Introduction

New realities of the post-pandemic world are beginning to emerge in shipping. The change in pace of technological adoption has resulted in many new ‘norms’, as well as bringing to the forefront concepts and ideas that prompt the maritime industry to continue to innovate. 

The concept of digital twinning, where a digital clone of a physical asset is reproduced to enable risk-free manipulation, experimentation, testing, and orientation in a safe and controlled environment, is more established in other industries. For example, the use of a digital twin was recognised as a contributing factor in the safe return of NASA astronauts in the infamous Apollo 13 disaster. Because Nasa engineers could precisely replicate the conditions on the injured spacecraft in a safe environment here on earth, they were able to conduct many trial and error experiments and arrive at a solution that the distressed astronauts could then carry out in space.  Without the freedom to experiment in this way, mission failure would have been a near certainty. 

In more recent times, the shipping industry has begun to assimilate the many possible use cases for digital twins, and the pandemic has had the effect of accelerating all forms of digital transformation in the sector.  Here, we take a look at the current state of digital twin solutions and ask what impact this technology is likely to have on shipping in the near future.

What is the current state of the maritime digital twin market?

The digital twin market has experienced growth in recent years and this only seems to be gaining further momentum as a greater need for technology-assisted measures are sought. The market is gathering pace in various maritime industry sectors; ports, shipping and offshore energy are all seeing some uses for digital twins. One example can be found in the European ports sector.  Having finalised the details of a unification with the port of Bruges, the port of Antwerp has identified three new strategic priorities – one of which is to focus on a transition to digital technology. A major development towards this is Antwerp’s digital twin support mechanism, called the ‘Antwerp Port Information and Control Assistant’ or APICA.  Launched in 2018, APICA is a digital replica of the port area.  Using a mixture of real-time and historical data, APICA is being developed to become the central intelligence behind operations at the port.  It will monitor everything from vessel traffic, container movements, tidal heights, wind turbine outputs, and the integrity of moorings.  Speaking of APICA, Erwin Verstraelen, Chief Digital & Innovation officer at Port of Antwerp said, ‘We can run simulations that predict what will happen in certain situations. Unlike artificial intelligence, APICA will not make autonomous choices. It is a decision support mechanism that will help with managing the port more efficiently.’

The introduction of digital twins in ports can be seen in other locations too. In Brazil, Docktech has a commercial agreement to deliver twin solutions to a fleet of tugs. The twin solution that is installed will be collecting bathymetric data that will be used in the prediction of changes in port depths. Similarly, Belfast Harbour has an ongoing contract with 3DEO to help with increasing operational efficiency. September 2021 also saw Portsmouth Harbour announce that they have entered a £1.5 million contract with IOTICS for a digital twin. Data captured by the twin will be used to assist the port in decision making and improving the sustainability of the port area.

Increasing adoption of digital twins following successful case studies can also be seen driving demand in the offshore industry. A joint collaboration between Shell and Kongsberg, Kongitwin energy, a digital twin solution in use in the energy sector, has paved the way for further expansion. Following successful trials, a full-scale digital replica of Norway’s second largest oil field will help Shell optimise production and upscale output.This upscaling will take place in the Ormen Lange field, Norway’s second largest gas field which feeds to the Nyhamna processing plant and as a result, the plant will deliver gas to 22 million european homes. Kongitwin describes itself as more than just a virtual replica; offering a number of enhanced capabilities such as data modelling and hybrid machine learning that delivers  predictive decision support to gas field operations teams.

In fact, there are a number of examples of digital twins that have successfully assisted in improving operational efficiency, as well as increasing levels of safety. However, despite growth in these areas, the concept of a digital twin is still abstract to many businesses. Digital twins have some way to go before they enter the mainstream. In 2020, a group of maritime industry professionals became the subject of a poll on digital twins.  Only 18% were using digital twins, and over a quarter of those that were not, did not anticipate developing them within 2-years. The market needs more time and more case studies that show the range of benefits it offers. Once the use of a digital twin is more common and has been evidenced, then it is likely that adoption rates will increase. 

What are the most promising cases for digital twinning in shipping?

As we have already seen, there are uses within shipping that are already underway and having a positive impact on their adopter’s operations. Most people would agree that anything that helps create a safer working environment is a welcome addition to the industry, but digital twins often reach beyond this. Some of the most promising cases include:

Preventative maintenance- The digital optimisation that this offers could help in creating a more proactive rather than reactive maintenance schedule for ships. Realising the benefit of this, the US Navy has developed the ability to diagnose and run various simulations to identify and address technical issues within their fleet. The US coastguard is also looking to extend vessel service life on it’s only heavy icebreaking vessel ‘Polar Star’ using the capabilities digital twins offer.

Training- Traditional standardised CBT (Computer Based Training) could potentially be replaced by this technology which could enhance and improve training levels. Companies could personalise and streamline training to make it more specific to vessels and crew. A greater sense of realism could potentially be achieved, aiding to increased levels of safety. Enclosed space drills could be completed virtually, therefore mitigating against the high risks associated with this type of training, whilst still maintaining a high level of competency. 

Marketing and management- The ability to showcase vessels to anyone, anywhere in the world, all without leaving the safety of the office, is an attractive prospect. Speaking to Thetius on this topic, a CEO in the digital twin industry commented “Once clients have received digital twins for marketing purposes, they decided to use the model for project management also”. The transferable use of the technology is helping to highlight the countless options it offers and the same CEO mentioned that many clients initially use it for marketing purposes and then going on to use it in creating pre-drydock tenders, allowing them to collect remote bids. 

What are the key challenges and opportunities for the technology?

As with all technology, digital twinning is not without its challenges.  From the macro perspective, there are two prominent challenges to the widespread adoption of digital twinning:

Awareness- Though in use for many years, digital twins are still relatively in their infancy in comparison to how much potential they have. They are a new concept for many in the industry. As such, the awareness and understanding of their use, capabilities, and benefits is not as well-known as it needs to see an increase in implementation. 

One of the biggest challenges at this stage is that until awareness and successful examples of usage increases, companies won’t look to advance to something quite unknown with an initial expensive outlay.  

Security- ‘Cyber security is a critical risk area, as ship operation is largely dependent on the effectiveness of software-based systems for operations’ (Maritime Cyber Security – DNV, n.d.).  The same principle could be applied to digital twin technology. It could potentially offer a platform in which malicious attempts can be made towards a company. Guidelines and frameworks will need to be introduced to assist in the reduction of this risk. The level of risk that the implementation of a digital twin could potentially bring to a company, will have to be at the stage that it is as minimal as possible, whilst also being outweighed by the benefits it can offer. 

With all challenges comes opportunity, and this is no less true for the digital twinning concept:

Financial benefit- Theoretically, the number of trials and models that can be run and tested with the use of a digital twin is endless. Companies looking into their development, such as Artemis Technologies, with its zero emission high speed ferry, are seeing this benefit. New equipment is being tested, fault checked and improved without physically having to build it. The option of this digitisation process, offers the potential for the work process to be sped up not only creating a reduction in timescales but also a cost reduction.

Enhanced safety- Digital twin technology can assist in being able to identify hazards at an earlier stage. They can reduce the need for people to work in dangerous areas, as well as bringing faults to our attention before they could increase in severity. This could be from the data output from sensors on machinery or sensors in dangerous areas that normally require a physical inspection. 

How mature is the demand for digital twin technologies?

While digital twinning is a long way from it’s apogee, uptake indicators are strengthening.  One industry analyst remarked that, ‘Owing to the varied applications of digital twins, the market is poised for exponential growth, which is expected to be accelerated by social distancing norms, forcing companies to adopt digital twins’. (Digital Twin Market Size & Growth Report, 2021-2028, 2021)  The report from which this quote was taken, describes numerous examples and case studies in which this technology has had a considerable positive effect in other sectors. This, coupled with the post-pandemic era we now live in, should bolster steady increases in demand, but to what extent remains unclear. 

Recommendations to shipping companies who are considering adopting digital twin technology

Thinking of integrating digital twinning technology into your business?  These are the top two considerations we believe you should bear in mind:

Security.

Given the ever changing world that we live in, it is vital that all security measures consider all possible threats, both immediate and emerging. Similar to other areas in the maritime industry, digital twin technology is something that could potentially be threatened and pose risks to a company. Time should be spent in gaining an understanding of the implications involved with a digital twin. The company security should be considered in detail along with creating a security plan, helping to create a culture of cyber risk aware employees and putting mitigating measures in place to protect any vulnerable areas identified.

Standardisation.

Not unlike many areas in the maritime industry, standards should be set to ensure that the technology and the processes for its use are regulated. Standardisation bodies have already been formed including GS1, DCSA (Digital Container Shipping Association) and Lloyd’s digital assurance. These focus on other aspects of digitalisation, however as the technology gains more momentum, likewise will the regulating and governing bodies. Companies considering the adoption of a twin will benefit from the added security value if using an approved and standardised system when they are implemented. 

Conclusion

The way in which the world now operates following the pandemic has seen a need for technological advances and changes to the way we work. The potential that digital twins can bring to the industry is untold. Those already utilising this technology are reaping some of the rewards. However, digital twins in many ways are still in their infancy and have a long way to go before they are a more established tool within the maritime sector. 

It can potentially improve safety and efficiency within the industry which is something we should all be striving to achieve at every level and the benefits reach far beyond that.  But whether the impact of COVID-19 results in a sustained increase in demand for digital twins remains to be seen.

About the Author

Lauren Brunton – Technology Analyst

Lauren is a qualified Officer of the Watch (Unlimited) and holds a first class honours degree in Navigation and Maritime Science from Plymouth University. 

During the seagoing phases of her career, she has primarily worked in the oil and gas sector; sailing aboard Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) and Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRVs). She has also voyaged internationally, working aboard cruise vessels for one of the world’s largest operators.

In addition to her successful career on the bridge, Lauren has been actively involved in promoting and encouraging women working at sea and she is also an MHFA England qualified mental health first aider.  She is passionate about improving safety and training standards in the maritime industry and understanding the way in which technology is being developed to improve ship operations and the lives of seafarers around the globe.