07/12/2020
A world-wide search is on for technology to allow automated collection of data on livestock export ships and real-time monitoring of a range of factors affecting animal welfare.
While cruise liners have had some form of wireless internet in place for more than a decade, it’s not a simple case of installing the same systems on a livestock carrier. Sensors, transmitters and wires on a cruise liner are relatively protected – they do not have to withstand the dust and dirt that may be created by livestock and their feed, or high pressure wash downs during and between voyages. Nor do cruise ships have as much steel blocking the transmission of information from sensors in the decks and holds, up to central computers in the crew quarters or on the bridge.
Many livestock ships already have a range of temperature and other monitors on board, and even more data collection will be required within the next 12 months to meet the requirements of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) version 3.0.
The core challenge is being able to transmit and consolidate data from multiple wireless devices in real time on board a ship, then relay the data to the cloud. In most cases where automated loggers are being used, the stock hands or crew currently have to walk around so they are in close proximity and download the data onto a phone, while ship-to-shore communication is limited.
As part of the project being run by LiveCorp, a working group has come together to understand what software, systems and technology are already in place, and their limitations, before thinking outside the box about what may be possible in an ideal world.
While the initial focus was on compliance with the regulations, and increased transparency and animal welfare, it is clear there are benefits for ship owners and crews as well. There are similar opportunities in having an alert go off when temperatures and humidity rise in livestock pens, or when something breaks in the engine room; and getting a reliable connection between the ship and shore to help trouble-shooting an issue.
Now the challenges have been clearly defined, the task is to scout for existing technologies which may provide a solution. Consultant Beanstalk AgTech is running a challenge-led innovation process to tap into networks in areas such as IT and telecommunications, to reach out even further into industries such as submarines and other types of transport and logistics. Promising proposals will be shortlisted and providers brought in to present to the working group.
The process is the latest stage in a project funded through an Australian Government grant, which in 2019 included trials on dehumidification technology on a ship in the Middle East.