Based upon in-depth market research and industry feedback, Force55 has developed a system which provides remote real-time tracking of field personnel and multiple surface and sub-surface vehicles within the offshore industry. This provides the ability to monitor the status of workers and assets within remote field locations such as far out at sea. Live and scheduled environmental and third-party data is gathered for safety, maintenance, research and future planning. Shore-based control allows for centralised monitoring and recording of field data, with the added capability of transmitting selected data back to the remote field site for supervised employment.
Force 55’s game-changing technology delivers a 2D-3D digitally twinned environment, which aligns with approved electronic navigational chart representation (ECDIS). With Force 55’s system, the Coordinator is then equipped to immediately differentiate one vessel type from another and accordingly identify specific personnel.
Force55 provides a platform that not only aligns with existing marine regulations, but already paves the way for adhering to new regulations and safety at work. Current swipe-card RFID systems are not engineered to relay body temperature and heart-rate information continuously to the MCC. Therefore, they are not catering for the evolving safety guidelines and regulations (IMCA, SOLAS, Section 95 and Schedule 16 of the UK Energy Act 2004). However, RF-based communication conduits allow for additional data to be relayed via the PTS device to the available client-based RF network. Biosensor data could be communicated through this device by design and provide personnel status in relation to the fatigue risk index.
The PTS fob device has a dedicated IP address, which will link to a secure client-based database. This facilitates the Operator/Coordinator with instant on-screen access to information. Such expedient access to mobile data increases functionality and allows the Operator to make informed decisions, such as the coordination of search and rescue services in the event of an accident.
As Force 55 was part of ORE Catapult’s Launch Academy 2022 cohort, the team utilised the Blyth Harbour facilities, which provided an ideal site for further field testing of many of Force 55’s products. In 2023, Force 55 will undergo ‘proof of system’ trials for subsea operations of autonomous and remotely operated vehicles. Force 55 will work to report back the vehicles’ position and status in real-time.
Launch Academy also assisted the team with funding applications in addition to exploring future research, development and testing opportunities.
Exciting relationships have also been forged with EDF, UK Met Office, Cisco and Sonardyne AS, who will provide access to pioneering communication and positioning systems to further explore their innovative technology application.
