Introduction
Modern dredgers are no longer just powerful vessels; they are floating digital command centers. The HEGEMANN V, constructed by Kooiman Marine Group, is a prime example of how advanced onboard technology transforms maritime operations. With MSA-Service and HollandMT leading the integration of systems such as VisuDREDGE, Multiped, and QINSy, this dredger demonstrates how hardware and software can work together to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. The crew now benefits from streamlined operations, intuitive control, and real-time dredging data that enhances decision-making at every step.
The Power of Integrated Onboard Technology
When stepping onto the bridge of the HEGEMANN V, the importance of modern onboard technology becomes immediately clear. Five large screens dominate the control area, each serving a specific role. Two screens are dedicated to VisuDREDGE, providing operational oversight, while two others display QINSy, which delivers precise seabed visualization. A central touchscreen adds another layer of accessibility, allowing operators to control dredging systems with ease.
This seamless integration represents a new standard in maritime engineering, where dredging operations rely not only on mechanical strength but also on digital systems that collect, analyze, and display critical information in real-time.
QINSy: Visualizing the Seabed in Real Time
Among the many innovations aboard the HEGEMANN V, the QINSy system stands out. Designed to provide a detailed view of underwater conditions, QINSy visualizes the seabed with GPS accuracy. For the crew, this translates to greater precision in dredging operations, ensuring that every movement contributes to efficiency.
The ability to visualize work beneath the surface supports better planning and minimizes unnecessary effort. By combining QINSy’s mapping capabilities with the vessel’s other onboard technology, the HEGEMANN V achieves a balance of accuracy and productivity that sets it apart from traditional dredgers.
The Central Touchscreen: A Command Hub for the Crew
The centerpiece of the vessel’s onboard technology is a 24-inch touchscreen that functions as a digital command hub. From this interface, the crew can control all dredging systems while accessing live operational data through both VisuDREDGE and Multiped.
With just a few taps, operators can switch between monitoring functions, reviewing real-time dredging data, and retrieving historical records for analysis. This accessibility means that decisions are no longer delayed by complex reporting or outdated data streams. Instead, crew members have the information they need instantly, whether adjusting dredging parameters or identifying opportunities to optimize performance.
Crew Experiences and Feedback
Feedback from the crew highlights how the ship’s onboard technology has reshaped their daily work. Surveyors Thomas Scheidl and Martin Loescher, who were involved during construction, praised the system’s intuitive design and real-time features. According to Thomas, VisuDREDGE enables operations to continue seamlessly even when background adjustments or updates are required, a feature that was not possible with older systems.
First Officer Jean Schüssler added that the introduction of real-time dredging data has been a game-changer. With immediate access to operational insights, he can respond to situations as they unfold rather than reacting after the fact. For the crew, the shift from delayed reporting to live updates significantly improves efficiency and teamwork.
Data as a Driving Force for Efficiency
Data is at the heart of the HEGEMANN V’s success. The Multiped system gathers critical information from dredging systems, automatically generating daily reports and offering transparent insights into performance. This functionality converts raw information into actionable knowledge, enabling the crew to track progress and identify opportunities for improvement.
The availability of real-time dredging data ensures that problems are addressed before they escalate. Instead of waiting for delayed feedback, operators can make immediate adjustments to improve dredging accuracy and minimize downtime. By combining Multiped’s data processing with VisuDREDGE’s control features, the vessel exemplifies how modern onboard technology is transforming maritime operations.
Continuous Innovation and Collaboration
The integration of VisuDREDGE, Multiped, and QINSy is the result of close collaboration between MSA-Service, HollandMT, and the ship’s crew. Feedback gathered during construction and after deployment has been crucial in refining the software, making it more aligned with the crew’s workflow.
For MSA-Service, this project exemplifies their commitment to delivering comprehensive turnkey maritime solutions, encompassing everything from instrumentation and installation to data analysis tools. By continuously improving onboard technology based on user feedback, they ensure that vessels like the HEGEMANN V remain at the forefront of innovation.
Conclusion
The HEGEMANN V demonstrates how modern onboard technology can elevate dredging operations to new levels of efficiency and accuracy. With systems like QINSy, VisuDREDGE, and Multiped working in harmony, the crew benefits from clear visualization, simplified controls, and the power of real-time dredging data.
As the maritime industry evolves, the role of digital integration will only become more critical. By blending advanced hardware with intelligent software, vessels like the HEGEMANN V are setting new benchmarks for performance, safety, and teamwork, proving that in today’s maritime world, data truly drives success.