One of the emerging trends in the industry today is the need to have software that is always-on. This means software that is operational and accessible without significant downtime. Most systems will not be significantly impacted if they switch off for a few seconds, and many can tolerate being off for a few minutes. However, software that is ‘off’ for more than a few hours can cripple ship operations and catalyse financial and reputational risks. The need for software to be always-on depends on its specific use and application.
The ongoing disruption in today’s satellite industry, including much higher bandwidth, lower latency, fierce competition, and falling costs, enables new scenarios that the maritime industry so far could only dream of Dr. Dominik Pfeiffer, Director of Fleet IT at Hapag-Lloyd, told Thetius, “With significantly improved connectivity, vessels will become floating offices which are seamlessly integrated with IT systems onshore and in the cloud. A reliable high-speed Internet connection will allow us to move critical IT functions like email or identity and access management to the cloud, instead of maintaining it on all vessels. This will realise cost savings for us. Remote inspections by means of video streaming will partially replace costly travel to vessels. Furthermore, crews will get access to the whole range of IT services that were hitherto only available onshore and will eventually share the same IT experience as their colleagues in the office.”
These situations are magnified by the shipping giants of the world. Companies like Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM, to name a few. These players tend to be the first movers, adopting new technologies and leaping into the digital world before anyone else. But while they reap the rewards of being more digitally connected, they are also at greater risk if their systems shut down.
It’s not just ship performance where always-on software has a major role to play. Crews are increasingly relying on always-on software to communicate with home or relax during downtime. For software to be always on, there are specific connectivity requirements that are needed. High-speed bandwidth maximises uptime and transmission speeds, particularly at congestion hot spots. Low latency facilitates seamless real-time data exchange, and redundant communication systems enable continuous communication, so if one system fails, another is there to step in and provide ongoing communication.
To maintain continuous operation, it’s crucial to ensure redundant communication systems are in place. This could mean having multiple satellite systems or a combination of satellite and other communication technologies to ensure continuous connectivity, even if one system fails.
In some situations, communication to and from the software is cut because of network overload. This can happen in congested areas like ports, where many ships and people are trying to access the same network, and it simply doesn’t have enough capacity to fulfil all the demands being placed on it.
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:
