Hunter Tankers' VLCC fleet first to have SmartShip notation

The Hunter Group of Norway has taken delivery of Hunter Idun, the sixth of seven VLCCs ordered at DSME. The final newbuilding is scheduled to be delivered in August 2020. Hunter Idun commenced a six-month time charter immediately following delivery from the yard. The vessels are built to DSME’s ECO VLCC design and are the first VLCCs to receive the DNV GL SmartShip notation.

“We wanted to have a robust IT solution on board. During the plan approval process, with necessary inputs from domain experts, we chose to have optical fibre cable on deck to avoid loss of signal due to the large distances on a VLCC. The wifi access points on deck ensure a wifi signal in Hazardous Area Zone 1. We placed on board hardware such as a camera phone, a handheld tablet and a helmet-mounted Android tablet, all three of which are Ex-certified for use in Hazardous Zone 1,” Hunter Group chief operating officer Sujoy Seal told DNV GL in an interview.

“We have also implemented augmented reality (AR) solutions on board for in-built checklists, drawings, etc. An advanced ship-to-shore conferencing solution keeps us connected with stakeholders onshore,” he said.

The DNV GL SmartShip notation required rigorous research and risk analysis and installation included IECEx and EU ATEX certification of all the hardware used in Hazardous Area Zone 1. The radio frequency levels of the installed access points comply with Table 4 of IEC60079-0 6.6.1 and with the national regulations where the vessel will operate. Mr Seal said, “This was the first VLCC in the maritime industry to have wifi installed in Hazardous Area Zone 1.”

Mr Seal explained the benefits of having the advanced technology on board the VLCC. He said, “Remote surveys and audits help reduce operational disruptions. The digital tools and hardware, including AR, allow us to give live feeds from the vessel to DNV GL to show any equipment failure and how the failure has been rectified. This process also ensures our company’s core values of “Transparency in operation” are met.”

“The wifi on deck allows the use of the Kongsberg K-Gauge application, which reflects the cargo, fuel and ballast tanks on the portable equipment. The connection enables us to have a live audiovisual (AV) feed to a medical centre during medical emergencies on board and subsequent medical advice. We can also have a live AV feed during other types of emergency, such as a collision, oil spill, etc. This solution will save time and allow the master and the management team on board to focus on handling the critical situation and mitigate further risks.”

The advanced technology required extra training for the crew. This included cyber awareness and there are also rigorous firewalls installed. “There are firewalls in place with stringent access levels to prevent a cyber attack. The firewalls have been provided by Dell, Inmarsat and Kongsberg. Only authorised and approved equipment can be used with the wifi on deck. This will not only prevent any external devices being used but also prevents the use of non-Ex-rated equipment,” said Mr Seal.

In March 2020, Hunter Tankers AS, a subsidiary of Hunter Group ASA, gave an update on the employment of the seven-strong fleet. Hunter Atla, Hunter Laga and Hunter Freya each has entered into a six-month time charter agreement on an average day rate of approximately US$80,000 per day. Hunter Saga remains in the spot market through the Tankers International Scrubber Pool, and was joined by Hunter Disen and Hunter Idun in June/July with Hunter Frigg scheduled to join in July/August 2020.