No one has ever said, no thanks, I’ve got enough data, and by the way, I don’t need it to go any faster. We’re all attached to our phones and tablets, laptops, and smart TVs on shore. But for seafarers, the issue has historically been the opposite, never having enough data fast enough or affordably enough. Now, however, emerging hybrid connectivity and integrated network solutions are changing that for crews and ships around the globe.
A commercial vessel is perhaps one of the most heavily sensor-equipped platforms you’ll encounter. Consider that a container ship is the length of the Empire State Building (or more), moves at speeds of 20 to 30 mph, and has a carrying capacity equivalent to a 40+ mile freight train (or more than 18,000 20-foot shipping containers). These vessels may have crews of 20-30 people carrying out vessel operations and living aboard for months at a time, all surrounded by complex systems for propulsion, navigation, cargo monitoring and tracking, fuel management, habitation, and more.
The trend toward digitalization is accelerating, and there will likely be a new normal of remote technical support. There’s the ongoing acceptance and growth of the Internet of Things aboard ships along with connectivity demands made by an increasing level of smart operations and automation. Crew wellbeing continues to be addressed with a variety of services.
As a result, the per-second data capacity is projected to grow at a compound rate of more than 37% over the next ten years. At the same, the number of terminals at sea will more than double.
And throughout all of this will be the need for fleets to be flexible while getting maximum value. More than 36,000 vessels are equipped with broadband right now, but that’s only 1 in 5 in the addressable market of roughly 190,000 vessels. The rest are relying on extremely slow, expensive services and limit themselves to email for noon reports, operational updates, and not much else.
But the emergence of new, more affordable systems has the opportunity to change that.
Recently, Chris Watson, KVH’s vice president for marketing and communications, addressed the attendees at the Cyprus Shipping News 4th ICT Conference. Take a look andlearn what’s coming and how it will change the world of shipping communications forever.
