Moving the earth means mining data.

It sounds incredibly simple. And it is.

The most effective way to monitor dredging and the environment it is operating in, is with buoys equipped with sensors. It sounds incredibly simple. And it is. A vast network of buoys, all collecting data can track currents, tides, wave height, water clarity, sand loosened, wind effect and countless other pieces of vital information. So, while dredgers move the earth, the buoys are literally mining data.

For example, if a new Palm Island was to be built in Dubai, placing buoys around the whole area would monitor how strong the currents are, how high the waves are, how much sand is loosened and whether the water gets dirty. These insights being vital to working as efficiently as possible.

For socially responsible dredging companies like Boskalis, this data ensures that they work to the highest safety and environmental standards and can monitor their own effectiveness. Reducing natural impact and commercial risk with one application. Clients can be kept up-to-date on a project’s progress with total transparency; seeing what is happening anywhere on the planet. The data collected can also be shared with governmental and other organisations to improve future activities.

However, transmitting the data can be even more challenging than collecting it. Most large-scale projects and activities take place in very remote areas of the world such as oceans, sea lanes, rivers and dikes. If you thought internet connection was bad in your home, imagine what it is like in the middle of an ocean or a remote delta.

Boskalis can now access a low power, low cost satellite service that has truly global coverage.

Traditionally, companies like Boskalis had to use networks like traditional satellite and GSM. Either very costly, or not ideal given their remote locations. Some satellite does offer global coverage, however does not offer low power or low costs. GSM has coverage issues and often voice takes precedence over data creating performance issues.

Hiber’s Low Power Global Area Network (LPGAN) changes everything. And the world of dredging will never be the same again. Boskalis can now access a low power, low cost satellite service that has truly global coverage. This affordable, real-world solution means they can put more sensors on more buoys, gather more data and have more opportunities to measure everywhere and anywhere they want. Any ocean, any desert, any river, even your Mom’s backyard.