Vessel IT Services
Our Vessel IT Service (VITS) delivers expert IT support and consultancy for client’s vessel business networks and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, ensuring smooth, secure, and efficient maritime operations. Modern shipping operations demand a connected and robust IT infrastructure, but this increased connectivity can also expose vulnerabilities. Our VITS tackles these challenges with tailored services designed to safeguard vessel’s IT systems from potential risks, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain compliance.
Servicedesk support
Serves as the primary point of contact for IT issues, providing Level 1 support and escalating to specialised teams, such as vessel IT support, when necessary.
Remote vessel infra support
Our vessel IT support team delivers swift remote assistance to resolve IT issues efficiently, minimising downtime and ensuring uninterrupted vessel operations.
Vulnerability management
This annual service involves scanning shipboard computers to identify potential vulnerabilities. Wallem’s expert team mitigates these threats by remotely applying necessary patches and implementing security hardening measures, ensuring the vessel IT systems remain secure and compliant.
Advanced endpoint protection
Wallem’s signature-less protection service uses machine learning and behavioral analysis to defend against zero-day attacks. This multi-stage security system offers prevention, defence, and remediation. This ensures continuous protection without relying on signature updates, keeping systems safeguarded against evolving threats.
Enhanced backup service
This backup service features a network-based backup vault integrated with antivirus protection, ensuring data security against malware and other threats. It provides a reliable backup system for critical systems in the event of a cyberattack or hardware failure. The solution also includes remote backup monitoring and restoration support.
Onboard vessel IT support
Our vessel IT support engineers will provide onboard IT support with key activities such as IT infrastructure setup/upgrade, system health check and troubleshooting IT issues.
How VITS resolved: Vessel network issues remotely
Managing IT systems onboard vessels presents unique challenges, requiring an understanding of marine-specific technology, operations, and the maritime environment. Our client, an international shipping company based in Asia, had a small Fleet IT Operations team that required additional expert support to ensure smooth and secure operations. The General Fleet Manager advised us of an issue when one of their vessels experienced network connectivity problems that directly impacted the performance of mission-critical systems. The Vessel Master, Officers, and Crew needed real-time quick, and easy instructions to fix the problem to avoid any safety and security breaches.
Wallem’s Vessel IT Services (VITS) provided the international shipping company with bespoke Vessel IT Servicedesk Support, which offered remote real-time connectivity with IT specialists which helped crew members fix network problems efficiently. The specialist troubleshooting advice helped prevent network failures that could affect ship operations.
VITS reestablished full network connectivity, allowing all critical systems to operate properly during the voyage. With Wallem’s dedicated VITS support, our client solved their vessel IT issues while maintaining safety, security, compliance, and operation efficiency at sea.
How VITS restored: Vessel communication
One of our clients, an international shipping company based in Asia, experienced a loss of all email and internet services on its vessels when the existing system failed, rendering communication with the shore impossible. This led to several problems including:
- The crew could not send or receive important operational and regulatory updates, risking non-compliance and fines.
- The ship’s schedule was disrupted as vital documents, voyage instructions, and reports could not be accessed.
- The crew faced isolation, unable to contact family or use online resources.
The existing system failure affected the ship’s internet gateway and firewall, cutting off communication and security with shore. The crew lacked the expertise to fix this issue on board.
The Captain and Chief Engineer contacted the Wallem Vessel IT Services (VITS) team ashore. Using their Remote Vessel Infra Support, the VITS team gained remote control of the vessel's system, performed necessary repairs, and restored its full functionality with the latest backup through the Enhanced Backup Service.
Our VITS team provided quick and expert support to restore the Remote Enhanced Backup Service, ensuring the vessel regained full communications, and keeping both crew and operations secure. With Wallem’s dedicated VITS support, our client solved their vessel IT issues while maintaining safety, security, compliance, and operation efficiency at sea.
How VITS ensured: Vessel IT upgrades amidst restrictions
One of our clients’ vessels was scheduled for dry docking and IT hardware upgrades in China, but travel restrictions made it impossible for the engineering teams to attend onboard. Without on-site support, our client faced challenges in ensuring that IT tasks were completed properly.
With local Vessel IT experts based in China, we could quickly mobilise and assist vessels on behalf of our clients. Our Onboard Vessel IT Support enabled the Vessel IT Services (VITS) team to conduct a full Vessel IT Audit. The VITS team attended the vessels during dry docking and completed key IT tasks, including:
- Cable and wireless network setup
- IT equipment installation
- IT software updates and security patching
By handling these tasks locally, the VITS team ensured that all IT work was done on time and to the required standards, despite global travel restrictions.
With Wallem’s local expertise and fast response, the customer overcame pandemic-related challenges and maintained smooth vessel operations including:
- All IT support services were completed, ensuring vessels remained operational.
- Critical deadlines were met, avoiding delays and disruptions.
- A cost-effective solution was delivered, without the need for overseas travel.
With Wallem’s dedicated VITS support, our client solved their vessel IT issues while maintaining safety, security, compliance, and operation efficiency at sea.
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