Real-time digital twin of research vessel for remote monitoring

Abstract

Real-time digital twins of ships in operation find many applications such as predictive maintenance, climbing the ladders of ship autonomy, and offshore operational excellence. The literature describes a focus on digital twinning of individual equipment such as navigation, propulsion, engine and power system, or crane. Yet, digital twinning and virtual prototyping for offshore operations are in their infancy and the onboard digitisation hardware and the telecommunication infrastructure are becoming accessible and affordable. Previous work has failed to address the need for building a holistic model and thus contextualising the equipment with the state of the whole vessel. A prototype of an online digital twin of a research vessel is proposed, its architecture described and its suitability for virtual prototyping demonstrated in a remote control centre. The study shows a viable proof of concept for remote monitoring and crew assistance in nominal and contingency response for offshore crane operations.