As the maritime sector faces growing technological complexity and increasingly stringent cybersecurity requirements, cutting-edge IT solutions have become indispensable. RH Marine’s Integrated Virtualised System Architecture (IVSA), developed in collaboration with prominent partners and European stakeholders including the Royal Netherlands Navy, addresses these challenges head-on. IVSA streamlines operations, reduces costs, and enhances cybersecurity by integrating and standardising disparate systems into a single, cohesive infrastructure.
Development of IVSA: collaboration drives innovation
The IVSA concept was born out of the GAUDI project (Gemeenschappelijke Architectuur door Defensie-Industrie - Common Defence Industry Architecture). This focuses on unifying systems such as Combat Management, Bridge Management and Platform Management. The collaboration between RH Marine and the Royal Netherlands Navy started in 2014, when the Ministry of Defence, together with TNO, Thales, and Damen Naval, initiated efforts to enhance shipboard automation by improving accessibility of information, integrate hardware and software systems, and reduce costs throughout vessels‘ entire lifecycle.
Stefan de Bruin, Product Manager at RH Marine, explains: “Most on-board systems operated independently, leading to information exchange inefficiencies and limited interoperability. Managing the increasing volume of hardware and ensuring the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures were significant challenges. IVSA, an integrated and virtual architecture, solves these issues.”
By centralising software on the smallest number of servers, IVSA enables seamless system integration, improving information accessibility and simplifying the addition of new applications and functionalities. The result: more efficient operations and lower lifecycle costs. First applied on the new Combat Support Ship Den Helder, scheduled to undergo sea trials in September 2024, IVSA also delivers significant benefits to non-naval vessels such as yachts.
Key benefits of IVSA: Efficiency, space optimisation and cost reduction
One of IVSA’s standout features is its cloud-based infrastructure, which simplifies maintenance and onboard system upgrades. Traditionally, ships rely on numerous computers and servers to manage their systems. IVSA, however, operates on a cloud-based infrastructure comparable to data centre technology but certified for maritime use, providing every on-board workstation with access to all applications. This centralisation reduces hardware requirements and facilitates faster, easier maintenance and hardware updates.
IVSA is ideal for naval vessels, but also offers significant advantages over traditional systems for other types of vessels.
Stefan: “On yachts, where space is at a premium, IVSA is a game-changer. It eliminates the need for bulky server racks and cabinets. Virtualisation decouples hardware from software, allowing new applications to be added seamlessly without disrupting existing systems. This approach translates into less downtime through predictive maintenance, longer hardware lifespan, and reduces replacement time and costs. IVSA can be easily integrated into confined spaces, such as (AV)IT rooms on board.”
IVSA significantly contributes to more efficient operations, as practical usage shows. An additional advantage is the fact that initial investment in IVSA is comparable to that of a traditional system. Easier maintenance and longer hardware lifespan result in a faster return on investment.
Stefan: “IVSA makes systems easier to maintain, partly thanks to diagnostic services that can be managed remotely. Updates and upgrades can be performed without the need to be physically on board. This reduces downtime while also lowering maintenance and management costs.”
Another key advantage of IVSA is enhanced cybersecurity. Its advanced computer security architecture complies with the latest standards and best practices, implementing a zero-trust model, in which only authorised devices and users can access critical systems and data. This approach protects the vessel from network storms and other cyber threats, safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of onboard information and ensuring a far higher level of cybersecurity than previously possible.
A schematic overview of the ship's cloud
Sustainable management and service guarantees with IVSA
Designed with sustainability in mind, IVSA incorporates an Obsolescence Management Plan, enabling global replacement of hardware components and automated system updates.
Additionally, RH Marine offers Service Agreements that deliver updates every six months, ensuring seamless integration of new or enhanced applications without compatibility concerns.
To guarantee reliability, IVSA features built-in redundancy: tasks are automatically transferred between servers during maintenance or in the event of failure, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Adaptable to all ship types
In summary, the IVSA technology delivers space savings, efficiency, improved diagnostics, and the capability for remote support. The system can be easily adapted to the specific needs of any vessel type, making it a standardised yet flexible solution for the diverse requirements of the maritime sector.
Stefan de Bruin explains: “IVSA offers additional benefits for naval vessels through the integration of combat systems, which are not relevant for yachts. Both types of vessels can benefit from the enhanced information availability and flexibility IVSA provides, however. The system can also be retrofitted aboard existing ships or used alongside legacy systems. For example, a smaller variant of IVSA has been installed on naval frigates undergoing midlife upgrades, allowing existing and new applications to be hosted with ease. With this, RH Marine offers the possibility to gradually expand on-board systems, adding new functionalities without the need for a major refit.”
IVSA and IoT on board
Building on the foundation provided by IVSA, RH Marine is embracing new technologies, including AI and IoT, to better meet every customer’s specific needs.
Stefan de Bruin explains: “IVSA acts as an enabler for the IoT concept on board ships. Peripherals traditionally connected via serial connections are now linked through Ethernet, unlocking far greater potential for data analysis, predictive maintenance, and advanced monitoring. All used components comply with the latest European standards, ensuring minimal energy consumption.”
Revolutionary leap for the maritime sector
RH Marine’s Integrated Virtualized System Architecture (IVSA) represents a revolutionary leap for the maritime sector. By centralising complex systems and improving information exchange, IVSA delivers substantial benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and cybersecurity. Whether for naval frigates, offshore vessels, or luxury yachts, the advantages of IVSA are clear: space optimisation, enhanced diagnostics, and simplified maintenance.
