Part 3 – in our series on Managing integrated marine electronics for superyachts explains Vessel Fusion – Osprey Technical’s bespoke remote access service, and commissioning.
Osprey Technical have deployed their own remote access service – Vessel Fusion. This provides robust and secure remote access for third party technical partners, connecting them via a dedicated VPN directly to their equipment on the yacht.
The access is secure and controlled which means only the relevant technical provider can access their equipment. This brings peace of mind to both the yacht and the technical partner. The VPN connection is equivalent to physically being on the yacht and connecting your hardware into the yacht’s network – effectively bridging local and remote systems.
As systems become more complex and critical for safe and optimal vessel operation, there is a growing need for effective remote support. Covid-19 has only served to accelerate this requirement. Crews need swift access to specialist technical backup. There is only so far one can get with a remote desktop (or equivalent) session.
Vessel Fusion uses VPN access making it possible to connect engineering tools and facilities to the vessel remotely. Examples include:
taking remote control of multifunction displays and autopilot processors
configuring systems that rely upon proprietary iOS or Android apps
bridging CAN buses to apply software updates
linking Google glasses on the yacht to a remote PC
The possibilities Vessel Fusion creates are vast.
Osprey Technology’s MD, Rachel Oliver adds “During the course of the pandemic, Vessel Fusion has become core to our operations. We have a seen a surge in demand for this service and we are now supporting technical suppliers not only in marine but also in oil and gas and surveying industries.
Where these companies previously relied upon getting engineers to site, we have kept their business moving through Vessel Fusion. The results have been so transformative that these companies won’t go back to the conventional ways of working – benefiting from instant remote access and a huge reduction in logistical costs, time and effort.”
Remote support - live link to active vessels
Commissioning on site and beyond
The latter stages of the ClubSwan 125 project involve commissioning the integrated marine electronics, so that this amazing new superyacht is fit to leave the yard and start testing.
Detailed checklists are prepared by Osprey Technical for the commissioning plan, and the team work closely to support the Engineer and Navigator through this stage.
All the team at Osprey Technical have deep technical engineering expertise as well as a thorough understanding of the on board roles and ship’s environment, having all been at sea many times themselves.
“As we have the engineering skills, and the sailing and racing experience too, we understand what they are trying to achieve with the kit, which means we can also help them get even more out of it,” explains Rachel. “We are generally working with people who are very experienced in their own right, and what we are aiming to ensure is they get the most out of their systems, both as the boat is first launched and for the longer term once the boat is away from the yard. When these boats leave the yard that’s not the end of the project – it’s really just the beginning.”
See Part 1 - designing marine electronics for luxury superyachts
See part 2 - system specification for integrated marine electronics