Skylab retrofit sensor monitors buoys and fenders

  • October 22, 2024
  • Steve Rogerson

Dutch firm SkyLab IoT and Nordic Fender have combined their expertise to create a retrofit IoT sensor that introduces smart safety and monitoring capabilities to standard fenders and buoys.

Pneumatic fenders play a critical role in protecting ships and port installations from damage during docking operations. These fenders act as shock absorbers between a vessel and a quay, pier or another vessel, mitigating the forces exerted during docking or undocking. In doing so, they enhance the safety of ships and port infrastructure.

By outfitting traditional fenders and buoys with this IoT sensor, the system gathers real-time data on metrics such as pressure, temperature, impact, x-y-z rotation and location. This technology allows users to access live and historical data remotely, providing greater control and insights into the condition and performance of the fenders and buoys.

The IoT sensor automatically sends multiple status updates per day at preset intervals, transmitting sensor data regularly and sending immediate alerts when predefined exceptions occur.

Communication is handled via LoRaWan, a communication protocol known for its ability to transmit over distances of tens of kilometres, even in difficult conditions. LoRaWan is also energy-efficient, enabling the sensors to operate for years on a single battery.

These sensors reduce the need for periodic and costly inspections, lower risks, and provide instant notifications of anomalies. This not only enhances safety but also results in cost savings, reduced environmental impact and timely detection, tracking and recovery of relocated fenders and buoys.

The IoT sensors use the SkyNet IoT LoRaWan, offering connectivity, roaming and redundancy across multiple regular networks. The SkyNet IoT network is flexible, licence-free and expandable on ships and platforms, making it suitable for a wide range of IoT services beyond the maritime sector.

Norwegian company Nordic Fender (www.nordicfender.com) offers a range of marine fenders and related equipment for various applications. Its product portfolio and innovations ensure optimal and cost-efficient maritime protection. As the exclusive distributor of the retrofit fender sensor, Nordic Fender collaborates with SkyLab (www.skylabiot.com) to continue developing IoT technology for the maritime industry.