Transas, a Wärtsilä company, has signed a landmark contract to supply a Fleet Operations Solution (FOS) to Wilson ASA, the Norway-based fleet operator. The FOS creates an infrastructure that includes onboard navigational and communication components to provide enhanced connectivity for business communications and crew services, and access to fleet data from shore-based locations for complete situational awareness. The order was booked in Q1, 2018.
This will be one of the first applications of the Thesis concept within Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine Ecosystem vision. Thesis creates a collaborative environment for ship operations by connecting fleet operations with the ships, the port, and with coastal traffic management, using shared data to increase safety, reliability, and efficiency. This structure is an important element in Wärtsilä’s vision for future shipping, which uses high levels of connectivity and digitalisation to enable the optimal use of resources, the highest levels of safety, and the least possible impact on the environment.
The managed service solution incorporates elements of the recently launched A-suite portfolio, a portfolio of decision support tools developed by Transas. It sets a new industry precedent by adopting machine-learning techniques in a maritime setting to increase navigational safety and enhance efficiency. The FOS comprises an intelligent tool kit designed to improve vessel operations, while releasing resources for other work tasks, thereby promoting improved fleet efficiency, safety and compliance.
Wilson will also use the Advanced Remote Training for Seafarers (ARTS) module, an e-learning solution within A-Suite with online access to manufacturer approved, type specific training courses for Navi-Sailor ECDIS. This is fully compliant with SOLAS, ISM, and STCW requirements.
“This landmark contract with Wilson to roll out the Fleet Operations Solution demonstrates the value that digital solutions can add to large fleet operations in today’s business environment. Joined-up technology has a definite role to play in the marine sector’s transition to a new era of efficiency,” says Frank Coles, Transas Leader for Wärtsilä Voyage Solutions.
“For Wilson’s extensive fleet operations, flexibility and reliability are of the utmost importance. We have worked with Transas for several years, and see them as a trustworthy and competitive partner in developing the systems needed to secure our most efficient operations, and we expect that within a short period Transas will be able to equip our vessels and support them” says Thorbjørn Dalsøren, General Director, Wilson Ship Management.
As a managed service, the FOS delivers a number of benefits to ship owners and operators. These include fixed monthly fee payment terms, which cover ECDIS charts and associated updates, and maintenance. It incorporates all airtime costs, and brings predictability to data services and satcom fees.
Transas was acquired by Wärtsilä in May 2018, and is seen as being an important advance in achieving Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine Ecosystem vision.
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2017, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.9 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.