Implementation of Smart Vessel Optimizer with JR Shipping and SeaZip

Findings

The findings were very positive and varied per partner. JR Shipping gained better control over operations and could provide more effective support to the crew from the office. They were able to save travel costs (both for their own personnel and service companies) because technical issues could be evaluated remotely and solved much faster.

Reikon and AEGIR-Marine gained valuable insights into their assets' performance (in the field) and built an extensive dataset. This is used to support JR Shipping in structurally eliminating asset alarms and instructing the crew on the best way to  operate their assets. Additionally, the data is used to optimize asset design across their  whole portfolio, automate internal work processes, and facilitate remote support, continuously reducing Opex spending for their customers while improving uptime.

Weconnect successfully demonstrated its connectivity solutions integrated with SVO to deliver reliable and consistent worldwide connectivity. It now actively promotes TechBinder's digital solutions to its global maritime customers as part of its portfolio.

Next Steps by JR Shipping

At the beginning of 2024, JR Shipping decided to further roll out Smart Vessel Optimizer on their SeaZip vessels. SVO continuously harvests the following data to support their superintendents:

• Engine performance data
• Camera feeds, retrievable remotely
• Alphatron and Praxis bridge systems
• Alarm management systems
• Impact measurements during landing

Several SeaZips are now equipped with the Smart Vessel Optimizer solution.

“The insights gained have already represented multiple returns on investment” Says Martijn Koning, Technical Superintendent at SeaZip.

Many new customers request to include a vessel monitoring system. SeaZip is now ready after a relatively simple installation.

Technical Use

SeaZip’s primary goal was to support technical operations, especially since the 
vessels operate worldwide and human resources are insufficient to visit vessels continuously. Access to both live and historic asset data makes it possible to prevent downtime, and when issues arise, the source and resolution can be identified faster 
without the need to travel, which contributes to the environmental goals of JR-Shipping.

• Alarms: By seeing active alarms immediately, quick action can be taken. Often, alarms are reported late or not at all, understandable given the crew's hectic job manoeuvring vessels in complex environments. Now, shore operations can offer an extra set of eyes, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
• Troubleshooting: Trend data helps the crew find the causes of problems. One example was when the engine experienced issues, the data identified the seawater filter as the problem source, despite the crew finding little debris in the filter.

QHSE

During the project, the QHSE department showed interest. SeaZip can demonstrate 
compliance with all agreed rules and regulations, including tracking fuel use/emissions. 
Additionally, when an incident caused damage to the transfer platform, ship movements, camera images, and engine data helped the QHSE department demonstrate that the captain acted correctly, preventing disputes and limiting time spent on the case for both SeaZip and the customer.

"We have operations where deploying this system is an absolute no-brainer," 
says Peter van der Klei, Head of Technical Department at JR Shipping.

Conclusion

All parties were positively surprised by the various outcomes:

• "We could not expect that the value of the Smart Vessel Optimizer solution could be 
found in so many different areas," says Peter Zorge, Director at Reikon.
• "We have operations where deploying this system is an absolute no-brainer," says 
Peter van der Klei, Head of Technical Department at JR Shipping.
• “We wanted to investigate whether it is possible to collect data on board and analyse
it on land, preferably through a single system for multiple suppliers simultaneously. This has certainly been successful; the test can be considered a success,” said Rob de Wit, Manager Innovation and Business Development at AEGIR-Marine.
• “Having an unsteered multi-network connection from We-connect proved to be a very 
cost-efficient solution in combination with the digital technology offered by TechBinder” Says Bas de Lange, Owner WeConnect mobile.

What's Next

All participating parties indicated plans to deploy Smart Vessel Optimizer further within their operations. “With the support of TechBinder and a growing ecosystem of 
specialised partners, continuous and rapid developments are guaranteed,” says Bram van den Boom, Co-founder of TechBinder.