Inmarsat 'Digital Wave report' on Shipping - An overview
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has recently released a report titled "Digital Wave: Transforming Vessels into Floating Offices and Remote Homes". This report delves into the growing significance of ‘always-on’ onboard connectivity for ships and their crews, especially as reliance on digital technology increases.
Here are some key points from the report.
Emerging Technology Trends:
The maritime industry is witnessing a shift where ships are functioning as ‘floating offices. As a result, there’s a rising demand for collaborative and always-on software. 89% of surveyed seafarers rely on connectivity for both work and leisure, using digital tools for an average of five hours a day while working. Additionally, 82% use connectivity to communicate with friends and family during their spare time.
Importance of Cohesive Data Management
The report emphasizes the need for a cohesive approach to data management based on five key factors:
- Common Data Language: Ensuring consistent communications across stakeholders.
- Effortless Connectivity: Supporting both operations and crew well-being.
- Secure and Safe Connectivity: Prioritizing safety.
- Globally Approved Systems: Ensuring compatibility.
- Willingness to Share Data: Encouraging collaboration.
Cyber Security
Inmarsat embeds cyber security throughout the lifecycle of their technology and services. This includes design, production, operations, and even end-of-life. They adhere to internationally recognized standards and employ best-in-class monitoring and encryption capabilities. A specialized security group identifies cyber threats and risks, leading strategies to manage them.
Their 24/7 cyber security operations center collaborates actively with the intelligence community, partners, and customers.
Inmarsat is certified under ISO 27001, UK Cyber Essentials, and the U.S. NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Privacy
Inmarsat’s privacy policy outlines how they handle personal data when visitors use their website.
They inform users about privacy rights and legal protections.
In summary, Inmarsat maintains an industry-leading framework for effective cyber risk management while safeguarding user privacy.
Inmarsat’s Commitment:
Ben Palmer, President of Inmarsat Maritime, highlights the importance of fast and reliable connectivity with consistent global coverage, even in hotspots and remote locations. Inmarsat aims to support safe and efficient vessel operations and crew welfare. And the above can be provided because of Inmarsat's amazing satellite infrastructure.
Key findings:
- 89% of seafarers surveyed rely on connectivity for both work and leisure, with 11% having access only for work purposes.
- On average, respondents use digital tools for five hours a day while working, and 82% use them to communicate with friends and family during their spare time.
- The report emphasizes the importance of a cohesive and collaborative approach to data management, highlighting five supporting factors:
- Effortless connectivity for operations and crew well-being
- Secure and safe connectivity
- Globally approved systems
- A willingness to share data
- A trend observed is that the use of digital tools and applications changes as ships get closer to shore, with 66% of respondents saying their reliance on tools changes, and 63% noting an increase in remote operations.
Significant impact of connectivity on crew welfare and mental health - some insights:
- Connectivity is crucial for the emotional well-being of seafarers, who often spend up to six months at a time away from home with limited opportunities for digital interaction with friends and family.
- The report explores how technology can bridge the gap between health and safety onboard, investigating the effects of well-being on safety and how technology can detect stress and prevent accidents.
- A reliable network connection not only optimizes vessel operations but also enhances life onboard, making ships function as ‘floating offices’ and improving the living conditions for the crew.
- The consequences of any loss of connectivity can be severe, affecting safety, efficiency, and seafarer welfare.
The report underscores the importance of ‘always-on’ connectivity to support both operational needs and the mental health of seafarers.
Connectivity plays a vital role in ensuring safety and preventing accidents onboard ships. According to the ‘Digital Wave’ report:
- A loss of connectivity can have severe consequences on safety, efficiency, and seafarer welfare.
- The report, compiled by maritime technology research firm Thetius, provides insights into how digital technologies are currently used by crews and shore-based teams.
- These technologies are crucial for real-time communication, navigation, and operational management, which are essential for maintaining safety standards.
- Reliable ‘always-on’ connectivity allows for continuous monitoring and quick response to any potential hazards or emergencies.
The integration of digital technologies onboard is transforming vessels into ‘floating offices’, where safety protocols can be managed more effectively due to enhanced connectivity.
The “Digital Wave” report emphasizes the critical role of digitalization, connectivity, and collaboration in modern shipping business models. It highlights the necessity of a cohesive data management approach and discusses the increasing reliance on ‘always-on’ onboard connectivity, transforming ships into ‘floating offices’ and optimizing vessel operations. The report underscores that reliable network connections are essential for enhancing life on board and ensuring efficient ship functioning.