Digitalisation of the maritime sector has been supercharged in recent years

This is sparked by the need to remotely manage operations and invest in more efficient, streamlined processes and systems, driven by data.

With this comes dependency on reliable network connectivity, a demand for increased bandwidth, and rising cyber-security threats that will continually need mitigating, said Speedcast Senior Vice President for maritime, Andre Eerland.

“Developments in technology and digital transformation solutions will be a driver towards intelligent and safe shipping operations as we head into 2022,” he explained to Maritime Optimisation & Communications.

“As companies implement internet of things (IoT) devices and real-time data transfer systems on board, crew and management will heavily rely on a network management platform to oversee these applications and systems, access information and networks remotely, and monitor for potential efficiency or safety improvements,” said Mr Eerland.

“Having one centralised system to accomplish this will give shipowners and operators more control over their critical networks, as well as complete visibility of not only a single vessel, but their entire fleet if necessary, all in one place.”

A centralised system would harness information technology solutions and high-quality network connectivity to streamline processes for increased operational efficiency, safety and simplicity.

“IoT sensors and monitors deliver valuable insights to shipowners and operators, enabling them to act quickly and make informed decisions about their operations remotely,” said Mr Eerland.

“By transmitting data over wireless or satellite networks, operators receive continuous, detailed data about the condition of each shipment, providing savings on potential rebates, which can run into the millions each year.”

The latest live-streaming technology is also revolutionising remote access and collaboration in the shipping industry.

“As a result, organisations looking to transform their operations through digitalisation can conduct inspections and repairs for assets operating anywhere in the world, without requiring technicians to travel and work at remote sites,” said Mr Eerland.

The adoption of cloud technology will continue to accelerate in 2022.

“Cloud providers host thousands of applications, and their capabilities can provide actionable knowledge on-demand and cost-saving opportunities, said Mr Eerland.

All this needs reliable communications through satellite, VSAT and long-term evolution/4G networks for vessel and fleet connectivity, which can also be used by the seafarers on board.

“With advanced connectivity technologies comes the opportunity to support crew with more than just the tools to execute their work,” he continued.

“Helping them stay connected to friends and family back home and enjoy digital entertainment has become imperative to offer personnel on board, as crews are at sea for extended periods of time,” Mr Eerland said.

“The feeling of isolation that remote work environments can cause may be eased thanks to hybrid networks that can deliver both VSAT and LTE options, delivering seamless connectivity to watch films or to take a video call.”

These solutions can serve the safety and entertainment needs of seafarers without interrupting corporate networks.

Mitigating cyber risk

With this connectivity comes the need to mitigate cyber risks to shipping, seafarers and company networks.

“As digital transformation is accelerated across the industry, adopting stringent cyber-security measures will continue to be a necessity for shipping companies,” Mr Eerland explained.

Cyber-security threats have real-world impacts, such as unlawful discharges, engine problems and ransomware attacks that shut down the systems vessels depend on.

“As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and regulations change and adapt, organisations will never be done securing their systems or assets,” said Mr Eerland.

“There is no single technology solution that can defend against all threats, which means training staff, establishing proper security procedures, and utilising best-in-breed technology is essential.”

To create end-to-end integration of security across operations, a strategic approach that considers all the business needs and risks is necessary to assess an organisation’s shore-based and fleet operating environments.

“End-point protection will help secure computers and IoT devices against known threats by global signatures, and centralised firewall and filtering services will help prevent unknown threats, across both simple and complex networks,” said Mr Eerland.

“With so many technology solutions to navigate, having a built-in network management solution to manage and monitor connected systems, allocate bandwidth, provide enhanced cyber security, and deliver morale-boosting crew connectivity services will be a pivotal turning point for the maritime sector on its digitalisation journey.”