In a move that’s set to shake up the maritime industry, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has given its stamp of approval to Kongsberg Maritime’s dynamic positioning digital survey (DPDS) application. This isn’t just another tech gimmick; it’s a game-changer that could redefine how vessel surveys are conducted. Imagine this: instead of halting operations for scheduled in-person assessments, vessels can now be surveyed remotely, thanks to data continuously collected from their dynamic positioning (DP) systems. It’s like giving the maritime industry a shot of digital adrenaline.
The implications are vast. For starters, vessel downtime is significantly reduced. No more waiting around for surveyors to give the all-clear. Instead, data is collected and analyzed in real-time, allowing operations to continue smoothly. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about operational cost-efficiency and lowering fuel consumption. In an industry where every penny and drop of fuel counts, this is a significant win.
Joshua Divin, ABS senior vice president, Western Operations, couldn’t be more enthusiastic. “ABS provides the most advanced and efficient survey capabilities in the world, and the DPDS app from Kongsberg is another step forward in the evolution of digital solutions for offshore assets,” he said. “We are proud to work alongside Kongsberg to help support the safe and practical application of advanced technologies to optimize performance.”
But the benefits don’t stop at cost savings. This digital shift could also enhance safety. With continuous data collection and remote monitoring, potential issues can be identified and addressed promptly. It’s like having a digital watchdog that never sleeps, ensuring vessels are always in top condition.
Erik Korssjøen, vice president of digital products at Kongsberg Maritime, sees this as just the beginning. “We see that the maritime industry is increasingly recognizing the benefits of data-driven verification for machinery and auxiliary systems, not just DP,” he said. This suggests that the DPDS app could pave the way for more digital solutions in the maritime sector. If data-driven verification works for DP systems, why not for other critical systems on vessels?
However, this isn’t without its challenges. The success of the DPDS app relies heavily on the expertise of surveyors trained by Kongsberg. This raises questions about the industry’s readiness to embrace this digital shift. Are there enough trained professionals to meet the demand? How will this impact traditional surveying roles? These are questions that need to be addressed as the industry moves forward.
This development could also spark a debate about data security and privacy. With data being continuously collected and transmitted, how can the industry ensure this information is protected from cyber threats? This is a conversation that needs to happen, and soon.
The approval of the DPDS app is more than just a technological advancement; it’s a catalyst for change. It challenges the status quo, pushing the maritime industry towards a more digital, efficient, and potentially safer future. As the industry grapples with these changes, one thing is clear: the maritime sector is on the cusp of a digital revolution, and Kongsberg and ABS are leading the charge.
