Using IoT devices and sensor systems across your fleet helps you gain a competitive edge, by enabling you to harness the full potential of data for more effective operations and decision-making.

The ship-to-shore connectivity revolution has catapulted IoT (Internet of Things) to the centre of modern shipping, opening up a world of opportunities that perhaps only hardcore futurists dared to envision a decade ago.

The most obvious benefit of maritime IoT application lies in how it can optimise and streamline every aspect of operations at sea, at port and across fleet – from vessel tracking and predictive maintenance to crew safety and welfare.

Disparate elements such as engine and machinery components, cargo containers, fleet management and connected ports are being brought together by onboard sensors and monitoring equipment.

With increasing IoT connectivity comes vast amounts of data that you as a shipping manager can extract insights and value from to make data-driven business decisions and optimise operations at all levels.

Advances operational performance and safety

IoT enables ship owners and managers to deal proactively with maintenance, by monitoring shipboard equipment and machinery in real time to pinpoint issues and prevent potential failures.

Ensuring continuous and optimal machinery and equipment operation not only reduces costly downtime, it also improves crew safety.

Optimises voyage planning and reduces fuel consumption

Fuel costs represent as much as 50–60% of total ship operating costs, depending on the type of ship and service. Sensors and monitoring equipment onboard can collect vessel performance data and send them to the main office on shore, which in turn can provide the ship master and chief engineer with guidance when planning the most energy-efficient route.

Identifying optimal speed and engine configuration for each leg will potentially save considerable amounts of fuel and lower carbon emission.

Read more: The value of ICT in the maritime industry

Conclusion

As today’s ships are becoming highly sensorised, shipping companies have more data than ever about their day-to-day operations.

Collecting sensor data is nothing new in maritime transport. However, the global ship-to-shore connectivity – enabled by safe and secure Internet connection – makes it possible to gather data from an expanding array of onboard sensors and digitally distribute it throughout your logistics network.

How does this help you become more competitive?

IoT connectivity enables you to turn mountains of raw data into actionable, trusted intelligence, which you can leverage as a basis for strategic decision-making and more effective, regulatory-friendly operations.