for frequently used functions. This energy-efficient controller supports up to seven devices, optimizing fuel consumption, balancing system loads, and preventing blackouts through automated generator and breaker management. In addition, the iE 150 ensures uninterrupted performance with a failover feature for master controller duties. It is widely compatible with DEIF and third-party controllers and can be used for new builds or retrofit projects, providing flexibility for new and existing energy management systems.
The DEIF iE 250 Marine is a cutting-edge controller for oceangoing vessels, designed to focus on ease of use, flexibility, and robust cybersecurity. Its intuitive interface, similar to a smartphone, features a 7-inch touchscreen with 1000 NITS brightness, ensuring clear visibility in all lighting conditions. The screen's bonded glass technology enhances durability and readability, adapting its brightness to the surrounding environment.
Hardware flexibility is a hallmark of the iE 250, which is available in two variants: a front-mounted version that integrates the controller and display into one compact unit and a base-mounted option for modular setups with a separate display. This modularity extends to two expansion plug-in cards, allowing for future upgrades and cost-effective customization by removing unnecessary components. The controller’s compatibility with EtherCAT-compatible extension racks further supports high-speed communication and scalability.
On the software side, the iE 250 Marine offers a core package with the option to add specialized software packages for advanced power management, CODESYS programming, and expanded connectivity. A premium package is also available for those needing a comprehensive solution. CustomLogic, an intuitive drag-and-drop tool, simplifies configuration, while the integrated CODESYS PLC allows for bespoke software development and detailed visualizations.
Digital security is a priority with the iE 250. Users must log in with credentials, and their access is governed by role-based authorization, ensuring that only authorized personnel can make changes. This system prevents unauthorized access and tracks any unexpected changes for accountability. Firmware updates are protected by Root-of-Trust technology, ensuring that only updates digitally signed by DEIF are accepted and installed, thereby safeguarding against malicious software.
The iE 250 is also resilient against network storms and denial-of-service attacks in which systems are overwhelmed with communication requests. This resilience is validated by compliance with the revised E27 unified requirement from the IACS, applicable to new vessels from July 2024. The iE 250's comprehensive approach to security and flexibility makes it a premier choice for modern maritime control applications.
The DEIF iE 350 Marine is an advanced modular controller with exceptional customization, flexibility, and cybersecurity for complex maritime operations. Its intuitive 7-inch touchscreen offers high visibility with 1000 NITS brightness and bonded glass technology, ensuring optimal readability even in bright environments. Customizable dashboards, drag-and-drop widgets, and six configurable buttons enhance user efficiency and control.
Designed for complete freedom of design, the iE 350 Marine allows users to select and swap modules that manage processing, communication, measurement, and I/O functions. EtherCAT-compatible extension racks enable hardware expansion, delivering fast communication and responsiveness. The controller’s software packages offer versatile solutions, from basic core functionalities to advanced features like dynamic positioning and blackout prevention. CustomLogic, a drag-and-drop tool, and the integrated CODESYS PLC allow for deep customization, ensuring tailored control for any maritime operation.
Cybersecurity is at the forefront of the iE 350. Role-based authorization ensures authorized users can access and control the system, with login credentials determining permissions. Any unauthorized attempts to make changes are prevented, and user actions are tracked for accountability. Firmware updates are secured through root-of-trust technology, ensuring only legitimate, digitally signed software from DEIF is installed and protecting against malicious updates.
Furthermore, the iE 350 is resilient against denial-of-service attacks and capable of withstanding network storms that could otherwise compromise control systems. This resilience is a key feature that helps the controller comply with the revised E27 unified requirement from the IACS, ensuring protection against cyber threats for vessels built from July 2024 onward.
The future of Sarawak's marine industry holds great promise, driven by the region's strategic location and its burgeoning sectors like shipbuilding, oil and gas, and coastal tourism. With rising global demand for maritime resources and technologies, Sarawak benefits significantly from these trends. The emphasis on sustainable practices and technological innovation—bolstered by government support and investments in renewable energy—further enhances Sarawak's potential as a key player in the regional maritime economy.
Ultech Engineering is set to be instrumental in this evolution, leveraging its expertise in industrial automation to advance the industry’s capabilities. The company's commitment to deploying cutting-edge solutions and fostering innovation positions it as a critical partner in driving the growth and efficiency of Sarawak's maritime and offshore sectors. Ultech Engineering's role in integrating advanced technologies and optimizing operations will be vital to shaping a dynamic and resilient maritime sector in Sarawak as the industry continues to evolve.
