Dry bulk operator Torvald Klaveness has agreed a deal with Marlink to implement integrated satcom and IT management systems for its owned and managed fleet, to standardise technology networks across its vessels and facilitate further digitalisation of its operations.
Vessels in the fleet will be equipped with a system combining Sealink VSAT connectivity (with L-band back-up) and the KeepUp@Sea remote IT service provided by Marlink Group company Palantir. Marlink’s XChange centralised communications management system will also be included as part of the package.
“Standardisation is a key pillar of our improvement and digital strategy,” said Lars Erik Luthman, Head of IT & Development, Torvald Klaveness.
“With Marlink’s VSAT connectivity as a backbone, the scalable KeepUp@Sea solution will allow us to consolidate our IT operations on a single platform, reducing complexity, simplifying troubleshooting and ensuring that our software, licences and anti-virus are always up to date.”
“Through this we are looking to optimise IT management on board and ashore, improve stability and availability across our fleet of 23 owned and managed ships, and ultimately reduce overall operational expenditure.”
KeepUp@Sea’s automated and standardised framework for servers and computers will be used to control onboard networks, both on board and ashore, across the fleet. The system’s dashboard provides a centralised fleet overview of the health status for critical components on board, verifying that backups have been performed and that antivirus protection is up to date.
“The convergence of IT and connectivity can unlock cost and operational efficiencies for the shipping industry, and together with our Marlink Group sister companies we are well positioned to enable this,” said Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink.
“While connectivity provides the foundation for digitalisation, solutions like KeepUp@Sea are leading the way in standardising complex processes, and in doing so, opening the door for forward thinking companies like Torvald Klaveness to transform their operations by leveraging the power of technology.”
