The Internet of Things (IoT) is a remarkable concept. It is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, and objects that can transfer data and communicate over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Essentially, IoT fills the gap between humans, machines, and data.

The Internet of Things is changing the world as we currently know it, but it encourages and supports new opportunities that we could not have imagined even just a few years ago. The Internet of Things is a gateway technology to digital transformation for a number of industries, but especially the shipping and maritime industries.

Maritime + Shipping

Moving cargo and inventories from one place to another may sound simple, but all the moving parts involved make it a complex industry. The need for constant ship-to-shore communication has launched the IoT to the center of the maritime community. 

In order to meet the ever-evolving requirements for productivity, profitability and cost-efficiency, ships need to be smarter, operations need to be automated, and maritime teams need to be proactive about maintenance and updates. 

Over the last few years, IoT solutions have helped provide a competitive edge to both sectors. It enables real-time monitoring and tracking of cargo at all levels in order to accurately determine location, delivery, and other data. With IoT solutions, the maritime industry is able to make smarter route and delivery planning choices that are based on predictive analytics. The use of IoT and machine learning enables fleet management to make the right decisions at the right time.

With the help of IoT-based solutions, the maritime industry has also been able to reduce administrative costs of regulatory compliance and increase security and safety. Smart meters allow for better and more accurate records and tracking of the fuels being used onboard and throughout their voyage, so IoT solutions have helped the maritime industry to be more efficient in its energy and fuel consumption efforts. 

Internet of Things into the Future

The Internet of Things will continue to make its way through the maritime industries and it is a revolution that will affect nearly every aspect of the shipping process at some point. From vessels to packages to ports, IoT minimizes the possibility of human error in the shipping process when all components are connected and intuitively communicating.