KVH and ioCurrents partner for remote monitoring service connectivity

IoCurrents created the MarineInsight platform, which uses machine-learning algorithms to support maritime maintenance and fuel optimisation and has thus far relied on vessels’ existing communications systems for data transfer.

KVH Watch is an IoT connectivity service providing machine-to-cloud satellite connectivity for remotely monitoring onboard equipment and performing on-demand remote expert interventions using video, voice or text via KVH’s global HTS network. The service will allow ioCurrents to use real-time data to provide customers with actionable insight and engage in real-time video troubleshooting sessions during the course of a sea voyage.

ioCurrents head of partnerships Jon Best said “The ioCurrents MarineInsight platform notifies key stakeholders, on board and shoreside, when and where to focus with real-time, remote vessel analytics.”

“Together, ioCurrents and KVH will enable people to have better troubleshooting conversations by offering an unprecedented, comprehensive ship-to-shore experience, providing key insights with unmatched speed and reliability.”

The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote surveillance and maintenance systems, however an IoT company is often not in control of connectivity from the vessel and may rely on slow, intermittent communications or cellular communications at port.

This prevents continuous real-time IoT data transfer and the ability to take action at sea. KVH said its KVH Watch program offers high-speed connectivity and enables shoreside monitoring of the assets on board a ship with video interventions available to fix problems in real time. Further, this reduces maintenance costs and delays in port.

KVH senior director of IoT business development Sven Brooks said “The ioCurrents approach is a great example of a company using data and analysis to prevent component failures, increase fuel efficiency, minimise downtime, and improve overall vessel and fleet performance. We are extremely pleased they have chosen our KVH Watch service as their connectivity solution and we look forward to being their partner as maritime IoT continues to grow throughout the industry.”