Implementation and further development of IBNext

Overview

The objective of this activity was to further modernise and deploy the IBNext platform. The existing 20-years-old Icebreaking Network, IBNet is a system where satellite images, AIS- targets, port list, ships register, weather forecast, information on other icebreakers’ intentions etc. are integrated in one system aboard the icebreakers and ashore, in control centres.

A pilot project was performed within WINMOS (1) Action to modernise the IBNet system which became IBNext. During the pilot the system was completely renewed to fit modern technological standards and user demands. It needs now to be updated and developed to a modern web-browser based system which would also support modern day mobile devices and touch screen technology. In addition, the results of the pilot executed under WINMOS (I) will be implemented in order to adapt the system to other marine traffic systems like those developed within STM-MonaLisa and EfficienSea2.

The pilot was tested during icebreaking season 2016-2017 onboard some Swedish and Finnish icebreakers and the results were successful and good enough to take the decision to implement the new system and replace the old IBNet for the whole icebreaking fleet and for onshore users. The tasks under the Activity consists of software development and installation process.

The upgraded IBNext system has been  implemented in Finland and Sweden.

Sub-Activity 1.1 – Tendering and selecting a technical consultant

The scope of this sub-activity was to prepare the tendering documentation and select a technical consultant for the user case development and implementation. Preparation of the tendering documentation, evaluation of the tenders and processing all documents related to the selection of the technical consultant were done in this sub-activity. The consultant selected as a technical consultant is Solita.

Sub-Activity 1.2 – Requirement specification and implementation – phase 1

The scope of this sub-activity was to prepare the requirements specification according to the agile development methods regarding mandatory IBNext features. Phase 1 of the implementation included development of the mandatory features in order to get the system into production for the upcoming winter season.

Sub-Activity 1.3 – Factory test and deployment – phase 1

The scope of this sub-activity was to perform phase 1 factory testing; after satisfactory test results, deployment was performed on the entire icebreaking fleet. The new IBNext system replaced the old IBNet at the end of 2016.

Sub-Activity 1.4 – Collecting user experience

The scope of this sub-activity was to collect user experiences with the new system from all user groups, i.e. different users on icebreakers, authorities etc. Answers were analysed and a user experience report has been written. The report will be used as guidance for the phase 2 technical specifications.

Sub-Activity 1.5 – STM and IBNext interface specification

The scope of this sub-activity was to enable the IBNext system to share information with the Sea Traffic Management (STM). This required specification of the interaction between these two systems. The STM is an integrated management of sea traffic and maritime space through the provision of facilities and seamless services in collaboration with all parties and involving seaborne and shore-based functions.

Sub-Activity 1.6 – Requirement specification and implementation – phase 2

The scope of this sub-activity was to develop a full and complete modern web-browser based system which can fully replace the old IBNet. New additional use cases were specified and implemented using agile method.

Sub-Activity 1.7 – Factory test and deployment – phase 2

The scope of this sub-activity was to perform final factory tests after the phase 2 implementations. All needed bug fixes and amendments were done before the final deployment of the new system was  performed. The upgraded system have been deployed on the entire icebreaking fleet and administrative organisations. The system has been in full use during icebreaking season 2017-2018.

Activity 1 has been completed.