The ‘A-Suite’ package also sets a precedent by using the latest in machine learning techniques to reduce the potential for human errors on the bridge or poor decisions elsewhere in the vessel operational chain, the company said.
In addition to the officers and crew working on board ships, the benefits of A-Suite will be available to personnel managing VTS systems and those running shore-based fleet operational centres, or even training facilities, allowing them to participate in real-time decision support and post-voyage analysis.
"Technology shouldn't be an end in itself – but a tool to achieve an end,” said Transas CEO, Frank Coles. “We want to help the industry improve by enabling it to make better decisions and boost competitive advantage, using machine intelligence to augment the human in the loop.
“We are especially proud to go beyond the hype by bringing to market a set of revolutionary AI-powered e-navigation tools apposite to the needs of modern ships operating in an increasingly automated and digital world,” he added.
Transas’ A-Suite employs machine learning techniques to de-risk vessel operations on the bridge, at fleet operations centres and in VTS centres. Algorithms detect anomalies in the behaviour of the human operator wherever they are in the operational chain and raise the alarm before the consequences of a course of action or momentary lapse in attention become irreversible.
The first version of the package comprising three core modules – Advanced Intelligent Manoeuvring (AIM), Advanced Intelligent Diagnostics (AID), and Advanced Intelligent Routing (AIR) – is now available and the services will become fully operational over the coming months.
AIM is a track prediction system and anti-collision support tool designed to improve situational awareness and reduce the probability of officer inattention or poor judgement leading to an incident. Using data previously collected on the actions and behaviour of personnel sailing in the same location, together with a sophisticated hydrodynamic model of the vessel and a programmatic abstraction of the anti-collision regulations, the system provides advanced decision support.
AID is primarily intended to detect anomalies and provide decision support both in real-time or during a more methodical post-voyage analysis. This module detects excessive or unusual manoeuvring patterns, keeping an eye on parameters, such as speed and rate of turn, as well as unexpected deviations in fuel consumption. By taking data both from conventional equipment and environmental sensors and recording how and when operators interact with vessel controls, AID marks a major step forward in real time operational monitoring, the company claimed.
AIR creates a platform for voyage planning and optimisation based on an extensive set of parameters. The application absorbs real time metocean data, hazards and a vessel’s hydrodynamic performance, as well as taking account of the impact of known and anticipated vessel traffic along the route and at bottlenecks.
These are supported by Advanced Data Delivery (ADD) and Advanced Remote Maintenance (ARM). ADD frees deck officers from the laborious task of updating of special electronic charts (SENCs), weather data, and other navigational safety notices. It also creates an audit trail for shore-based offices ensuring that managers are fully informed of a vessel’s navigational status for compliance purposes.
ARM provides remote diagnostics and performance analytics for bridge and satellite communication equipment. It backs up key software together with its configuration data and parameters to the Transas Cloud allowing rapid restoration of service in the event of a system failure.
In addition, A-Suite features an e-learning solution, Advanced Remote Training for Seafarers (ARTS), with online access to manufacturer-approved, type-specific training courses for Transas ECDIS. This is fully compliant with SOLAS, ISM, and STCW requirements.
“When we first started to envisage how ships would be operated in the future, we realized there would be much greater collaboration between ships, back-offices, traffic control centres, etc. With A-Suite we set out to build a set of intelligent decision support tools for working in this shared environment,” explained Coles.
“In contrast to many standalone solutions on the market today, A-Suite pulls together a wider selection of data from a broader range of input sources. Combined with machine learning techniques, this results in a deeper level of insight and guidance that is more reflective of a vessel’s actual situation.”
The three-day Transas Global Conference 2018, which takes place in Vancouver in March, will provide greater insight into and demonstrations of the A-Suite and one day will be dedicated to the examination of the tools and their capabilities in the eco system.