As the shipping industry experiences significant growth after a pandemic-related slump, it faces mounting pressure to meet environmental standards and streamline operations to keep up with demand. With the integration of advanced hardware and software, shipping companies need tech solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also support sustainable growth. Meeting ESG targets, such as emissions monitoring and reporting, requires a technology ecosystem that is easy to install, highly modular, and scalable. Enter LoRaWAN, a game-changer for the maritime industry.
What is LoRaWAN?
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a communication protocol designed specifically for the Internet of Things (IoT). Unlike Wi-Fi, which offers high frequency for short distances, LoRaWAN transmits small amounts of data over vast distances—up to 2 miles in open environments. It can also penetrate concrete or thick steel walls, which are typical on ships, drilling rigs and other industrial facilities.
The Benefits of LoRaWAN
For shipowners and ESG professionals considering how to grow their operations sustainably while meeting environmental standards, there are several benefits to utilizing LoRaWAN for processes such as monitoring engine output and emissions, tracking humidity, calculating occupancy, and more.
Ease of Installation
LoRaWAN offers plug-and-play solutions that are secure and heavily encrypted. Unlike Wi-Fi, which requires an IT department to configure and whitelist every device, LoRaWAN uses a centralized gateway for device connectivity. This significantly reduces installation time—up to 70% per device—making it a highly portable and easy-to-install solution.
Adaptability
As an open-source protocol, LoRaWAN is adaptable and scalable. It is an established technology and is already used in many industries and can handle thousands of devices and sensors, providing high-speed connectivity without the need for cables. For shipping companies, this means they can easily scale their IoT infrastructure to include various sensors, such as humidity or occupancy sensors, helping them build a comprehensive tech ecosystem.
Support Network
The growing popularity of LoRaWAN has fostered a robust community and support network. This not only ensures the technology’s longevity but also provides ample support for users, making it a reliable choice for long-term applications. One of the benefits of being an open source solution is that there is a large community of vendors and manufacturers that will continue to build for LoRaWAN.
Low Power Consumption
IoT devices in the maritime industry often need to operate for extended periods without battery replacement. LoRaWAN supports long battery life (up to 10 years) through low power communication, making it perfect for maritime IoT applications.
Cost-Effectiveness
Operating in unlicensed ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) bands, LoRaWAN reduces costs associated with spectrum licensing. This cost-effective solution is ideal for deploying extensive IoT networks in the shipping industry.
LoRaWAN Applications in the Shipping Industry
LoRaWAN presents enormous benefits for the maritime industry—in particular for engine analysis and emissions monitoring—but is currently underutilized by shipping companies. TS Cyanergy is one of the first to offer a LoRaWAN based solution for maritime engine monitoring and emissions tracking. Traditional methods require extensive wiring and maintenance, leading to increased downtime and costs, while options like Wi-Fi cannot offer the same range or signal strength. Our wireless, secure LoRaWAN solution eliminates these issues, offering seamless integration that adapts to the ship’s design. Sensors, such as gas analyzers, are no longer restricted by proximity to engines, enhancing flexibility and efficiency. Ultimately, this gives ships and rigs more control over design, more accurate data collection, and tremendous cost savings.
Conclusion
LoRaWAN offers unparalleled benefits for the maritime industry, including ease of installation, adaptability, robust support, low power consumption, and cost-effectiveness. At Cyanergy, we are pioneering the use of LoRaWAN to revolutionize maritime engine monitoring and emissions tracking.
Ready to see the difference LoRaWAN can make for your fleet? Contact Cyanergy today for a demo and take the first step toward a more efficient and sustainable future.
