Maersk Line and UASC have been announced as the early users of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications via the Internet of Things, which could lead to the remote control of ships; and is a trend that will be widely used in the shipping industry in the next 5-10 years, according to Marine Electronics & Communications.
Christos Chryssakis, Principal Researcher and Group Leader for Energy Efficiency and Fuels at DNV GL, said: “We are on the verge of a new technology revolution. The combination of sensor networks, connectivity at sea, data analytics and computer power is driving digitalisation at sea.
“It can help us move towards more remote monitoring, diagnostics and operations. In the next 10 years, digitalisation will change how owners manage vessels and bring changes to shipbuilders and manufacturers.”
Technical Paper: Riding the Digital Wave: A Marine Revolution
This follows news that Rolls Royce had unveiled its vision for controlling unmanned ships via the use of land-based control centres.
In a recent article published by PTI, Big Data was also an example of a trend that is anticipated to become more prevalent in the shipping industry, as shipping is becoming more technology intensive.
Hyundai Heavy Industries are currently working on the design of a connected smart ship that will allow ship-owners to better manage their fleets, as well as gain operational savings through digital technology.
