Using AI to make OSV operations ‘smarter’ and more efficient

Norwegian OSV owner DOF has joined a research project to develop an internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence-assisted solution to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for offshore operations, while streamlining fleetwide maintenance.

With the aim of developing a new decision support system (DSS) for offshore vessel operations, the multi-year project is backed by funding from Innovation Norway.

Other partners in the effort are maritime technology company Kongsberg Maritime and Norwegian research organisations Sintef Ocean and Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE).

“The partnership is focused on building a platform for intelligent efficiency, made possible only through the integration of operational, information and communication technologies,” said Kongsberg Maritime director of energy products integration Eirik Mathiesen. “Encompassing IoT, new smart sensors on board will stream accurate data to the cloud-based DSS, where deep analysis with intuitive presentation and application will drive equitable and predictable operational performance.”

Kongsberg Maritime said that DSS will act as the foundation for DOF to simplify operational complexity with objective measurement, ultimately enabling optimal utilisation and more sustainable fleet management.

“Going ‘smart’ is integral to maintaining our position as the number one OSV ship manager today and into the future, in a sustainable way,” said DOF senior project manager for energy management Lars Christian Larsen. “Smart is not just deploying the right technologies. Developing our culture to focus even more on sustainable operations with minimal environmental impact will be as important as the technology we create with Kongsberg, Sintef Ocean and NORCE. DOF’s maritime experience together with the collection of big data in an operationally logical way will ensure success.”

Marine operational decisions will be supported by providing more accurate, timely, and easily consumable information to decision makers; from the vessel’s chief engineer to the chief operation officer based shoreside, said Kongsberg Maritime.

“Information is power, and when that information relates directly to power consumption, it can revolutionise vessel operations, from onboard electrical load management to route optimisation for passage by sea,” said Sintef Ocean research manager, maritime energy systems Anders Valland.