Since the advent of shipping, seafarers have challenged and braved the oceans guided by their experience, judgement and knowledge. Throughout the history of shipping the industry has evolved with each new innovation, Today we are at the dawn of another revolution – one driven not by stronger hulls or increasingly efficient engines but by data, AI and virtual simulations, and at the very heart of this revolution is the ‘Digital Twin’.
A digital twin can be defined as a highly accurate duplication of a physical entity, which is morphed into a digital framework that simulates a dynamic real world environment. Digital twins are dynamic rather than static like normal simulators. They are fed real time data and as a result they are able to mirror complex, multivariate systems.
Traditionally in ships, maintenance has always been reactive or preventive, digital twins will introduce predictive maintenance thereby allowing engineers to intervene precisely when the data indicates attention is required. This vastly improves reliability and minimises downtime and operating costs by many folds.
Ships are not the only asset which can lend themselves to digital twinning, ports can also be twinned, in fact many modern ports like Rotterdam, Singapore and Livorno are using existing twinning technology to simulate docking, releasing, ship berthing and predict future bottlenecks and avoid them.
The significance of digital twins become even more apparent keeping in mind the geopolitical realities of today. Recent tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have exposed the fragile nature of maritime trade. When conflict escalates, ships are met with difficult operational decisions and questions, should they continue throught the pre-planned route?, reroute the ship, should they prioritise fuel efficiency?, is delayed cargo delivery acceptable? Every option has it’s own implication be it human, technical or financial implication.
This is where digital twins come in handy, Imagine a scenario where a vessel is about to transit the Strait of Hormuz during a period of increased regional tensions. Before the vessel even approaches the area, It’s digital twin can at an instant simulate all the eventualities the vessel might face, predict engine loads during prolonged operations, asses impact on cargo while traversing in low speeds. It also enables rigorous shore based monitoring of the vessel. In this sense digital twins become tools of resilience and ensure technical adaptability during adverse situations.
Naturally like any other technology, digital twin also comes with it’s own concerns amongst maritime professionals. Many fear being eventually replaced by intelligent systems but in reality it is unlikely that it will eliminate the need for highly trained professionals. A digital system may detect an abnormality but it cannot physically replace a component, it may suggest faster routes but it cannot exercise human judgement during emergencies. In practice it cannot replicate practical experience, intuition, leadership and adaptability, which are defining qualities of an adept seafarer.
Digital twins cannot replace engineers but can certainly redefine their roles. Future engineers will be expected to not only understand the engine and hydraulics but also to interpret big data, manage digital tools, and be comfortable around AI systems.
In the engine rooms of future knowledge will go hand in hand with technology. For students pursuing marine engineering today, this transformation presents as an exciting opportunity. They will be working onboard vessels where skills in data analytics, predictive maintenance, cybersecurity and sustainable propulsion will be deemed as important as traditional mechanical engineering expertise. It is certain that students embracing these technologies will find ample opportunities across different Maritime domains.
Shipping has always evolved and will continue to do so and it is our duty as aspiring mariners to be a part of this next chapter of shipping wholeheartedly. Digital twins can prove themselves as assets both tactically and strategically in terms of operational and financial efficiency .
Yet similar to other technologies, the successful implementation of these systems rest not only on the shoulders of technology alone but on proper regulations and human intervention as and when required.
Maybe the best ships of tomorrow are not the ones with the strongest hulls but the ones which understand themselves the best through their digital twins
