Hyundai Heavy to put ships on “Internet of Things”

JULY 16, 2015 — Your refrigerator and home heating system can be linked to the “Internet of Things,” so why not a ship? South Korean shipbuilding giant Hyundai Heavy Industries, and global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company Accenture (NYSE: ACN) are collaborating to design a “connected smart ship” that will enable ship owners to better manage their fleets and achieve potential operational savings through the application of digital technologies.

“Businesses can gain a competitive advantage by embracing the connectivity wave underpinning the Internet of Things and integrating digital services into their products to keep pace with the next wave of innovation,” said Eric Schaeffer, senior managing director, Accenture. “Our collaboration with Hyundai Heavy Industries utilizes our digital technology and deep industry experience to enable a traditional ‘products’ company to adapt its business model, taking advantage of digital technologies like analytics. Hyundai Heavy Industries’ willingness to create value for its customers through adopting elements of the Internet of Things is a great step on its digital transformation journey.”

Using a network of sensors that will be built into new vessels, shipowners will be able to capture a range of ship voyage information including location, weather, and ocean current data, as well as on-board equipment and cargo status data. By applying real-time analytics to new and historical fleet data and using data visualization technology to present the insights, shipowners will be able to monitor their vessel’s status and condition in real-time to make data-driven decisions that support more efficient operations.

Services are expected to include real-time alerts and warnings, predictive maintenance and more efficient scheduling.The connected smart ship will be developed using a combination of Hyundai Heavy Industries’ shipbuilding and manufacturing expertise, and Accenture’s digital and shipping industry experience.

“Through this collaboration with Accenture, our ambition is to lead innovation in ship operations, shipping and the port logistics sector,” said Moon-kyoon Yoon, Chief Operating Officer of the Shipbuilding Division of Hyundai Heavy Industries.

The connected smart ship uses Hyundai Heavy Industries’ on-ship platform and the Accenture Connected Platforms as a Service (CPaaS). Services to be offered to Hyundai Heavy Industries’ customers through this collaboration include administrative and user management services, and device management services. These help ensure all connected devices can be monitored and maintained remotely.

With real-time data collection and exchange across vessels, ports, cargo and land logistics, Hyundai Heavy Industries would be able to create additional services and revenue streams to customers across the lifecycle of ships and voyages, removing barriers between different elements of a ship’s operation.