Transforming Shipyard Operations: Pervasive Connectivity
12 Apr 2024
In the dynamic environment of shipyards, effective communication and seamless connectivity are essential for ensuring smooth operations and maximising productivity. There are often hindered by the often remote location, large steel structural environment and harsh weather conditions. Therefore, an innovative unified connectivity architecture and solution was designed to provide pervasive connectivity for shipyards, revolutionising the communication flow of the marine industry.
Establishing a Smartyard
Smartyard is the next evolutionary step for traditional shipyards. It signifies the integration of advanced digital technologies and smart solutions into the existing infrastructure and operations of shipyards.
Meticulously crafted to extend and integrate mesh connectivity across various areas of the shipyard, this unified connectivity architecture seamlessly connects every corner of the shipyard ecosystem.
It reaches the covered workshops to open yard areas, underwater locations, on-board vessels, and even inside ships. This lays the groundwork for the digitalisation of yard operations and the implementation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) use-cases, such as:
- Smart Infrastructure: Implementation of digital sensors, IoT devices, and smart meters throughout the shipyard to monitor various aspects such as equipment performance, environmental conditions, and energy consumption.
- Connected Machinery and equipment: Smart machinery and equipment equipped with sensors and connectivity features enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote operation, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime.
- Data Analytics and Management Systems: Processing vast amounts of data generated by smart sensors and equipment to enable shipyard operators to gain valuable insights, optimise workflows, and make data-driven decisions.
- Automation and Robotics: Integration of automation technologies and robotics streamlines repetitive tasks and enhances precision in shipyard operations, leading to increased productivity and safety.
- Cybersecurity Measures: Robust cybersecurity measures can be added to protect sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and connected devices from cyber threats and unauthorised access in the digitally-enabled shipyard environment.
- Collaboration and Communication Platforms: Facilitate seamless interaction and information sharing among different teams, departments, and stakeholders involved in shipyard operations for better communications and safety monitoring
- Environmental Monitoring and Sustainability Solutions: Monitoring of environmental impact, optimise resource usage, and implement sustainable practices within the shipyard.
Paradigm shift in shipyard operations
Pervasive connectivity not only enables extended mesh connectivity in the shipyard and near-shore, on-shore. It can also be extended off-shore, enhancing safety, logistics, and asset/personnel tracking and communication in the future.