Alfa Laval scales AR-enabled remote support to boost vessel performance and compliance at sea in International Shipping News 19/03/2026 Leveraging the advancements in connectivity and augmented reality (AR) technology, Alfa Laval is strengthening its remote service offering to help crews troubleshoot, maintain compliance and optimize equipment performance in real time directly from vessels at sea. Building on successful trials in partnership with shipowners and ship managers, the company is now developing scalable remote support solutions that give crews continuous access to expert assistance, improving uptime, efficiency, safety and decarbonization at sea. Meeting the demand for real-time technical expertise As the maritime sector accelerates the adoption of alternative fuels and advanced energy-saving technologies, onboard systems are becoming more complex, and the need for immediate expert guidance is increasing. Evolving regulations and a stronger focus on compliance make quick support essential for crews to navigate operational and regulatory challenges. Reliable connectivity in machinery spaces, combined with established remote support infrastructure, creates new opportunities to support crews with faster decision-making and safer operations. “With the industry transitioning to new technologies and the rapid advancements in remote communication tools, now is the ideal time to integrate remote connectivity into real-time support services,” says Jesper Boman, Vice President, Head of Vessel Operations, Alfa Laval. “Through investments in next-generation service capabilities, we are expanding digitally enabled support for our customers. By connecting onboard crews directly with shore-based technical experts, we enable real-time collaboration that helps crews operate new and complex equipment with confidence.” AR Remote troubleshooting for an Alfa Laval purifier Remote AR guidance minimizes equipment downtime, boosts operational efficiency, and enhances crew safety. It limits service travel, lowering costs and emissions, while supporting efficient, compliant and reliable vessel operations. From connected equipment to connected engine rooms For many years, Alfa Laval has developed and tested installed gateways on key equipment, including ballast water management systems (BWMS), fuel and lube oil purifiers, and oily water separation systems, to enable data-driven troubleshooting, performance improvements and secure regulatory compliance. AR Remote troubleshooting for an Alfa Laval PureBallast Until recently, the limited availability of reliable deep-sea connectivity restricted the ability of ocean-going vessels to fully leverage these capabilities. Today, improvements in satellite communications and onboard network technology are making reliable connectivity at sea far more accessible. In collaboration with Maersk, Anglo-Eastern and Everllence PrimeServ, Alfa Laval has explored how onboard networks can be extended into machinery spaces to enable real-time monitoring and remote support of critical equipment. Field trials validated multiple use cases, including troubleshooting, crew training, operational guidance and product evaluation. Tests also confirmed that only minor hardware investment is required to bring key engine-room equipment online, creating a practical foundation for scalable remote services. “Through extensive field tests conducted across various use cases, the joint project with our partners successfully validated the effe