Milestone Systems, the Danish IP video management software (VMS) company, is highlighting an initiative led by Last Mile Communication to fit ships and drill rigs with video systems based on Milestone XProtect VMS for safety in maritime workplaces.
With the Norwegian naval service provider Westcon Power and Automation AS, Last Mile Communication is able to deliver an end-to-end video solution based on XProtect. Maritime is very different from most land-based solutions the firms say because all marine installations have to be able to withstand corrosion, vibrations, shock and extreme temperatures, while at the same time be highly resilient and provide non-stop operations.
Digital video has a security aspect where video can be used to monitor and alert to safety issues for the crew on deck or below, using heavy machinery, and performing maintenance or during emergencies. The video views of crane operations in particular enable not only a higher level of safety but also assist the crane operators to work faster and more precisely as the video helps them see where loads are being placed. Equipment can also be monitored by thermal cameras to avoid overheating. Spills of oil or dangerous chemicals can be detected using video, as well. Video analytics can further be used to improve safety when thermal cameras detect objects in the water, for example, or to provide better customer service on passenger ships.
The firms say that the analogue traditionally used in naval applications lack the integration abilities that digital systems provide. Using a digital open platform solution not only allows video analytics, remote operations and interconnected components, but also give the freedom to choose the right hardware.
Last Mile Communication has based their Maritime Vision System on XProtect Corporate VMS, that can be adapted to fit each customers’ requirements. The video consists of infrastructure components from Westermo and cameras from Siqura and Tecnovideo. Through encoders from Siqura the software can also control legacy analogue devices such as Hernis PTZ cameras.
Erik Sandsdalen, CEO at Last Mile Communication, says: “The Milestone open platform technology is the core for our design of the Marine Visual Systems solution, which is globally available now. We have been able to create an extremely flexible and robust solution thanks to Milestone Systems technology. We are able to pick the optimal cameras and infrastructure elements for every situation. Come see this at the Nor-Shipping trade show in Oslo June 2-5.”
And Lars Wilson, Nordic Sales Manager for Milestone Systems, says: “This is a fantastic example of the power and dynamics in the Milestone partner eco-system, enabling innovation like that of Last Mile Communication to address new business segment needs with the best available technology on the market – now and sailing forward. We are convinced that video enabling the naval market will have very big benefits for improvements in safety and operational efficiency.”
Pictured left to right are Lars Wilson – Milestone Systems; Erik Sandsdalen, CEO Last Mile Communications; and Geir Odland CEO – Westcon Power & Automation.
