- In April 2025, Alphabet's Digital Labs, an Indian startup, advanced its efforts to revolutionize shipbuilding by developing Digital Twin Technology tailored for maritime infrastructure. Their proprietary “3D Engineering Twins” leverage high-fidelity simulations and virtual modeling to detect and correct design flaws early in the development cycle. This approach enables substantial cost and time savings by optimizing construction workflows and reducing rework. The technology supports real-time collaboration across stakeholders and aligns with the broader Shipyard 4.0 transformation, integrating digital intelligence into ship design, assembly, and lifecycle management
- In June 2024, Seatrium Limited partnered with M1, Singapore’s first digital network operator, to accelerate digital transformation across its shipyards using 5G connectivity. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to establish “Smart Yards” equipped with ultra-high-speed networks that support real-time applications such as AI-driven analytics, digital twin simulations, and IoT-enabled monitoring. Building on a 2022 pilot project, the initiative will enhance remote operations, improve workforce efficiency, and may expand into cybersecurity and surveillance solutions. This marks a pivotal step in Seatrium’s strategy to modernize maritime infrastructure
- In November 2023, ABS and Seatrium Limited achieved a major milestone in offshore asset monitoring by awarding the ABS SMART (SHM) Notation to the ADMARINE 686, the world’s first Self-Elevating Drilling Unit (SEDU) to receive this designation. The notation recognizes the unit’s ability to monitor and analyze key structural elements using a physics-based digital twin developed in collaboration with TCOMS. Enabled by an industrial IoT platform, the system provides real-time data from rig to shore, allowing predictive diagnostics and enhanced safety. This breakthrough sets a new benchmark for smart technologies in maritime operations
- In June 2021, Drydocks World, a leading marine and offshore services provider based in Dubai, launched a comprehensive digital transformation initiative built on the IFS Cloud platform. The project aims to modernize core systems for asset management and enterprise resource planning, streamlining operations and improving customer service. By consolidating existing technologies and integrating emerging tools such as RFID, augmented reality, and robotics, Drydocks World is laying the groundwork for a fully digital shipyard. The transformation enhances transparency, automation, and real-time data usage—empowering employees and optimizing decision-making across the organization
- In February 2021, Damen Shipyards Group entered a strategic alliance with Sea Machines Robotics to explore the integration of collision avoidance functionality aboard Damen vessels. The partnership supports Damen’s long-term strategy focused on digitalization, sustainability, and operational excellence. As part of its Smart Ship R&D program, Damen began testing Sea Machines’ SM300 autonomous-command and remote-helm control system, which uses AI-driven sensors and COLREG-based algorithms to enhance navigation safety. The collaboration also enables digital twin modeling and remote monitoring, paving the way for increased autonomy and smarter vessel operations
