Crowley partners with ABS on augmented reality for maritime

Crowley has been exploring the use of Kognitiv Spark AR goggles on board

Crowley and ABS are to jointly explore how to advance the use of augmented and virtual reality technologies for vessels and other marine environments. The agreement with ABS builds on a new Crowley service network that uses augmented reality (AR) on selected vessels. Crew wear AR goggles to provide real-time visuals of ship equipment to remote technicians to collaborate on solutions. The technology, developed by Canada’s Kognitiv Spark, allows mariners and shoreside crew to more quickly complete maintenance, updates and upgrades on board with digital collaboration.

ABS and Crowley will collaborate in a joint pilot project for classification-related survey support activities, such as aspects of annual and special surveys including task crediting. In addition, the project will include a variety of activities involving surveyors, engineers and back-office survey support, virtual walkthroughs and livestreaming using fully remote and hybrid survey techniques.

“Augmented reality technology is a field technology, so in collaborating with forward-looking companies like Crowley, we can explore what’s possible for future survey operations as well as for safety in use,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS senior vice president and chief technology officer. “ABS class services are leading the industry and finding ways to enrich the data used to both streamline the class process and also keep mariners and our surveyors safe.”

Crowley owns and operates a U.S. and foreign flag fleet that includes container, RO/RO, tug, dry cargo and offshore wind development and service operation vessels. The collaboration with ABS will build on its ongoing innovation efforts to bring more efficient and sustainable operations through technology. Kognitiv Spark and Crowley presented its AR operating system technology at Crowley’s inaugural Innovation Expo this year as an example of this effort.

“Partnership is key to sustainable growth and success in maritime services, and we look forward to working with ABS to advance innovation technology for the benefit of our maritime ecosystem and our customers,” said Cole Cosgrove, vice president, Crowley Shipping. “These innovations will provide mariners a safer and more efficient option and allow us to provide services for our customers that are even more reliable and effective.”