EVENTS – Harvest Technology Group

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF REMOTE OPERATIONS

Marnie Fulmer — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 16:37:00 +0000

Damiain Brown’s Challenges and Opportunities of Remote Operations Article Featured in the Maritime Reporter and Engineering News.

Chief Product Officer, Damiain Brown discusses the challenges and opportunities of remote operations in the September edition of Maritime Reporter and Engineering News. The article explores how the adoption of technology is driving the shift towards remote operations and inspection in the maritime and offshore sectors.

Damiain breaks down the state of the industry, the role of satellite networks, why bandwidth optimisation is critical moving forward and how technology is transforming the way we work.

Read the full article here.

Challenges and opportunities of remote operations is the topic of Harvest’s next webinar with Offshore Engineer scheduled for October 17, 2023.

The trend toward remote operations is on the rise, driven by technological advancements, changing work dynamics, and the need for operators to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and resilience. Future-proofing operations is essential for business sustainability and maintaining market advantage.

At its core, this trend is about achieving more with less, realising cost savings, and minimising environmental impact while prioritising personnel health, safety, and well-being. In this context, remote operations emerges as the way of the future, promising to revolutionise how operators work and interact with their environments.

Through our network-optimised streaming technology, Harvest Technology Group is a key enabler for businesses at any stage of their transition to remote operations. As pioneers in real-time, ultra-low bandwidth video, audio, and data streaming, our technology enables transmission across any network, congested or otherwise, any time, anywhere. It simply gets communications through in a way that no one else can.

In the webinar, we explore the journey to remote operations. Our expert speakers have extensive experience in this transition and will discuss the benefits, as well as the potential challenges and opportunities that can arise along the way.

If you’re considering a shift within your business towards future remote operations or you have already started your journey, the webinar is a must-attend. Learn how adoption of technology like ours can drive cost efficiency, resource optimisation, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced quality of life for your people.

Follow Harvest Technology Group on LinkedIn for our latest news and updates.

WEBINAR RECAP: REMOTE SUPPORT FOR SHIPPING OPERATIONS

Marnie Fulmer — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 06:22:00 +0000

Harvest Technology Group (ASX: HTG) is pleased to announce the success of our second webinar with The Digital Ship on Tuesday February 7, 2023.

Leading the webinar was Head of Sales – EMEA, Andy Freeman with Chief Product Officer, Damiain Brown who discussed using and enabling remote support and remote operations solutions in the maritime industry.

Thank you to those who attended and if you were unable to join us, you can watch the webinar recording by clicking this link. For more information about this topic, a summary of the presentation is provided below.

What are remote support and remote operations?

Remote support is the delivery of support to a remote location through virtual means using technology or devices capable of live two-way audio and video communication. For example, a subject matter expert based in an office provides technical assistance to crew onboard a vessel during inspection, maintenance or repair of equipment.

Remote operations is the ability to control, or contribute to the function of an operation from a different location than where the operation is taking place. This can look like remote coordination of live operations, collection and transmission of data from a remote site to an operational base, or controlling assets remotely.

How can technology enable remote support in the maritime industry?

There are several applications and interfaces that can be used to facilitate remote support and remote operations in the maritime industry. These include:

Wearables: are devices that can be worn by a user onsite to capture and stream video and allow two-way audio communication with experts receiving the live feed. These enable remote support by streaming audio and video data back to operations centres using ultra-low bandwidth across existing networks. Wearables are hands-free, allowing personnel to focus on the task at hand and can be adjusted remotely.
Mobile devices: come with similar features to wearables, having cameras, microphones, audio, and display screens but with the added advantage of everyone having one and being highly familiar with how to use it. Specialist software applications can be installed on mobile devices to facilitate remote live video and audio streaming using ultra-low bandwidth over the existing available network.
Remote operations systems: these leverage a range of interfaces and applications with additional possibilities for autonomous or remote-controlled assets to perform work. These solutions are more complex and include specialised hardware interfaces to acquire, transmit and receive data between remote sites and an operational base. Previously this has been constrained by requirements for large amounts of bandwidth because of the nature and size of data throughput, but with Harvest’s technology, we can manage simultaneous live video and audio streams and synchronised data across any network regardless of quality or congestion, while consuming the lowest possible bandwidth.

Use cases for remote support

Remote technical assistance is one of the most common applications for remote support. This involves sharing information and collaborating with subject matter experts to ensure accurate responses onboard. Remote support presents the opportunity to increase the efficiency of operations by reducing unnecessary downtime and ensuring technically expert personnel are available remotely to manage onboard situations without the need for delays or added costs to travel to site.

A key advantage of remote support is that a technical expert’s knowledge can be available to multiple vessels from a central location, rather than having experts working onboard one ship for several days. For example, a class auditor or inspector typically needs to be physically present on a vessel for days to complete audits or inspections no matter the level of detail. However, with remote support, an inspector can remotely manage the required activity using live video and two-way audio communication to instruct a crew member to physically undertake the inspection on the vessel. This capability provides offers huge savings in time and costs for operators.

Why are shipping operators moving to digitalisation?

There are many drivers for digitalisation in the shipping industry, as covered in our last webinar. The main drivers for the uptake of technology are improved safety and operational efficiency, a reduction in carbon footprint, and reduced costs by removing personnel from site to perform work remotely.

Additional benefits include the ability to attain true situational awareness to facilitate immediate decision-making, a reduction in environmental impact associated with using large vessels and out-of-schedule vessel movements, and streamlining existing operations to reduce downtime.

Some operators are already looking to the future, utilising technology like uncrewed surface vessels, autonomous vehicles, and other marine robotics. These are being deployed in a range of different sectors, and require the vessel to be operated remotely where there is no option for crew onboard.

Who is Harvest Technology?

Harvest Technology Group Limited is a global leader in network-optimised remote operations that delivers real-time remote control, communication, automation, and monitoring capabilities. Harvest provides technology solutions to enable people to connect and transfer real-time, secure video, audio and synchronised data from anywhere in the world regardless of location, network quality or congestion.

Founded in Australia, Harvest’s headquarters are in Perth Western Australia, with regional bases in the U.K. and U.S.

For more information about how Harvest Technology can transform your organisation’s remote operations please contact us here. Our expert team are excited to support your digitalisation journey.

NEW SUBSEA PARTNERSHIP AND SOLUTION TO DEBUT AT OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL

Marnie Fulmer — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 06:43:00 +0000

Harvest Technology Group (ASX:HTG) (Harvest) are excited to be exhibiting at Oceanology International in San Diego between February 14-16, 2023. Oceanology International showcases the latest innovative solutions in ocean technology and attracts over 2000 attendees from the Americas region including key players from the offshore, energy, maritime security, marine science, and subsea sectors.

Oceanology International provides the perfect opportunity for Harvest to announce our technology partnership with Digital Edge Subsea (Digital Edge) who we will be co-exhibiting with. Digital Edge is one of the world leading providers of software and digital video inspection systems for the global oil and gas industry.

Digital Edge has teamed up with Harvest to deliver a bandwidth optimised streaming solution to Digital Edge’s customers through their Edge DVR products.

Harvest is the leading provider of cutting-edge video streaming protocols, which when embedded into Digital Edge’s EdgeDVR technology, will provide offshore inspection, repair and maintenance contractors, construction companies, drilling contractors, and diving and ROV service companies with an unrivalled ability to record video offshore as well as live stream high-quality feeds using ultra-low bandwidth directly via the cloud, removing the need for additional hardware mobilisation.

This solution offers these companies the ability to provide an enhanced level of service to their clients, allowing for real-time collaboration and decision making rather than having to wait for delivery of recorded video. Customers will also be able to use the functionality to access real-time remote technical support and reduce the number of specialists required to travel offshore, in return leading to a reduction in operational costs, HSE exposure, and carbon footprint.

“Harvest is delighted to be a technology partner of Digital Edge. We share an ambition to improve remote operations capabilities in the global maritime, energy and renewable sectors,” says Andy Freeman, Head of Sales EMEA for Harvest. “Our technology goes hand-in-hand with Digital Edge’s Workstation DVR offering. Embedding the AVR2 technology into the EdgeDVR will optimise network video livestreaming for Digital Edge’s customers, providing them with the added benefit of a real-time view on what’s happening subsea. It’s a small step-change that creates huge value.”

Harvest’s AVR2 technology is an industry proven self-contained secure streaming software that is easily scalable through the cloud, enabling multiple eyes on the job simultaneously. It’s not always possible to have the right people or key stakeholders in the field, but with AVR2 functionality, anyone can be invited to participate from anywhere on any device.

Digital Edge has an extensive customer base, with their EdgeDVR currently being used by most major ROV and Diving contractors around the globe.

To find out more about how EdgeDVR with AVR2 can improve your remote operations capability, visit us at Oceanology International in San Diego between February 14-16, 2023. Join and Andy Freeman, Head of Sales EMEA, and Brandon Mercer, Head of Sales Americas, on stand B45 to discover how we can collaborate with you on your journey towards remote operations. Click here to register for free attendance for the conference.

The following week between February 21-23, 2023, Harvest and Digital Edge will be co-exhibiting on Stand 137 at the Subsea Expo in Aberdeen, Scotland. Click here to register for free attendance at the expo.

Harvest and Digital Edge look forward to showing you the power of collaboration.

Not able to attend? Click here to request a demonstration.

WEBINAR RECAP: IMPROVING REMOTE MONITORING AND SUPPORT OF VESSELS USING VIDEO AND OTHER DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

Marnie Fulmer — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 07:08:00 +0000

Harvest Technology Group (ASX:HTG) is pleased to announce a successful first webinar on November 22 with Digital Ship, discussing the drivers and challenges to digitalisation in the maritime industry.

Leading the webinar was Technical Sales Manager – EMEA, Andy Freeman with Chief Product Officer, Damiain Brown, joined by the team at Vallianz Holdings to discuss the application of our Nodestream technology to their vessel.

Thank you to those who attended, please click here if you would like to view the recording. In this presentation, Andy Freeman discussed the drive for digitalisation in the maritime industry focusing on improving remote monitoring and support vessels using video and other digital technology. Please see the summary of the presentation below.

Digitalisation in the maritime sector

Technology is constantly evolving to transform how organisations manage their operations. Digitalisation in the maritime sector opens the door to a spectrum of possibilities, from simply viewing offshore CCTV camera footage in an onshore control room, to providing offshore workers with two-way communications and video-based support from onshore expertise, through to completely removing personnel from offshore environments to instead work from an onshore operations control room.

Drivers of digitalisation

There are many drivers for digitalisation in the maritime sector including the need to:

Automate data capture and tracking
Meet legislative, compliance, or industry requirements
Improve decision making in real-time
Increase operational awareness
Improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs
Improve safety outcomes by reducing the number of crew on vessels
Provide situational awareness remotely for routine monitoring or inspection

Challenges facing digitalisation

Barriers to the uptake of digitalisation in the maritime sector include:

Perception of digitalisation being cost-prohibitive, especially for larger fleets
Lack of connectivity or limited bandwidth capacity available on vessels offshore and the expense involved in upgrading to sufficient capacity for streaming video/data through satellite connections
Legacy vessels not being equipped with the latest technology or systems interfacing requires additional equipment and support
Perception that transitioning to remote operations will be too significant a change for an organisation

The key to digitalisation is bandwidth efficiency

Technology to enable an array of data-intensive processes depends on connectivity. Advanced digital solutions can provide owners with insights into the efficiency of multiple shipboard systems and vessel performance, as well as provide applications for remote monitoring, inspection, and compliance, to reduce costs and downtime.

With shipboard processes and technology becoming more sophisticated, maritime data usage is skyrocketing. This requires considerable bandwidth and greater network stability. Data usage across the maritime sector in 2022 averaged 45% higher than in 2021 according to Inmarsat Maritime’s recent study, demonstrating the demand for efficient bandwidth optimisation in the industry.

How Harvest’s Nodestream technology transforms organisations

Harvest’s Nodestream proprietary protocol enables the ultra-secure transfer of real-time high-fidelity video, audio, and data across ultra-low bandwidth with extremely low latency. Nodestream enables up to 50% more efficient use of bandwidth and is equipped to survive up to 90% packet loss, allowing vessels to maximise operational efficiencies with minimal connectivity. This is achieved regardless of network quality, congestion, or location.

Our technology has a vast array of applications to transform operations in the maritime industry utilising where possible, existing vessel systems and infrastructure to perform tasks such as maritime surveillance, remote situational awareness, and remote inspection.

Case Study – Vallianz Holdings

Vallianz Holdings is an established provider of offshore support vessels and integrated offshore marine solutions across the global offshore renewable and conventional energy sector. With a steadily growing fleet of 115 vessels, Vallianz was lacking situational awareness of its vessels from its onshore headquarters in Singapore. Recognising the need to transform its operations through digitalisation, Vallianz required an advanced solution to livestream video to shore from up to 12 onboard CCTV cameras.

Harvest presented Nodestream as the most efficient and cost-effective way to efficiently livestream Vallianz’s onboard CCTV cameras across the Inmarsat VSAT network to their operations centre (V-Hub) based in Singapore.

For Vallianz, the adoption of the Nodestream technology addressed the need for remote situational awareness at a reasonable bandwidth and enabled video livestreaming with ease. This allowed them to better monitor crew and operations, improve communications between the crew and onshore team during troubleshooting, improve the onshore team’s decision-making capabilities, and facilitate a better understanding of vessel operations.

Who is Harvest Technology?

For more information about how Harvest Technology can transform your organisation’s remote operations please contact us here. Our expert team are excited to support your digitalisation journey.

HARVEST TECHNOLOGY WEBINAR: MONITORING AND SUPPORTING VESSELS USING VIDEO AND OTHER DATA

Marnie Fulmer — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 07:06:00 +0000

Harvest Technology Group (ASX:HTG) (Harvest, Company) is pleased to announce our first webinar in partnership with Digital Ship will be held on Tuesday November 22, 2022 at 10:00am GMT / 6:00pm AWST.

In this webinar we will discuss the drive for digitalisation in the maritime industry focusing on better ways to monitor and support vessels using video and other data, making the best use of existing communications infrastructure, cameras, and other shipboard systems.

Leading the webinar will be Andy Freeman, our Technical Sales Manager – EMEA and Chief Product Officer Damiain Brown, who will be joined by guest, Elisa Woodward, Head of Engineering, Shipbuilding & Technology at Vallianz.

Global trends toward digitalisation are driving the demand for data access in increasingly remote environments. Through digitalisation, operators can gain true situational awareness for real-time decision making, streamline existing processes, and access emergency support.

We will also explore how digitalisation can improve operational efficiencies, safety, and costs, including connecting crew with remote technical expertise and management in emergency situations, as well as reduce the carbon footprint associated with crew travel and additional or unplanned vessel movements.

This webinar will offer maritime operators insightful and practical knowledge on applying digitalisation in real terms and how Harvest Technology can support vessel operations.

Digital Ship is the leading publication for maritime technology including satellite communications and software systems. Register to join the Digital Ship webinar here or to receive the recording.