Oil & gas


Across commercial shipping, sensors support critical functions including engine monitoring, steering systems, hatch position detection, valve monitoring and fuel management. Reliable sensing technology enables accurate operational data while supporting safe vessel operation. Non-contact inductive sensors are particularly valuable for monitoring winch positions, crane movements and rotational speed. By eliminating mechanical contact, these systems reduce wear while delivering consistent performance over extended service periods.


Subsea valves, actuators, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and offshore production equipment demand fully sealed, pressure-resistant sensing solutions. In these applications, robust construction and certified marine performance are essential. While DNV-approved Maritime sensors are often the preferred choice for critical marine applications, other Contrinex product families can also provide effective solutions depending on operational requirements. These include Extreme Series sensors, washdown sensors, analogue inductive sensors, Basic C44 sensors and high-pressure P12G sensors. This broader portfolio allows engineers to balance certification requirements, performance specifications and project budgets while maintaining reliable operation in demanding maritime environments.


OFFSHORE WIND TURBINES: A DEMANDING TEST FOR INDUSTRIAL SENSORS


Few applications place greater demands on automation components than modern offshore wind turbines. Located in remote, exposed locations and increasingly constructed further from shore, turbines must operate reliably for extended periods with minimal maintenance intervention.


As turbine sizes continue to increase, operators are placing greater emphasis on predictive maintenance, operational reliability and maximising energy production. Sensors play a crucial role in achieving these objectives by providing the real- time data required by turbine control systems. One of the most important parameters monitored within a wind turbine is rotor speed. Accurate speed information enables the control system to optimise energy production while protecting the turbine from excessive mechanical loads. A common solution employs an inductive sensor positioned adjacent to the blade mounting ring. As the rotor turns, the sensor detects the passage of mounting bolts, generating a series of pulses that allow the PLC to calculate rotational speed accurately. Compared with traditional rotary encoders, inductive sensors offer several advantages: no moving parts; superior vibration resistance; lower installation and maintenance costs; greater resistance to contamination and corrosion; and simplified integration through standard switching outputs. These benefits become particularly valuable in


Instrumentation Monthly October 2026


offshore installations, where service visits can be both costly and weather-dependent. Modern wind turbines also continuously adjust blade pitch to maximise efficiency under changing wind conditions. This requires accurate position feedback, which can be delivered using analogue inductive sensors. In one implementation, an analogue sensor measures the distance to an eccentric reference profile attached to the blade assembly, enabling precise monitoring of blade position. Contrinex analogue inductive sensors utilise Condist oscillator technology, providing exceptional stability in challenging environmental conditions. This technology offers excellent temperature stability, high measurement precision, long sensing distances and reliable operation despite environmental fluctuations. In demanding applications, the sensors can achieve resolution in the micrometre range while maintaining sensing distances significantly greater than those typically associated with conventional analogue inductive technology.


The offshore wind sector places particular emphasis on durability and service life. Maintenance activities require specialist vessels, cranes and personnel, making reliability a key economic factor.


For this reason, many turbine manufacturers favour sensors with V4A (AISI 316L) stainless-steel construction, vacuum-encapsulated electronics, IP68 and IP69K protection, high vibration resistance, and resistance to saltwater and salt- laden atmospheres.


These characteristics closely mirror the requirements found across marine, offshore oil and gas, and port automation applications.


SELECTING SENSORS AND SUPPORTING DIGITALISATION


When specifying sensors for marine applications, engineers should consider the following factors:


Verify marine certification: Select sensors with recognised approvals, such as DNV certification, to ensure compliance with maritime requirements.


Assess environmental exposure: Determine whether the sensor will encounter salt spray, washdown conditions, continuous immersion or high-pressure operation.


Define sensing requirements: Consider sensing distance, target material, mounting constraints and accuracy requirements.


Review integration and diagnostics capabilities: Modern sensors with IO-Link connectivity can provide advanced diagnostics, condition monitoring and remote status information, helping operators reduce maintenance costs and improve asset availability.


The marine sector is increasingly adopting the same digitalisation strategies seen across modern manufacturing facilities. IO-Link-enabled sensors can provide valuable benefits beyond their primary sensing function, including:


Parameter storage and automatic restoration.


Device diagnostics. Condition monitoring. Remote configuration.


Predictive maintenance support.


One significant advantage is automatic parameter download. When a replacement sensor is installed, operating parameters can be transferred directly from the PLC, reducing commissioning time and minimising maintenance- related downtime.


These capabilities make IO-Link especially attractive for offshore installations, port automation systems and other applications where maintenance access is restricted.


As marine industries continue to embrace automation and digitalisation, sensor reliability becomes increasingly important. Failures at sea can result in significant operational disruption, expensive maintenance interventions and potential safety concerns.


By combining DNV certification, corrosion- resistant stainless-steel construction, advanced EMC protection and high ingress protection ratings, purpose-built marine sensors can deliver the long- term performance required for applications ranging from dockside automation to offshore energy installations.


For engineers specifying sensing solutions in harsh maritime environments, selecting certified marine-grade technology represents a critical step in improving system reliability, reducing downtime and maximising operational efficiency. Contrinex’s UK distributor, PLUS Automation, holds over 2,000 parts in stock in the UK and prides itself on working with engineers to determine the best sensor solution.


Contrinex www.Dist.PLUSAx.co.uk 49


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