Dynamic Updating
OneOcean 2021 was designed to simplify all aspects of maritime voyage planning by incorporating data from many sources and allowing users to visualise how that data interacts to power informed decisions. Each of the modules use artificial intelligence to identify dependencies and ensure all interconnected data updates accordingly.
As an example, within the Voyage Planner module, changing the coordinates of one waypoint after a route has been created, will cause the others to adjust as well and the arrival time will also be affected. One minor waypoint deviation in the system could also take the vessel through restricted waters or an ECA zone. This would be flagged in OneOcean, notifying users with colour coding and an error message.
After a passage plan document has been created and approved, if an update needs to be made, it can be regenerated, in part or in full and sent for re-approval. There is no need to manually search and reconfigure each element revision in the event of a change in circumstances such as a delay in the departure time, change of route or amended event waypoints as these criteria, as this is done automatically.
Additionally, as the vessel receives regular data updates such as charts, weather and regulations, the ‘Update Review’ function shows users the impact of this new information and performs all relevant updates. If, say, a voyage had been planned three weeks before the departure date, the charts could have changed significantly in that short time. In this instance, users can turn on ‘Update Review’ and select the time frame between planning and departure, zooming into each element on the map display, which will reveal any revisions that have occurred.
Scenario Optimisation
In the voyage planning process, a route can be optimised to prioritise one of three criteria: Time, Cost or Fuel-Efficiency. Navigators can then analyse and compare these routes and view them in context to other maritime data. During a voyage, OneOcean also provides live route recommendations based on factors such as navigational safety, weather forecasts, operational events and fuel performance. The algorithms amalgamate and analyse data sets in order to recommend an optimal route. This part of the software has been completely redesigned to integrate seamlessly with other voyage planning elements.
Additionally, users can set ship-specific safety thresholds for variables such as wave heights and wind speeds. In turning the weather layer on, they may see that the default route would take them through an area with high wind and waves and choose to adjust accordingly. These thresholds can be used both during the voyage and in the planning process to determine weather risks. Users can see weather forecasts and predictions of how they will impact the vessel at each stage of a journey.
Furthermore, turning on an additional layer such as EnviroManager might reveal that the default route also takes the vessel through zones that are prohibited, or require additional maneuvering. One common example is whale migration areas, where restrictions vary seasonally. These zones could impact operation procedures or require vessels to slow down, change course or switch fuel, all things that bridge teams need to know and plan for in advance.
There can be no doubt that dynamic updating provides for a more intelligent voyage planning solution; one that makes more efficient use of mariners’ time, allowing them to focus more on the events that keep their voyages safe, compliant and on time.