Centralising and integrating multiple systems

Alewijnse’s first AlViVi system has already been successfully installed on several trailing suction hopper dredgers.

The platform acts as a central hub, centralising and integrating all the dredging process systems, and distributing the visualization of the data to all networked screens on board. Alewijnse claims to have has achieved this first and says it is the only company currently able to offer a fully digitalised platform to the maritime market.

AlViVi is a unique, fast and flexible platform, consisting of several virtualized dredging process-related systems. It replaces the computers and Keyboard, Video and Mouse (KVM) equipment and reduces cabling on board the vessel. The platform can visualize multiple ship’s systems on individual screens. Alternatively, a single system can also be selected for display on multiple screens around the vessel. This makes it a highly flexible solution for operators on board.

Alewijnse Product Manager Johan van Rikxoort outlines the many benefits: “The platform is fast, user-friendly and extremely reliable, resulting in maximum uptime and optimal operational safety. By bringing together multiple systems in one environment, the maintenance and management becomes much easier and efficient. Updates are better and faster to test or roll back. In addition, the life-time of the software is extended by the independence of the platform and the system is also extremely secure from intruders.”

“An additional benefit considered highly important by Alewijnse for this project is the significant reduction on space and costs of hardware and software maintenance. The solution saves enormously on physical components; the platform takes up 75% less space through much reduced requirements for cabling, computer hardware and cabinets.”

Speaking to an Alewijnse spokesperson at Europort, this integration of systems is a definite stepping stone towards more autonomous workboat operations.

By Jake Frith