Research Report
Vessel network connectivity trial
13/12/2021
Summary
There is increasing interest, from both industry and the regulator, in the use of sensors and smart devices to provide automated and independent monitoring and recording of conditions on livestock export vessels.
However, the lack of digital network connectivity on vessels is a major barrier, with the complex steel structure preventing effective wireless transmission around and between the decks. There are also challenges with transmitting data to the ‘cloud’ (ie ship to shore).
Nearly 100 potential solutions were explored during a global scout for technologies to address the connectivity issue. Three were selected for further investigation and, due to COVID restrictions, one went to trial.
Equipment from Norwegian-based Scandinavian Reach Technologies (ScanReach) was installed on a vessel and tested without and then with livestock on board. It successfully automatically aggregated data from loggers around the vessel to a central computer on the bridge. This allowed the Captain and crew to efficiently monitor environmental conditions throughout the vessel in real-time.
This project was funded through an Australian Government grant.
Objectives
This trial aimed to:
deliver a proof-of-concept test of the capability, feasibility and operation of the ScanReach Mesh Network connectivity technology
automatically collect data from multiple wireless devices across a livestock vessel and transfer it in real-time to a central point for visualisation on the vessel, and remotely.
Key findings
The ScanReach Connect technology uses a series of small radio mesh ‘nodes’ as a wireless network to automatically transfer data via SUB GHz radio frequency. These integrate with automated environmental sensors via Bluetooth.
The trial successfully captured and transferred the data to a central computer on the vessel, where it was visualised via a dashboard in real-time. The data was also uploaded to the cloud (when satellite connectivity allowed), for viewing by the land-based project team.
Benefits to industry
The ability to automate the collection and aggregation of data from sensors on livestock export vessels will enable real-time decision-making and free-up more time for shipboard personnel to focus on caring for livestock.
Future research and recommendations
Further trials will be conducted using the ScanReach technology, and potentially some of the others shortlisted during the project, to explore how they operate in more complex environments and with larger packets of data.
