The life onboard a vessel today is very different from what it was a decade or two ago. As ships become increasingly digitalised and connected, they are operating more and more like floating homes and offices.
Our survey results indicate that today, 88% of seafarers who responded have access to the internet for work and leisure, while 12% have access to the internet purely for work purposes. The survey results also showed that on average, seafarers are relying on digital tools for around five hours per day. A handful of respondents said they were using it for between 8-12 hours and some even suggested it could be as much as 16. The connectivity needs of many vessels today aren’t dissimilar to those of small and medium-sized businesses.
On a merchant ship today, around 20-25 people are likely to be onboard. These will be split between the deck department and the engineering department, both of which will be on or off watch at various times. On offshore vessels, numbers vary significantly depending on the type of vessel. Platform supply vessels (PSVs) and anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels are likely to have a crew size ranging from 10 to 30, whereas offshore construction vessels (OCVs) can require a crew of 50 to over 100 personnel due to the complex operations they complete. Floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) units are among the largest offshore vessels and can require a crew of 100 to 200 people.
Those at work use connectivity to gain insight into ship performance and improve operational efficiency. Those on rest time also rely on connectivity to call family members, watch movies, or browse the internet. Whether at work or play, seamless connectivity is essential. Deck crews are increasingly relying on data and connectivity to complete their daily tasks and make better decisions for safety and efficiency. It is estimated that a modern ship generates over 20 gigabytes of onboard data every day, and it needs just as much to function.
For example, digital twin technology, while still emerging in 2024, has the potential to revolutionise efficiency, safety, and maintenance practices for deck crews onboard ships. Digital twins can be used to create virtual replicas of ship components and systems, which can be utilised for simulations and training, allowing crews to familiarise themselves with ship layouts, equipment, operations, and navigation scenarios in a risk-free virtual environment.
Our research indicates that on deck, the crew are increasingly using smart ship technologies such as Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS) and Energy Management Systems (EMS) to utilise real-time data sets to optimise route planning and manage energy consumption, respectively. Connectivity is essential for smart ship technologies, as it facilitates continuous accurate data transmission and allows for integration with IoT devices, as well as leveraging cloud-based analytics and enabling remote access and monitoring.
To support the safe navigation of the vessel, charts and real-time GNSS data are paramount. In addition, for maintaining a safe passage, advanced weather forecasting and updates expected in weather patterns and conditions are essential in making informed decisions and anticipating any adverse weather on route. Live environmental data when coming into port, navigating narrow channels or fairways aid in increasing live situational awareness of the real-time conditions during manoeuvres. Not to mention the numerous compliance supporting platforms, vessel optimisation solutions and administrative support tools that play a key role in the day-to-day operations of a deck department.
For a more detailed insight and understanding of the topics briefly discussed in this article, please refer to our thought leadership report commissioned in partnership with Inmarsat, The Digital Wave. To find out more download your copy of the full report below:
