The award to Neda Maritime’s MT ASCONA marks a significant milestone in digital transformation and vessel connectivity and aligns with LR’s Digital Maturity Index launched at the end of last year.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded its first VC-L+ Descriptive Note for vessel connectivity to Neda Maritime’s vessel, MT ASCONA (VLCC). This is the first LR vessel to complete the verification.
The ability to support high-quality livestreaming and real-time data exchange offers ship operators improved remote monitoring and inspection capabilities, greater flexibility for compliance and operational decision-making, and enhanced safety and efficiency.
LR announced the launch of its Digital Maturity Framework and Index at the end of last year, a pioneering tool designed to help companies assess and benchmark their digital maturity with connectivity identified as a main enabler to digital transformation.
The VC-L+ Descriptive Note details requirements for reliable vessel connectivity solutions, focusing on livestreaming capabilities. It outlines procedures for selecting, testing, and verifying these systems, including specifications for hardware and software, network coverage, and data transmission quality.
The project involved LR’s verification of MT ASCONA’s vessel-shore connectivity system, onboard wireless network coverage, and livestreaming capabilities. The vessel successfully met all LR’s VC-L+ criteria, demonstrating its advanced connectivity capabilities, including availability, speed, and real-time data streaming, which enable enhanced opportunities for remote inspections.
The 'communication and capability test' was conducted in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 550 nautical miles southwest of the Azores Islands, en route to Rotterdam. The tests included successful video and audio livestreaming from various onboard locations, including the navigation bridge, engine room, deck, and pump room.
Konstantinos Chatzitolios, LR’s Lead Client Relationship Manager, Marine & Offshore, South Europe, said: “As the first vessel to receive the VC-L+ notation, MT ASCONA sets a precedent for other vessel operators to follow, encouraging the adoption of LR’s connectivity standards and furthering the digitalisation of maritime operations.
“This accomplishment highlights LR’s pioneering role in digital transformation, offering clients advanced solutions for improved digital classification, remote monitoring, enhanced safety and efficiency, and greater flexibility for compliance and decision-making.”
Theodore Asimakopoulos, Neda Maritime’s Technical Director (Tankers), said: “Our collaboration with LR demonstrates a shared vision for innovative future-ready shipping solutions and commitment towards digitalisation of the industry.
“The assignment of the first VC-L+ notation by LR to a vessel under our management is an acknowledgment of the efforts and resources invested for the development of Neda Maritime’s Virtual Presence Onboard (VPO) platform; a high-quality live video streaming and data exchange system. The VPO was initially developed in-house to cope with the pandemic traveling restrictions and was subsequently fine-tuned to become an invaluable tool facilitating remote surveys, audits and troubleshooting.”
LR’s VC-L+ Descriptive Note
To achieve the VC-L+ note, a vessel must undergo a rigorous verification process that includes the selection and testing of appropriate hardware and software components, such as access points and capturing devices. The system is tested to meet specified standards for network coverage and data transmission quality. Comprehensive documentation must also be provided, detailing the system's specifications and demonstrating compliance with the required standards. The process involves a desktop review of the submitted information and onboard verification tests. These tests confirm that the connectivity arrangements are in place and functioning as required, demonstrating satisfactory connectivity capability.
The VC-L+ note not only indicates compliance with basic livestreaming requirements (VC-L) but also includes additional onboard coverage criteria as requested by the Owner/Operator. This ensures that the vessel's connectivity system meets higher standards for real-time data streaming and remote inspections.
Achieving the VC-L+ note involves both initial verification and ongoing maintenance. Regular recertification ensures that the vessel continues to meet the high standards set by Lloyd's Register for advanced connectivity solutions.
