TECHNICAL • SMART SHIPPING
How do ‘smart’ economics work?
As the term Smart Shipping becomes more commonplace within the maritime industry, we are seeing vastly different reactions among consumers. To some, these words make pulses race, yet others react with sinking stomachs and dread.
Faced with rising costs for bunkers against low charter rates, ship owners and operators are looking for alternative methods to reduce operational expenses – this is where Smart Shipping comes in.
Some cost reduction methods give a clear ROI (return on investment) – such as anti-fouling paint or weather-based routing services. However, the concept and subsequent returns associated with the implementation of Smart Shipping solutions can be less obvious, leading to a degree of reserve from ship owners and operators when considering their implementation.
Let’s take a closer look at ICT and Smart Shipping solutions On a ship the master and chief engineer are responsible for the majority of operational decisions, aided by a myriad of on-board technology, yet human interaction still plays a key role. For example, cargo condition monitoring systems are commonplace, yet frequently need a human eye on board to ensure proper
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handling. Their use is the proverbial ‘no-brainer’ – a charterer wants to ensure that their cargo arrives at its destination in an acceptable condition and on schedule.
With an ICT-based Smart Shipping solution, regular updates regarding cargo temperature and pressure can be automatically transferred ashore, along with the ship’s estimated time of arrival, allowing a charterer to update its onward supply chain.
Other benefits of this technology solution include the ability to upload and update this information automatically onto a mobile app. Wi-fi-enabled body cameras allow crew members to both stream live video back to shore and monitor the stevedores during loading and discharging of cargo. This also provides immediate ‘video evidence’ if needed, speeding up resolution time of insurance claims for cargo damages should an incident occur.
Smart technology thus opens up a new world of possibilities of cost reduction but with whom does responsibility lie for the initiation of such solutions? How can ship owners and operators clearly assess the value in Smart Shipping?
Companies that view Smart Shipping as the next major evolution within the
maritime segment are increasingly working together with manufacturers and suppliers to provide cost-effective solutions. As ICT connectivity options and available bandwidths increase, delivering Smart Shipping solutions has become more viable and ship owners and operators are able to understand how their implementation can reduce operational expenses.
However, there are risks associated with increasing the connectivity on board a ship. Cybersecurity is a real threat, and ship owners and operators must be aware of the potential risks hackers pose to their operation. In an effort to combat these several companies including SpeedCast have developed marine cybersecurity solutions designed to protect ships from cyberattacks.
Let me leave you with a vision of mobile technology-enabled crews on board, working efficiently and safely, delivering value to shipowners and operators and beyond, using Smart Shipping solutions via ICT. Only by working together can the true value of Smart Shipping be realised and delivered.
This is an edited version of an article submitted by Dan Rooney, maritime product director of SpeedCast.
Seatrade Maritime Review • Quarterly Issue 2 • June 2017 95
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