Page 22: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (July 2020)

Communications

Smart management is needed as wave of digitalization transforms maritime

Photo: © metamorworks/AdobeStock s the shipping industry undergoes major formation systems. Smart network management platforms also transformation, with operations becomingly deliver automatic matching of demand of various applications increasingly automated, maritime compa- to available networks and the management of traffc, whether nies need to consider more than just effcien- that be voice, internet, email or video.

A cy and safety when it comes to operations. To ensure that the network can support all necessary services,

The current global situation has resulted in a operators need to utilize platforms that maintain the services growing demand for crew communication, and applications running on it to deliver value to all stakehold- for both work and social purposes, alongside the ongoing need for ers. The network should be able to support every application optimization. All of this causes higher levels of traffc on maritime required for daily operations while also offering the potential networks, forcing shipping operators to place an increased focus to provide new services to keep up with the ever-increasing on essential network management to protect business operations. changes in the industry.

While on-board IT systems can be complex, they also offer large-scale opportunities for digital technologies to increase A Reliable Platform communication, reduce costs, boost productivity and ensure Having an integrated management service helps to support higher customer satisfaction. Because of this, investments in the whole network to carry out mission critical communica- network management can have a signifcant impact on business tions for the smooth running of operations instead of a patch- operations and can also require a great deal of management and work approach which could cause potential disruption. This undertaking to make them pay off. management service will become an integral part of maritime operations – with many aspects reliant on consistent, uninter-

Network management rupted seamless connectivity. With services and applications

The most signifcant development for maritime communica- running on the platform essential for delivering value to the tions has been the integration of standalone technologies into ship, the business, its crew, and customers, it is critical that the end-to-end solutions to create a manageable network. Gone are network can support all elements of day-to-day operations. the days of shipowners and managers having to juggle boxes of Having a robust network is key for successful management the past, instead this integration offers higher network perfor- and operation of the ship, where downtime and delays have no mance, simplifcation of operations and a reduction in the total place. If a network becomes disrupted it can cause a multitude cost of ownership. of problems for shipowners and business managers whose op-

With so many fundamental applications and processes, it has erations largely rely on having end-to-end network connectivity. become essential for shipping companies to install a smart net- The system must also offer the ability to support new services work management platform. This impacts everything from the in the future to adapt to the industry’s changing demands. For seamless transition between shore-based 4G/LTE connectivity, instance, being able to support real-time analysis of integrated

VSAT and L-band satellite, to the operation of on-board in- data from IoT sensors or provide video conferencing, voice 22 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • July 2020