The study aim was to identify technical options including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite that could be deployed to improve connectivity to meet current and potentially future use cases on ferries, which aligns with Scottish Government policies, including the National Transport Strategy 2 and the 5G Strategy for Scotland to improve digital connectivity on public transport. FarrPoint’s independent mobile mapping service was utilised to test mobile coverage on the 9 Orkney Ferries routes to determine the scale of any current mobile coverage issues from UK Mobile Network Operators.
The approach taken involved engagement with ferry operators in the region, namely Orkney Ferries and Northlink and ferry operators in British Columbia (Canada) and the Faroes., to establish the current connectivity systems used on ferries either as a regulatory requirement (such as GMDSS), or as part of commercial or passenger communications and any challenges/issues experienced with the current communication systems such as availability of coverage, reliability, upgradability, cost etc. In addition, we captured thoughts on whether the current communication system(s) will meet future requirements or whether there are future use cases being considered within the ferry industry, either within operations, commercial or crew / passenger communications which will deliver wider benefits and increase the demand for improved connectivity.
We identified use cases that could potentially benefit from improved connectivity, encompassing Real time monitoring/Remote diagnostics, Ship to shore integration, Passenger/Crew WiFi, and Onboard Engagement, with identification of technical options that could be deployed/with associated implementation characteristics/costs to improve connectivity and considerations/factors highlighted that may impact the benefits that could be generated from the use cases.
A report was delivered that captured the deliverables above, including results of the independent mobile mapping service on the 9 Orkney Ferries routes and which presented a clear conclusion from the study, with recommendations on next steps.
SFT is looking to take this forward through a potential trial of the identified technical solutions on ferries in rural and remote areas of Scotland, emphasising the monitoring of benefits gained from the improved connectivity and associated learnings to be applied to other Scottish inland ferry routes.
This study highlights the use cases and need for improvements in digital connectivity on ferry routes, which are a lifeline to serving Scotland’s islands. The ferries are dependent on digital connectivity in support of many different use cases, from operational ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship communications, health and safety requirements, environmental monitoring and reporting, crew welfare and passenger access to online services. The marine environment is challenging for digital connectivity as the ferry route may be outside the coverage of land-based communication infrastructure. This study demonstrates the value of FarrPoint’s. mobile coverage mapping service to establish the current performance/and any limitations available from Mobile Network Operators on transportation routes. Technical solutions are available now for improving digital connectivity on Ferry Services in Scotland, through implementation of solutions such as LEO services, with the study identifying the considerations and factors for implementing such solutions, and which may impact the benefits that can be generated.”
Andrew Muir, CEO at FarrPointAt FarrPoint, we look for ways to help our clients find the right solutions to their problems and identify the most effective ways to deliver them. If you’d like to find out more about FarrPoint’s services, please get in touch or view our services page.
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