CSP differentiation with borderless smart maritime connectivity

Commercial context

Digital maritime solutions need reliable and secure connectivity to help them contend with multiple threats to the sector. A 400% increase in cyberattacks on the maritime industry since 2020 has seen hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. Insurance claims for cargo theft have also been rising for the past six years in North America. Meanwhile, more than 400 cargo ships have reported losing power over the past three years in US waters. About a quarter of these incidents occurred near a port, bridge, or other infrastructure. Given the size and complexity of today’s vessels, a problem with engines or fuel can become a major disaster.

The maritime industry is also facing geopolitical obstacles. Rerouting of ships from the Suez Canal to the Cape of Good Hope has increased emissions by 70% for certain routes. Shipping diversions from the Red Sea have also caused a 14% increase in EU shipping sector carbon emissions from early 2024. For seafarers, connectivity issues such as low bandwidth and unreliable connections compound these operational inefficiencies and safety risks. Depending on whether they are in ports, harbors or at sea, vessels use mobile, fiber or satellite connectivity. When in transit globally, a vessel’s connectivity switches between multiple operators, which can make it difficult to deliver service intent.

The solution

Maritime vessels and port operations can optimize connectivity performance for specific use cases by employing network slices. For example, dedicated network slices can deliver ultra-low latency for control commands and high bandwidth for video feeds. Dynamic network slicing also ensures continuous service quality and failsafe operations by switching seamlessly to alternative slices during congestion or failures.

This is the premise of the B2Sea: Converged access - Phase IV Catalyst. The project - championed by Claro, VNPT, NTT, Verizon, and GCI – is developing dynamic network slicing across mobile, satellite and fiber. The team is developing new functionality, including a “borderless" intent-based connectivity solution available anywhere on Earth. It plans to automate the solution end-to-end to make the procurement and provisioning process as efficient as possible. The Catalyst is harnessing various TM Forum ODA components and APIs, such as intent management, closed loop management and topology graph.

The overarching goal is to enable CSPs to offer SLAs that guarantee 99.999% availability of connectivity, globally, over any access technology. It also aims to enable CSPs to provide secure private networks for digital maritime solutions to increase protection against cyberattacks. Open APIs like CAMARA lower integration costs by 30% compared to custom integrations. Automation could reduce CSPs’ costs further and enable 40% faster service development and deployment. As explained by Shingo Horiuchi, project lead and Senior Research Engineer at NTT: “this Catalyst delivers significant cost savings. A cargo fleet of 620 ships can save over $20.1 million annually by implementing borderless connectivity packages with open APIs. These packages streamline operations and reduce costs through automation and improved efficiency.”

Applications

Modern vessels rely on comprehensive connectivity solutions to seamlessly integrate multiple systems, including bridge control, propulsion, navigation, safety and communications. Connectivity also enables real-time operational communication with land-based facilities. This allows for enhanced navigation, hydrographic surveys, cargo tracking, weather updates and autonomous vehicle operations. Real-time data and connectivity can improve navigation, cargo tracking, and weather updates, leading to more efficient and reliable digital maritime operations.

Real-time low-latency data allows for AI to optimize routes, fuel management, port congestion monitoring, and dynamic positioning systems. The Catalyst team estimate these technologies could reduce fuel consumption by 15-20%, contributing cost savings and environmental sustainability.

Robust connectivity can also support predictive maintenance, which can prevent incidents at sea, while also improving crew welfare and safety, reducing crew turnover and abandonment rates. Meanwhile, advanced tracking technologies and temperature sensors in cargo containers can help maintain food quality and prevent contamination. Connected sensors can also help identify the presence of people in containers, enhancing safety and combating human trafficking.

Wider value

With 90% of the world's trade carried by shipping, improved digital maritime operations benefit multiple sectors, including insurance, transportation, and logistics. Advanced cybersecurity measures can ensure the safety of fleet operations, mitigating piracy and cargo theft, and enhancing overall maritime security.

Enhanced connectivity and cybersecurity can also help shipping companies meet regulatory requirements, reduce emissions, and protect the environment, supporting sustainable maritime practices. The International Maritime Organization requires a reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions by 20% and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

For CSPs, digital maritime solutions represent a major growth opportunity. The global market for smart ports, for example, is projected to be worth US$15.3 billion by 2030. By harnessing 5G and private networks, CSPs can tailor compelling enterprise services to the needs of maritime and port operations.