In a move that could significantly reshape maritime safety and operational efficiency, Hefring Marine has launched an advanced analytics solution designed to transform how fleet managers and operators understand and respond to impact events. The new Impact Report feature takes complex sensor data from Hefring Marine’s IMAS sensors and converts it into clear, visual summaries, providing detailed insights into what happened, when, and where on the vessel.
Unlike traditional impact monitoring systems that rely solely on impact magnitude, Hefring Marine’s solution correlates impact data with multiple onboard data sources, including engine data and other sensor types. This holistic approach offers a comprehensive picture of marine incidents, potentially revolutionizing how the industry approaches safety and operational analysis.
“Traditional impact analysis has been limited to basic accelerometer readings that miss critical context,” said Karl Birgir Björnsson, CEO and Co-founder at Hefring Marine. “Our Impact Report feature goes far beyond simple magnitude measurements. It analyzes each impact to determine hull location, impact type, and can automatically flag various scenarios including propeller strikes, grounding events, and potential collisions. This level of intelligence transforms how the maritime industry approaches safety and operational analysis.”
The Impact Report feature is packed with tools designed to simplify and enhance the analysis of impact events. For instance, the sensor list automatically correlates data from multiple sensors to create distinct events, simplifying analysis. The report also provides a breakdown of each IMAS sensor unit connected onboard the vessel during the trip, informing users of the impact count, how many impact events each sensor registered, and the peak impact detected by each sensor. This helps identify where on the vessel the most significant forces were experienced.
Two powerful visualization charts provide instant understanding of impact directions. A side view reveals vertical impacts such as wave slamming or bottom strikes, while a top view shows lateral impacts including port/starboard collisions or contacts. An interactive timeline chart and detailed table list all impact events detected during trips, with clickable events that provide drill-down capabilities for detailed analysis.
When looking into a specific event, the report shows detailed statistics such as duration, peak forces, and other key metrics. It also pinpoints the event location on an interactive map, shows directional impact arrows indicating the exact direction and intensity of forces per sensor, and flags detected scenarios like propeller strike, propeller ventilation, grounding, nearby vessel presence, or potential collision. Additionally, an impact profile chart provides a detailed curve of the event, helping distinguish between scenarios like wave slamming vs. object collision. Per-sensor information offers detailed metrics calculated for each sensor that recorded the event, supporting further analysis.
This feature addresses a critical need in the maritime industry, where understanding the true nature of impact events has traditionally been challenging and time-consuming. By providing clear visual summaries and intelligent analysis, the Impact Report enables operators to quickly investigate safety incidents, identify risky operational patterns, and implement improvements to protect both vessels and crew.
“This feature represents our commitment to making advanced marine analytics accessible and actionable,” added Karl. “Whether investigating a safety incident or optimizing operations, the Impact Report puts all the relevant data at the user’s fingertips, displayed clearly and ready to act upon.”
The Impact Report feature is now available to existing Hefring Marine customers and will be included in new IMAS installations. The solution integrates seamlessly with Hefring Marine’s existing sensor network and analytics platform, requiring no additional hardware for current users.
So, what does this mean for the future of the maritime industry? The Impact Report could pave the way for more proactive safety measures and operational efficiencies. By providing detailed, context-rich data on impact events, fleet managers can make more informed decisions, potentially reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Moreover, the ability to quickly investigate and understand incidents could lead to improved safety protocols and training programs, ultimately enhancing crew safety.
Furthermore, the integration of multiple data sources could set a new standard for impact analysis in the maritime industry. As other companies take note, we might see a shift towards more comprehensive, data-driven approaches to safety and operational management. This could foster a more competitive market, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in maritime technology.
In the long run, the Impact Report could contribute to a cultural shift in the industry, encouraging a more data-centric mindset. As operators become more comfortable with advanced analytics, they may start to explore other areas where data can drive decision-making, from route planning to fuel efficiency. This could lead to a more efficient, safer, and ultimately more sustainable maritime industry.
For more information, visit https://www.hefringmarine.com/