Marine Automation and Control Systems

Scalable Digitalization Helps Optimize Vessel Operations

How Automation in the Maritime Industry Works

The maritime industry is facing a number of challenges, from rising energy costs, workforce labor shortfalls, and increasing IMO environmental regulations to a growing demand for more energy-efficient vessels complying with IMO’s GHG emissions reductions by 2030. Moreover, competing in today’s ship-building landscape is not easy. Marine automation solutions empower ship builders to optimize assembly and fabrication performance throughout vessel construction, while shipowners gain greater performance and reduced operational costs across applications like engines, thrusters, ballast, propulsion, and steering systems, among others.

Benefits of Maritime Automation

When deployed throughout marine vessels, maritime automation provides an array of benefits. These include:

• Increased vessel efficiency with optimized navigation, fuel management, and cargo handling.
• Enhanced safety through real-time monitoring and automated safety systems.
• Improved environmental compliance through automated monitoring and control of emissions.
• Streamlined communications with efficient data exchange and remote management.
• Predictive maintenance through continuous monitoring and diagnostics of onboard systems.

Types of Maritime Automation and Control Systems

Marine automation solutions can be incorporated throughout ships and maritime vessels. Some key systems that are prime for automation include:

• Navigation and Control Systems – Maritime automation systems can assist in navigating vessels, controlling speed and direction, and keeping vessels on course. This includes automated autopilot systems, dynamic positioning systems, and integrated bridge systems.
• Cargo Handling and Management – Automation solutions can assist in the loading, unloading, and storage of cargo, helping to ensure an optimal use of space and safe handling practices. Automated systems include cranes, conveyors, and monitoring systems.
• Engine and Machinery Control – Operators can use automation to control and monitor a ship’s engines, propulsion systems, and auxiliary machinery. This can include automatic starting and stopping of engines, fuel management systems, and condition monitoring of critical equipment.
• Safety and Security Systems – Automation can enhance onboard safety by providing real-time monitoring of fire detection and suppression systems, intrusion detection, and emergency response systems.
• Communication and Data Management Systems – Automated systems enable the efficient handling of communication and data exchange between ships and shore-based operations. Automated systems include satellite communication systems, data logging, and remote diagnostics.
• Maintenance and Diagnostics – Automation can perform continuous monitoring of a ship’s equipment and systems, helping predict potential failures and scheduling maintenance to prevent downtime.
• Environmental Monitoring and Compliance - Automation can monitor and control emissions, ballast water treatment, and other regulations, helping to ensure compliance with international maritime laws and reducing environmental impact.