Metis Cyberspace Technology has completed proof of concept trials using Hivecell edge computers with its cloud-based digalisation solution
Hivecell stack processing units can be installed on board ships to convert raw data into actionable information. Metis said these installations will turn ships into smart vessels and reduce the bandwidth required for transmitting data to shore for processing.
“Following the trials, Hivecell can be offered as an integral part of the innovative artificial intelligence-based solutions Metis has developed to empower shipping’s digital transformation,” said Metis chief executive Mike Konstantinidis.
Hivecell delivers a plug-and-play hive of smart cells which preprocess relevant information, crunching data in situ, for uploading to a Metis cloud facility. These are deployed on the ship in an edge-as-service solution that requires no hardware investment.
Trials at Hivecell using the virtualised Metis data-fusion server (DFS) validated Hivecell edge-as-a-service as ready to work with existing Metis cloud-computing software.
“Our solution is programmed with existing hardware and is simple to deploy, enabling fleet managers to process data from the Metis system more easily, which enables faster decision making,” said Hivecell co-founder and chief executive Jeffrey Ricker.
This validation comes as more smart devices are deployed on ships and are connected to cloud-based management systems, putting pressure on satellite communications by driving increased demand for bandwidth on the uplink.
By installing edge computing on ships, managers can use its processing power to provide information to crew and only transfer to shore what is relevant to decision making. On top of reducing hardware and data traffic, edge computing saves on server maintenance and training.
Mr Konstantinidis expects more shipping companies to invest in edge computing and cloud services.
“We look forward to identifying common opportunities to implement game-changing solutions that can accelerate maritime digitalisation,” he said.
More than 250 ships are registered to the Metis cloud platform, including vessels operated by Neptune lines, Thenamaris, Olympic Shipping, Esvagt, Arcadia, Pleiades Shipping and Lavinia Bulk.
Metis’ platform combines automated data acquisition with high-grade qualitative and quantitative analysis for stakeholders including fleet managers, chartering departments and crew.
The agreement with Hivecell opens the way for further development work focusing on improving system redundancy and deploying more machine-learning at the edge using open-source cloud computing, said Mr Konstantinidis.
“Both companies continue to work towards greater integration and interoperability, as part of a common commitment we see as seamlessly providing additional value to shipping customers,” he said.
Results from this proof-of-concept trial came a week after IBM gained class approval for its Maximo software for maritime and offshore sectors.
DNV GL granted type-approval for IBM’s Maximo enterprise asset management (EAM) software version 7.x for use in these industry applications. The certification process for this approval was overseen by maritime and offshore IT specialists from SRO Solutions.
This gold-accredited IBM business partner is the only company with the capability to provide a data replication service (SDR) operating in tandem with Maximo.
SDR is designed to work in locations where the internet connection is poor, allowing businesses with remote and offshore assets to share as close to live data as possible.
Maximo is increasingly being installed across offshore and maritime assets to improve their management. In 2020, Stena Drilling upgraded its IT and asset management software with UK-based SRO Solutions and Maximo.
Offshore production ship operator Modec modernised its asset management on its vessels and shore base in Africa, reducing procurement costs, using this EAM.
Maritime digitalisation, cloud-based asset management and edge computing will be presented and discussed during Riviera’s series of virtual conferences and webinars during 2021 - use this link to access more details and register for these events
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