Digitalisation is helping owners to demonstrate their environment, social and governance (ESG) credentials to port authorities, shipping companies and investors, and cut fuel consumption by up to 20%. Several solutions are available to owners, offering to monitor performance and fuel consumption from tugs, workboats and other harbour vessels, resulting in lower emissions during transits and operations, reports Riviera.
VPS regional lead for digital and decarbonisation in Asia, Middle East and Africa, Amzah Hassan, says “Digital solutions help crew make real-time decisions” and managers to act on reliable and accurate information. “It is not just about compliance.”
Data analytics
Insights from data analytics enable owners to reduce their environmental footprint by cutting transit speed and thus fuel consumption, as already proven by major tug owners such as Boluda Towage, Fairplay Towage, Kotug International, P&O Maritime Logistics, PSA Marine and Svitzer – and to optimise engine performance and prevent downtime.
Opsealog founder and managing director Arnaud Dianoux agrees real-time data collection and processing helps owners to lower fuel costs, keep their vessels operating and reduce maintenance costs.
However, persistent data fragmentation is an obstacle to standardisation, with much of the data currently collected not creating value due to a lack of standardisation.
Another application of satellite communications is connecting salvage teams, tug crews and seafarers with engineering experts onshore to tackle maintenance and operational issues.
Mr Griffin says a US-based owner uses high-speed connectivity to monitor operations in real-time, apply remote diagnostics and integrate vessel IT with cloud-based and onshore digital networks.
It is communicated to a cloud-based facility and can be viewed by fleet managers and superintendents, giving information on engine and vessel performance.
Online applications
Online applications include fleet monitoring, detailed emissions reporting, measuring engine performance and running hours, machinery optimisation and smart bunkering.
Companies such as FuelTrax and Brightree provide flow meters and satellite communications, enabling tug owners to monitor fuel consumption and theft. Brightree chief executive Kevin Peng says data is sent over Inmarsat and Thuraya satellites to owners and charterers to lower consumption and for fuel security.
Data can be directed to cloud-based software to manage DP trials and report findings, says DP & Marine Assurance Norway founder and managing director Peter Solvang.
Its Fleet DP management service keeps track of the annual trials on a fleet of vessels, providing alerts to managers when trials are due and when issues have been resolved. Files are backed up with secure data and the database can be customised to client requirements.
This suite has a customisable dashboard, enabling ports to integrate bespoke modules tailored to their specific needs. Users will gain access to real-time monitoring and analysis at the click of a button, allowing them to quickly assess the impact of new initiatives and adapt their strategies immediately.
From various transport modes including harbour vessels, cargo handling equipment, railways and trucking, the platform will track ship movements, vessel types and the associated emissions of pollutants such as CO2, carbon monoxide, methane, SOx, NOx, N2O, particulates and CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases, enabling ports to identify critical areas for improvement.
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Source: Riviera
