Smart Nautilus is delivering real-time hull monitoring and performance optimisation in an era when ships are expected to operate safer, smarter and more efficiently than ever before. Co-Founder & CTO Krzysztof (Chris) Dziarmaga discussed the latest developments, in conversation with Imogen Ward.
Having worked in the industry for almost 30 years, and seen just how fragmented maintenance solutions can be, Co-Founder & CTO Chris – Krzysztof Dziarmaga became inspired to branch out and create his own company. After tracking down the perfect partner and team, Mr Dziarmaga set to work creating a digital ecosystem where shipowners, operators, managers, charterers, ports and providers can access multiple solutions without having to switch between software packages or suppliers.
“When I used to work as a seaman, we often suspected there might be an issue under the ship’s surface,” explained Mr Dziarmaga. “This was the one area that we couldn’t control, we could check the deck, the department, engine, ballast tank and cargo tanks, but not the hull. That meant that if ever there was a problem, we might not know about it until the damage escalated.
“I was determined to create a solution to the problem, so I spoke to owners, friends and technical superintendents to find out exactly what problems they needed solving. From there, we began developing our own platform under Smart Nautlius.”
Equipped for success
Having worked through the ranks, from seaman to bosun and pumpman, 3rd engineer, 2nd engineer all the way up to chief engineer and eventually technical superintendent, Mr Dziarmaga had the perfect expertise to create with his team a dependable and efficient solution.
Determined to offer reliable underwater vessel monitoring and biofouling management, Smart Nautilus utilises the very best ROVs to offer unparalleled hull inspection, while also streamlining data analytics and fleet management into a single system. This smart platform does more than simply store the data, continuously building a digital record of each vessel’s hull condition to help operators take a proactive approach to vessel maintenance. It also helps vessels align with current and incoming regulatory compliance surrounding fuel efficiency and biofouling.
“We can control the performance of the vessels and create a biofouling management plan that aligns with the upcoming IMO mandatory regulations,” explained Mr Dziarmaga. “We also offer remote training through our platform, to ensure that the crew members operating the ROVs know exactly what to look for.
“We are also offering hull inspection for the condition of the hull plating and paint, and biofouling from certain regions across the globe, including Gibraltar, Singapore, Dubai, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brazil, as we work to make this a truly worldwide network.”
Coined ‘hull from A to Z’, Smart Nautilus’ service covers the hull during operations and before repair work is undertaken at a shipyard.
“Our reports can be really useful when it comes to the coating process as well,” continued Mr Dziarmaga. “We can advise the owners on what kind of anti-fouling coating can be used, and during the vessel’s time at the shipyard, we supervise the project in place of the owners. Once the maintenance is complete, we regain control of hull monitoring, allowing the operators to uphold a proactive approach to maintenance.”
By tracking and managing hull biofouling with the support of high-quality ROVs, the system optimises hydrodynamic performance, which helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Smart Nautilus also relies on ROVs to check for any damage to the hull or to check whether any prohibited items are attached. Using these vehicles, ship operators can scan their own hulls at any time, whether during anchorage, in port or out at sea. This allows crew members to spot localised damage and stress points early, ensuring they can be fixed before they result in a problem.
“Using our next solution, which is buoys, satellites and autonomous vehicles, we also track water quality parameters and pollution indicators 24/7, to help ensure the continued protection of the marine ecosystem,” explained Mr Dziarmaga. “We believe that the greatest impact will come from shifting environmental management from a reactive approach to a predictive one.
“Traditional organisations often discover issues after significant environmental or operational consequences have already occurred. Our technology aims to provide continuous monitoring and early intelligence that enables stakeholders to act sooner – enhancing operational efficiency, while lowering operational and environmental risk.”
Excellence in action
One project, which is to be implemented, that is currently benefiting from Smart Nautilus’ technology is the Autonomous Multi-Layer Ocean Monitoring Network in Las Palmas, Spain.
“This project supports environmental intelligence in maritime situational awareness and long-term marine sustainability,” revealed Mr Dziarmaga.
The infrastructure integrates multi-platform technologies to continuously observe and analyse marine environments. The atmosphere and surface layer are monitored by advanced meteorological buoys and Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs), whereas the underwater column layer is tracked by Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV).
Smart Nautilus is trusted to provide actionable underwater intelligence, targeted environmental monitoring and automated risk verification. The company’s Environmental Monitoring Solution unifies stationary monitoring units with autonomous surface and underwater assets. It also handles localised 24/7 scanning of critical parameters like water quality, pollution indicators and rapid environmental shifts.
A supportive sector
The company’s long-term supply chain has been instrumental in ensuring The Autonomous Multi-Layer Ocean Monitoring Network project is a success.
Smart Nautilus is truly grateful for everything its suppliers and partners have done to ensure its continued success. Having collaborated with Polish firm Subsee to gain advice on ROV operations, Smart Nautilus’ training centres are all the better for it.
“We are also truly grateful to Aris Technical Services who provides us with the equipment needed for environmental monitoring and control,” shared Mr Dziarmaga. “Our largest supplier of ROVs of various types is our partner QYSEA. Another great example is Ledra Ena Worldwide Maritime, who has helped us build a global network of operators and partners, such as Hafnia and Staff Centre Group, which will be crucial as we work to expand the business.”
Smart Nautilus’ next steps include opening around 25 to 30 new stations worldwide, and these partners will make all the difference in ensuring the expansion project is a success.
This is just one segment of the company’s broader mission of becoming a leading provider of integrated maritime intelligence solutions.
“We are expanding our environmental monitoring networks, while keeping a keen eye on future developments of autonomous sensory technology,” said Mr Dziarmaga, in conclusion. “We are also working to utilise autonomous vessels in collaboration with our systems, which continuously monitor vessels for potential oil spills. This is just one of the important ideas we have in mind for the future.
“Our ultimate goal is to continue investing in the research and development projects that contribute to safer more efficient maritime operations. In doing so, we can remain one step ahead of the market and make a real difference to our customers.”