Digitalization of Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels: Enhancing Efficiency and Safety in Offshore Operations

Abstract

Global demand for safety and sustainable offshore operations has led to great and dynamic changes in the maritime and offshore industry in recent years. This has made the industry to witness a rapid transformation in recent times with the digitalization of vessels, and anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels are no exception. The digitalization of offshore operational vessels is expected to play an important role in the future and support the analysis of the automation and instrumentation market. The AHTS vessel is a specialized offshore support vessel used in the oil and gas industry, which serves multiple functions and roles that provide support for offshore drilling and production operations. The multi-functional purpose of AHTS vessels includes anchor handling, towing, supply and cargo transportation, oil spill clean-up response, and cable and pipe laying, among others. This requires the integration of multiple functional digitalized systems to optimize vessel operations, especially in harsh arctic environments. The current study reviews the importance and potential of AHTS vessels' digitalization and discusses its benefits, opportunities, and challenges. A systematic approach is adopted to explore the potential development and dynamics of digitalization in the maritime industry, focusing on AHTS vessels. This study finds that the extent of knowledge is evolving and requires an integrated approach to maritime digitalization to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and resilience in critical offshore operations.