The event, organised by Riviera Maritime Media and held under the Chatham House Rule, was held before Riviera’s Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference Americas.
Engine telemetry integration through OEM partnerships has exposed critical weaknesses in current digital systems, the roundtable heard. One participant shared that a commercially available monitoring system, despite providing real-time engine data, failed to predict a catastrophic connecting rod failure during operations in West Africa. This failure occurred even though all system parameters appeared normal. Similarly, digital twin implementations in OSV fleets have faced challenges, with operators reporting these systems struggle to account for complex offshore environments and dynamic positioning requirements.
Bandwidth constraints in offshore environments restrict data transmission to just 1-2% of available sensor data, hampering predictive analytics models. While LEO satellite adoption offers potential solutions, it also can introduce new problems. Vessels report coverage gaps during critical operations, particularly in higher latitudes, and antenna stabilisation issues during heavy weather further compromise connectivity when it is most needed.
Data ownership concerns
The industry is also undergoing a significant shift in attitudes towards data ownership and control.
One operator reported that engine performance data is often locked behind proprietary systems, hindering integration with fleetwide optimisation tools. During contract disputes, historical vessel performance data has been withheld, impacting operational decision-making. Critical maintenance records remain trapped within vendor-controlled platforms, complicating maintenance scheduling and compliance efforts. Operational efficiency data is siloed within third-party analytics systems, limiting operators’ ability to gain comprehensive insights. Additionally, real-time sensor data is frequently accessible only through vendor-specific applications, restricting operators’ flexibility in data utilisation.
Such data ownership concerns have driven operators to implement new architectural requirements for digital systems. These include mandatory data escrow arrangements, vendor-independent data storage solutions and contractual requirements for regular data exports in standardised formats. Several operators report developing parallel data collection systems to ensure continued access to critical operational data regardless of vendor relationships. Other said they were terminating long-standing vendor relationships over data ownership disputes, preferring to develop inhouse solutions rather than risk losing control of critical operational data.
Recent cyber attacks have demonstrated sophisticated targeting of vessel control systems. Operators report adversaries specifically exploiting the integration points between IT and OT systems, with multiple instances of unauthorised access to engine management systems through compromised crew welfare networks. The US Coast Guard’s July 2024 unified requirements for critical systems approval were felt to have created compliance challenges without addressing fundamental vulnerabilities in widely used SCADA systems.
Particularly concerning were reports of targeted attacks on vessel sensors, with several instances of GPS spoofing being used to trigger false dynamic positioning responses. Classification societies reported particular difficulties in verifying the security of remote access systems, with multiple instances of certificates being issued to vessels with significant undisclosed vulnerabilities.
Autonomous operations reality
SpaceX’s autonomous drone barge operations, while technically impressive, operate under highly controlled conditions that mask the complexity of routine maritime operations, said participants. OSV operators attempting to implement similar technologies for platform supply operations report fundamental challenges in replicating human decision-making during complex positioning operations. Attempts at automated gangway connections for offshore wind support vessels have proven particularly problematic, with operators reporting that current systems cannot adequately account for complex sea states.
Current maritime data architecture remains fragmented. Vessel operators report ‘integrated’ bridge systems can fail to provide unified data streams, requiring manual reconciliation of navigation, engine management and cargo systems data. Legacy equipment using proprietary protocols continues to resist integration efforts, while attempts to implement standardised protocols face resistance from equipment manufacturers protecting their data ecosystems. Specific examples include dynamic positioning systems unable to effectively share data with engine management systems, cargo management systems isolated from vessel trim optimisation tools and weather routeing systems unable to integrate real-time engine performance data.
Post-pandemic crew shortages have exposed critical gaps in digital competency. Operators report specific incidents where crew inability to manage digital systems has led to operational failures, including instances of vessels unable to maintain station-keeping due to crew unfamiliarity with integrated bridge systems. Training programmes struggle to keep pace with system updates, while traditional maritime education institutions lack the capability to effectively teach digital systems integration.
Some of the organisations said they were now abandoning comprehensive digital transformation initiatives in favour of focused operational improvements. Specific examples include reverting to manual engine monitoring systems alongside digital systems, implementing air-gapped backup navigation systems and maintaining parallel analogue communication systems.
Concluding, participants felt the sector stands at a crossroads, grappling with the decision to either pursue comprehensive digital transformation or acknowledge the current technological limitations. In the immediate future, it was felt the focus must shift towards addressing fundamental reliability and security concerns. This involves prioritising the resolution of basic connectivity issues and data integration challenges before embarking on more ambitious digital initiatives. Cyber-security efforts should be redirected to safeguard specific operational capabilities, moving away from all-encompassing digital security frameworks that may prove ineffective. Looking to the medium term, the industry is likely to embrace hybrid systems that seamlessly integrate critical analogue capabilities with digital advancements. This approach recognises the value of tried-and-tested methods while leveraging the benefits of new technologies.
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