Digitalization: One of the most effective tools (and a necessity) for the shipping industry

Nikos Stefanis

Area Director - Vessel Insight, Greece, Kongsberg Maritime

In the modern era, digitalization has become an essential tool across various industries, bringing about significant changes and improving operational efficiency. This is also true for the shipping industry, which has experienced a notable transformation driven by new regulations. Ship owners are increasingly recognizing the value of digital solutions and incorporating them into their daily operations at an accelerated pace. Digitalization is no longer just an option but a necessity for shipping companies to thrive in the competitive global market. It has revolutionized the industry, enabling companies to streamline operations, enhance safety measures, reduce emissions, and optimize decision-making processes. The collection of various types of data plays a crucial role, serving as the initial step forward. However, it is important to emphasize the significance of high-quality, synchronized data in a centralized fleet database, alongside robust cybersecurity measures. By utilizing data analytics, automation, and connectivity, companies can streamline operations, improve safety standards, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions. This ultimately leads to increased profitability, sustainability, and competitiveness. Therefore, developing a solid digital strategy is imperative. It is crucial to design a strategy that provides immediate and future value. This is where Kongsberg Digital comes in, offering a wide range of solutions tailored to different levels of technological expertise, effectively addressing companies’ present and future digital needs. Let’s explore the main pillars of a successful strategy that aims to be smarter, safer, and greener.

1.Data Collection: The first step is to gather the data that is already being generated onboard the vessels. Depending on the sophistication of each vessel’s equipment and the readiness of each company, there are various sources of data that can be utilized. Adopting a unified approach that consolidates all fleet data into a single cloud-based platform is crucial. The data collection methods include:

Manual inputs, such as Noon Reporting: Although this type of data may not be highly accurate and relies on the crew’s competence, it serves as a good starting point since it is readily available. Vessel Insight Access provides the opportunity to improve data quality through customized and validated entries in noon reports while fulfilling reporting requirements like MRV/DCS/CII.

Electronic Logbooks/ERP: Utilizing electronic logbooks not only reduces the crew’s administrative workload by approximately 80% but also ensures accurate and reliable logbooks. Our electronic logbooks are compliant with industry regulations and can be integrated into K-Fleet, our modular ERP, to provide valuable data for performance and operational purposes. Additionally, electronic logbooks streamline the production of noon reports, eliminating duplicate work.

Real-time & Sensors Data: Sensors serve as a reliable source of data and are considered the future of data collection. Integrating seamlessly with onboard systems, sensors provide valuable insights into vessel performance, operations, and maintenance requirements. Vessel Insight Connect is specifically designed for this purpose, serving as an end-to-end data collection infrastructure that captures and aggregates high-quality sensor data from vessels in a cost-effective, streamlined, and cyber-secure manner. Data can be collected from various equipment, including the Alarm & Monitoring System, Torque Meter, Flow Meters, and VDR. It is then standardized and made available on the cloud, ready for utilization according to the company’s preferences. Importantly, the data belongs solely to the owners, requiring their written consent for any further usage.

Regardless of the chosen solution, cybersecurity must be prioritized. Several instances have demonstrated the havoc caused by security breaches, resulting in significant financial costs and damage to reputation. At Kongsberg Digital, ensuring the safety of our customers is of utmost importance.

2. Certifications, Approvals & Cybersecurity: Kongsberg Digital is committed to providing a high level of customer safety. We implement multiple levels of protection, starting from onboard the vessel and extending to data communications via the Kongsberg Global Secure Network, as well as the cloud environment. By establishing a secure cloud connection between the vessel and the shore, the risks associated with numerous security loopholes are mitigated. In cases where multiple data collection systems from different vendors transmit data to different clouds, the risk is significantly higher. Vessel Insight is the first-ever end-to-end data collection infrastructure to receive type approval from DNV GL, resulting in the creation of the D-INF(P) Data Collecting Infrastructure Certificate. It is also approved by ABS Smart infrastructure, obtaining the first-ever certificate for both data collection and cybersecurity.

3. Data Analysis: The purpose of collecting fleet data is to extract value and achieve efficiency through informed decision-making. The digital era has introduced numerous applications and software programs from various providers, making it challenging for companies to determine the best fit for their internal workflows. Vessel Insight is designed to address this risk by offering companies the flexibility to utilize any application without requiring additional hardware installations. Moreover, it preserves the valuable historical data of vessels and ensures compatibility with future applications. By integrating all data available on the Vessel Insight cloud with our Kognifai marketplace, which encompasses a wide range of applications from Kongsberg, third-party software vendors, and strategic partners, companies have access to a plethora of solutions. The data can also be integrated into in-house systems or other solutions as desired.

In conclusion, as the shipping industry continues to evolve, embracing digitalization and adopting innovative solutions are crucial for companies to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. Kongsberg Digital, with its focus on greener, smarter, and safer operations, is at the forefront of paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient shipping industry. Together, let’s shape the future.