New report by ScanReach shows how wireless intelligence is revolutionizing maritime safety and operations

A new research report commissioned by ScanReach has been launched in a joint webinar with Thetius, demonstrating how wireless technology is transforming safety, operational efficiency, and digitalization in maritime and offshore operations.

The webinar brought together industry leaders to discuss the findings of the report titled “Unlocking Safety and Operational Insights Through Wireless Intelligence”, which highlights both the challenges of traditional ship systems and the tangible benefits of maritime-grade wireless IoT networks.

The report identifies the limitations of conventional cable-heavy infrastructure, which is costly, inflexible, and prone to faults. Cable degradation, complex routing, and labour-intensive maintenance not only disrupt operations but also compromise the reliability of critical data for decision-making. Even minor faults can prevent data from machinery, environmental sensors, or crew tracking devices from reaching the bridge or shore teams, leaving operators with limited situational awareness and reactive operational processes.

The webinar, hosted on 15 October by Nick Chubb, Founder of Thetius, with a report presentation from Fiona Macdonald, Senior Analyst, Thetius, included a panel of industry experts including Dan Slater, Head of Sales, ScanReach; Giampiero Soncini, Shareholder and Board Member, Oceanly; Kevat Chavan, Strategic Sales & Innovation Leader, GE Vernova; and Mark Warner, Global Marketing, Content & Communications Director, Lloyd’s Register. They explored the technical, operational, and commercial advantages of wireless networks, as well as implementation recommendations for shipowners, operators, regulators, class societies, and shipyards.

The webinar highlighted that maritime digitalization is often stalled by these legacy systems. Wireless alternatives, such as maritime-grade mesh networks using distributed nodes, enable vessels to operate with fully integrated sensor and crew data without invasive retrofits. Real-time location systems (RTLS) automate musters, track personnel, monitor environmental conditions, and collect equipment data continuously, supporting smarter, data-driven operations.

Dan Slater, of ScanReach, commented: “Wireless intelligence is no longer an experimental idea — it is a proven solution that gives operators real-time visibility into their crew, assets, and systems, enhancing both safety and efficiency.”

“By moving away from cables, shipowners can implement scalable, modular networks that adapt as technology evolves, without the costly and disruptive retrofits associated with traditional wired systems.”

“Maritime-grade wireless networks allow operators to treat data as actionable insight rather than static paperwork, improving decision-making, compliance, and operational resilience.”

The report highlights measurable benefits from wireless deployment:

• Safety and Crew Wellbeing: Real-time crew tracking and automated musters reduce risk, improve emergency response, and boost morale. Recent deployments showed average muster times reduced by more than 60%. Wearables with health sensors can also immediately alert colleagues to falls or medical emergencies in confined spaces.
• Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings: Continuous monitoring enables predictive maintenance, streamlines workflows, and reduces operational downtime. Shore teams can access live data and, with the system working independently of Wi-Fi, it can continue as a standalone solution on a vessel should ship-to-shore connectivity stop.
• Regulatory Compliance and ESG Advantage: Real-time, verifiable data strengthens safety audits, environmental reporting, and insurance assessments. Charterers increasingly expect evidence of safety and environmental performance, with ESG performance now affecting financing and competitive positioning.
• Shipyard Optimization: Wireless-first designs allow pre-fitted IoT networks, and vessels can be delivered with a ready-to-connect digital backbone, accelerating commissioning and enabling future upgrades without dry-dock retrofits.