Dorian LPG has signed up to gather data from its entire fleet via Kongsberg Digital’s network infrastructure.
New York-listed Dorian is to install the system — Vessel Insight — on its 22 VLGCs in the coming months, with the initial aim of monitoring and predicting fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The International Maritime Organization is set to introduce new rules to require ships to reduce carbon intensity via technical and operational measures from 2023.
Kongsberg Digital — the software arm of Norwegian technology group Kongsberg — said the system captures and aggregates different types of ship data for users to enhance operations.
Launched in 2019, it is already being used to benchmark the performance of more than 2,000 ships. It collects data via softwares of Dorian’s choosing before uploading them to a cloud system that allows consenting parties to share data.
“This contract [with Dorian] emphasises the untapped potential and value of collecting data to analyse, predict and improve processes for vessels and fleets,” Kongsberg Digital executive vice president Andreas Jagtoyen said.
“Gaining a competitive edge and decarbonising while meeting new regulations is key to survival and success. Vessel Insight will ensure that Dorian is properly equipped to meet their goals.”
No financial details of the deal have been disclosed.
Dorian plans to collect data and establish benchmarks of environmental performances among vessel types in its fleet.
John Lycouris, chief executive of Dorian LPG (USA), said the system should be able to “deliver results promptly”.
Nautilus Labs, which supplies voyage performance software to Dorian, is one of the digital vendors on the Vessel Insight platform.
Some experts have long believed that vessels should adopt network technology to link onboard engine, auxiliary power and machinery, navigation, cargo handling and other systems to optimise vessel operations and reduce fuel consumption.
Such a system would require common protocols to collect data from onboard equipment, an integrated data platform, or both.
