The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Neptunus Power Plant have just inked a game-changing MoU, launching the world’s first indigenous marine engine condition-monitoring technology. Signed during Maritime India Week 2025, this partnership isn’t just about local innovation—it’s a shot across the bow of traditional maintenance practices. The IRS has given Type Approval Certification to Neptunus for two standout technologies: VIB 360, an engine condition monitoring system, and Torque Sense SHAPOLI, a torque monitoring device. These aren’t just new tools; they’re the first IRS-certified, indigenously developed condition-monitoring technologies for marine diesel engines and propulsion systems.
This isn’t just about ticking boxes. The certification proves India can design and deliver globally compliant, export-ready maritime tech—all from home soil. Traditionally, ships have run on rigid maintenance schedules set by OEMs, often leading to unnecessary costs and downtime. But with VIB 360, ship operators can shift to Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM). This system uses real-time data to track engine health, slashing unplanned downtime, boosting reliability, and cutting maintenance costs by up to 30%. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about efficiency, sustainability, and aligning with India’s Digital Maritime Vision and Green Shipping goals.
The MoU doesn’t stop at certification. It’s laying the groundwork for new frameworks and standards for CBM, which could redefine how the maritime industry approaches maintenance. This shift isn’t just about tech—it’s about operational reliability, extending asset life, and pushing sustainable shipping practices. Uday Purohit, Managing Director and CEO of Neptunus, put it bluntly: “This MoU shows confidence in India’s engineering strength and its ability to shape the global maritime future.” The certification, he said, proves India can deliver advanced, data-driven maritime technologies that meet international standards, boosting safety, efficiency, and reliability across the global fleet.
Akshay Purohit, Director and COO of Neptunus, echoed this sentiment, calling the agreement a major step toward making CBM mainstream in India’s maritime sector. He emphasized that local innovation, combined with data-driven insights, can reduce downtime, improve fuel efficiency, and extend engine life. This isn’t just about keeping engines running—it’s about rethinking how ships operate.
The ripple effects of this partnership could be huge. If India can prove that its homegrown tech can deliver on these promises, it could set a new benchmark for maritime maintenance worldwide. Other nations might start looking to India not just as a market, but as a leader in innovation. And for the shipping industry, this could mean a shift away from costly, rigid maintenance schedules toward a more flexible, data-driven approach.
But the real test will be in the execution. Can Neptunus and IRS turn this certification into widespread adoption? Can they convince shipowners and operators to trust in CBM over traditional methods? If they can, this MoU might just be the catalyst for a global shift in maritime maintenance.