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Newsletter

Improving network connectivity for vessels

01/03/2021

Six technologies have been identified as possible solutions to vessel network connectivity challenges (both within-ship and ship-to-shore) in the latest phase of LiveCorp's challenge-led open innovation project. Consideration is now being given to which, if any, can be trialled on vessels to validate their feasibility.

The world-wide search identified specialised antennas designed to work in maritime environments; rugged transport environmental sensors used in road trains and the poultry industry; Bluetooth technologies used in mining, construction and complex steel environments; Wi-Fi solutions used in the military and oil and gas industries; and high-frequency radio technology used on fishing and cruise ships.

Data collection and real-time monitoring of environmental and other conditions is under increasing focus for the live export industry. The latest Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL 3.0) have also introduced additional requirements. However, the lack of connectivity at sea has hindered advancement in this area.

Part of the challenge is transmitting and consolidating data from multiple wireless devices, from various locations and decks on the ship. The physical structure of vessels can interfere with wireless transmissions as signals must pass through various layers of steel in and around livestock pens. This means data from environmental loggers or monitors must be downloaded and collated by the ship's crew in a manual and time-intensive process.

And while livestock ships have some satellite-based internet capacity, it can be limited in its bandwidth.

Expanding the range and strength of internet connections on vessels opens the possibility of using cloud-based data collection and aggregation systems, employing real-time monitoring and even utilising technologies such as video monitoring or remote veterinary consultation.

Late last year, LiveCorp commissioned a world-wide search for technology to allow the automated collection of data on livestock export ships and real-time monitoring of animal welfare outcomes. A small working group was assembled to help understand the complexities of the problem.

Following the identification and short-listing of potential technologies, the working group heard presentations from several companies to identify the most promising and applicable solutions for the live export industry.

Trials would help validate the respective technologies for potential broader industry applications, and LiveCorp is currently assessing whether this is possible.

LiveCorp gratefully acknowledges the time and valuable input contributed by working group members, and the funding grant provided by the Australian Government for this project.