Smart Maritime Network Conference, Thursday, 9 May 2019, Divani Apollon, Athens

On 9 May 2019, Smart Maritime Network launched the very first SMN Conference in Athens, at the exclusive Divani Apollon Hotel. The previous day had seen the private Smart Maritime Council Meeting also taking place – attended by Founding Members. 

Over 150 participants joined the conference – with nearly half of those coming from shipping company operators themselves – to take part in discussions about how the industry is developing integrated platforms and ecosystems with the aim of improving data sharing and standardisation.

Throughout the day we heard from a strong line up of industry leaders – both from within Greece itself but, importantly, also from the wider international community – reflecting the need for companies and individuals to work together to create a smarter shipping environment, in order to develop the tools needed to drive interoperability across the whole maritime transport landscape.

The conference was opened by Ronald Spithout, President at Inmarsat Maritime, who discussed the potential of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enable improved integration between the digital systems on vessels at sea and shore based industry stakeholders.

Mr Spithout pointed to the opportunities that the adoption of single instance data collection processes and an increasing use of Cloud technologies could offer in shipping by providing a platform to automate data transmission and drive enhanced analysis of vessel performance.

The theme of connectivity and connected systems was reinforced again by discussion panellist Richard Morton, representing Port Community System providers, who noted that the “seamless movement of cargo through the supply chain relies on the seamless movement of data”.

Transparency was also a key focus – with the ease of data flows being cited as a way of not just improving efficiencies and reducing costs, but also in making it harder for “bad actors” to continue to operate – raising the bar for everyone.

Despite all the talk of automation, people will always be at the centre of the industry. V Ships will “expand the workforce by 17,000 people in the next decade,” according to group Managing Director Franck Kayser. 

While there are huge benefits to be reaped from a people-centric, transparent, and connected digital ecosystem, it is also important to prepare for the threats that come with increased connectivity and reliance on computer networks. Maersk was collateral damage in the NotPetya attack, and we are yet to see a major deliberate attack on maritime infrastructure. When we do, it could have a catastrophic effect on the industry.

Vangelis Ouzounis, Head of Critical Infrastructure at the EU’s cyber security agency, ENISA, noted at the conference that there are currently huge vulnerabilities in the maritime sector’s cyber infrastructure and that the industry must take “proactive steps” to tackle current and future threats.

Despite the threat of attack, investment in cyber security is still small compared to other digitalisation programmes. What’s driving the investment? According to Franck Kayser, “there are two key drivers to digitalisation; economic factors and legislative factors.”

Solutions for cyber security and environmental issues will likely need to be driven by legislators, while solutions which improve efficiency and transparency will likely be driven by market forces in their own right. The IMO and other legislators should be aware of the fact that without a clear business case to support new ideas or developments support for these programmes likely won’t materialise.

Whatever the drivers, the difference between success and failure in this digital ecosystem will be collaboration. “Everyone gains when competitors work together to create new solutions,” said Joost Van Ree, Director of Partner Relations at cruise industry body CLIA. 

A definite highlight to the day was the Closing Keynote Speech, delivered by Adam Banks, CTIO of Maersk, who shared the newly formed DCSA’s (Digital Container Shipping Association) goals and philosophy and explained one of the group’s first projects to create cross-platform IoT communication standards to drive a new era of interoperable ‘smart’ containers.

Vangelis Ouzounis summed the day up well, “We live in extraordinary times, but this requires all of us to work in extraordinary ways.” 

Creating a fully connected, transparent, secure digital ecosystem with people at its heart will transform every facet of the maritime industry, and we are all responsible for making it happen. By thinking differently and embracing the change we can use this transformation to create a safe, sustainable, and profitable future for the shipping industry.

One of the clear outcomes from the day was that the industry will only fully realise the benefits of digitalisation if it is connected, transparent, people-centric, and secure. Getting there will take a collaborative attitude, as well as appropriate business and policy incentives.


To learn more about Smart Maritime Network, the Smart Maritime Council and where we are heading next (SMN Tokyo on 28 August) please contact:

Cathy Hodge, COO, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

https://smartmaritimenetwork.com/


*With thanks to Nick Chubb, Head of Growth, Intelligent Cargo Systems, one of the Moderators, for his comments and remarks.