The Swedish engineering firm Trelleborg has launched a new whitepaper bringing together the latest news and thinking on big data in the maritime sector. The paper highlights how and where these technologies are being implemented and the key application areas that will deliver future operational efficiencies for ports and terminals.

Titled “The Use of Big Data in the Maritime Industry,” the whitepaper explores how the maritime industry can better understand the opportunities that big data offers, both now and in the longer term.

“Big data has the potential to transform our industry,” said Richard Hepworth, president of Trelleborg’s marine systems operation. “Through application and insights, big data is creating new opportunities to drive innovation and deliver tangible operational efficiencies across the shipping world.

“But the collection of information alone is not enough,” he added. “It is the analysis of this data and the actionable insights it provides that will transform and increase the efficiency of day-to-day operations across the shipping industry in years to come.

SmartPort is Trelleborg’s answer to the need for a standardized way to collect and store data. It’s a technology platform that connects port operations, allowing users to analyze asset performance and apply data insights, to improve day-to-day decision making for optimized operations; improved safety, reduced costs, greater sustainability and increased revenue return.

SmartPort realizes the critical interface between ship and port, on land and at sea, providing Trelleborg a unique overview of the vessel turnaround process, and data extraction points throughout it – both on board the vessel and in the port, and in the interface between the two. Trelleborg is seeking to educate the marine industry about the importance and potential of this interface.

“This is a time of huge change for our industry,” said Hepworth. “The advancement of automation, and the exponential rise in data it brings, mean disruption on a scale that shipping has never seen before. Those that invest now in the architecture that empowers collaboration between smart assets, will be best equipped to face the future.”