A Deep Learning-Based Fault Detection Model for Optimization of Shipping Operations and Enhancement of Maritime Safety

The ability to exploit data for obtaining useful and actionable information and for providing insights is an essential element for continuous process improvements. Recognizing the value of data as an asset, marine engineering puts data considerations at the core of system design. Used wisely, data can help the shipping sector to achieve operating cost savings and efficiency increase, higher safety, wellness of crew rates, and enhanced environmental protection and security of assets. The main goal of this study is to develop a methodology able to harmonize data collected from various sensors onboard and to implement a scalable and responsible artificial intelligence framework, to recognize patterns that indicate early signs of defective behavior in the operational state of the vessel. Specifically, the methodology examined in the present study is based on a 1D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) being fed time series directly from the available dataset. For this endeavor, the dataset undergoes a preprocessing procedure. Aspiring to determine the effect of the parameters composing the networks and the values that ensure the best performance, a parametric inquiry is presented, determining the impact of the input period and the degree of degradation that our models identify adequately. The results provide an insightful picture of the applicability of 1D-CNN models in performing condition monitoring in ships, which is not thoroughly examined in the maritime sector for condition monitoring. The data modeling along with the development of the neural networks was undertaken with the Python programming language.

Automated summary

The ability to use data for improvement in the shipping sector is crucial, with marine engineering considering data as an asset and focusing on system design. A methodology using a 1D Convolutional Neural Network is developed to identify early signs of defective behavior in vessel operation through data analysis. The study shows the applicability of 1D-CNN models in condition monitoring for ships, a topic not thoroughly explored in the maritime sector.