Why Dedicated Connectivity Enables the Most Effective Maritime IoT

Throughout the maritime industry, vessel stakeholders are turning their attention to maritime IoT solutions to reap cost and efficiency benefits from such functions as remote condition monitoring, performance optimization, and compliance. These solutions rely on data, or more precisely, data transfer; vessels send data from their onboard systems to shore in the expectation of gaining valuable insights from shoreside analytics experts. The most important element of maritime IoT, however, is time. Only when data is sent in real time will the vessel gain the actionable insights that can make a difference when it matters most. For this reason, dedicated satellite connectivity lies at the heart of the most effective maritime IoT solutions today.

Maritime data analytics experts agree that the key to optimization is getting data onshore quickly so there can be actions taken to improve efficiencies in tracking, routing, safety, security, fuel consumption, and emissions. “High-speed dedicated connectivity enables actionable insights faster,” says Mike Powell, of StratumFive, a leader in voyage informatics. In addition, dedicated connectivity enabling a video intervention while a vessel is at deep sea provides the ability to put a person virtually on the bridge for real-time remote support and troubleshooting.

However, often an IoT service company or OEM is not in control of their own connectivity and must borrow from the shipowner at limited times or rely on slow, intermittent communications or cellular communications at port. This circumstance typically occurs when a vessel is trying to use its existing satcom system to do too many things, thereby preventing continuous real-time IoT data transfer and the ability to take action at sea. Affordable high-speed dedicated IoT connectivity, on the other hand, enables shoreside monitoring by the IoT service company and OEM of the assets onboard a ship with the ability to do video interventions to fix problems in real time. Further, their ability to monitor and take action at deep sea reduces maintenance costs and delays in port.

Cybersecurity is another factor pointing to the importance of dedicated IoT connectivity. A dedicated IoT terminal separates IT (information technology) from OT (operational technology, which manages physical processes and the machinery used to carry them out) and is critically important for reducing cyber risks. Vessels with a dedicated IoT connectivity solution are following IMO 2021 cybersecurity recommendations and at the same time are creating the optimum tech infrastructure for all their vessel’s needs, whether it is crew communications or real-time data transfers.