FAQ
General
Is X-CONNECT® cyber security certified?
Yes. The core X-CONNECT® products (AMS, Alarm Monitoring System; IAS, Integrated Automation System; PMS, Power Management System; and EMS, Energy Management System) have all received Type Approval for cyber security, with the Cyber Security Essential SP1 notation. This is relevant documentation when fulfilling class requirements for cyber security notation on newbuilds and retrofits, and confirms that the products are designed and built in accordance with recognised maritime cyber security standards, giving ship owners, operators, yards, and system integrators confidence that the systems meet industry requirements.
Do I need hardware to install the BLUE BOX™ cloud service?
For vessels with any X-CONNECT® product already installed, BLUE BOX™ is a software feature that can be activated and configured remotely, and no additional hardware is required. For vessels with other automation systems, BLUE BOX™ requires a small computer/controller and, where needed, a compact IO system for signal acquisition.
How is vessel data protected in the BLUE BOX™ cloud service?
Data transmitted to and stored in the BLUE BOX™ cloud service is encrypted in transit and at rest, hosted on a professional, certified data centre infrastructure. Security and data integrity are core design requirements of the service.
Does X-CONNECT® allow customer-specific functionality?
Yes. X-CONNECT® is built on an open architecture that supports custom functionality at different levels. Simpler functions can be configured directly in X-CONNECT® Studio. For more advanced requirements, custom logic can be developed by Blue Ctrl, or by qualified partners using the built-in Python component, and added to the Studio library as a reusable part of the platform, ready to be configured and deployed remotely.
How would I proceed if I want to make changes to the system user interface (also called GUI, HMI, or Mimic in technical terms)?
Contact your local partner or Blue Ctrl directly. Changes to the user interface are typically handled remotely using X-CONNECT® Studio. Qualified partners and Blue Ctrl's service engineers can carry out changes efficiently without needing to be physically present onboard, or you can take an X-CONNECT® Studio certification course to become self-sufficient in handling changes yourself.
How does X-CONNECT® cope with changes?
X-CONNECT® is built for change. Handling it efficiently is one of the key advantages of moving from a traditional SCADA/PLC system to a configurable software platform. Whether during the project/engineering phase, commissioning, or throughout the vessel's life cycle, modifications are made through configuration rather than reprogramming, resulting in faster turnaround, predictable outcomes, and lower cost and risk of change.
Can X-CONNECT® be used on vessels of all sizes and types?
Yes. X-CONNECT® has been proven onboard vessels ranging from small workboats of 15m with around 80 signals/IO, up to vessels of approximately 150m with around 10,000 signals/IO. It covers a wide range of vessel types, sizes, and operational profiles, from simple alarm monitoring to fully integrated automation.
Shipowners
Will the system support and adapt to future operations?
Yes. Blue Ctrl continuously develops the X-CONNECT® platform to keep pace with evolving market trends and regulations. All platform updates are made available to X-CONNECT® customers as part of the ongoing product roadmap.
How can X-CONNECT® support digitalization to improve my business?
X-CONNECT® provides real-time data from your vessel's systems, giving you a solid foundation for informed decisions on operations, maintenance, and performance. For cloud-based data access and analytics, please read about our BLUE BOX service.
Will I need to replace my automation system due to obsolete hardware?
X-CONNECT® runs on standard, off-the-shelf hardware, which means you can replace individual components as needed without replacing the entire system. New hardware is verified and tested for compatibility, and can be integrated alongside existing installations, protecting your investment over time.
Does X-CONNECT® support remote update?
Yes. X-CONNECT® supports remote update on low-bandwidth internet connections. Adding, removing, and updating system components is straightforward using X-Connect Studio, our configuration tool. In most cases, no engineers are required onboard or onsite to complete an update.
How does X-CONNECT® support the operator in making good decisions?
X-CONNECT® is designed with the operator at the centre. Information from all vessel systems is presented clearly and consistently in a single interface, reducing cognitive load and enabling safe, informed decisions. The interface has been developed in close collaboration with experienced ship operators to ensure that critical information is always accessible and presented in an understandable way.
Does BLUE CTRL provide any training in using the products based on X-CONNECT®?
Yes. Blue Ctrl and our certified partners offer a range of X-CONNECT® training courses for operators, engineers, and system integrators. Courses can be booked on request. Please contact us or your local partner for available options.
What is the minimum required space to install an alarm monitoring or an automation system?
Cabinet dimensions and signal counts are subject to project-specific variation and may create inaccurate customer expectations. Recommend removing this entry from the public FAQ.
How is the process, as a customer, from ordering to installing a product based on the X-CONNECT® platform?
Getting started is straightforward. Ship owners can request a quote via the link at the bottom of this page. We will connect you with a local partner or, if preferred, handle the delivery directly through Blue Ctrl. Your partner will review your vessel specifications and present a solution tailored to your needs, including a fixed-price quotation.
For yards, designers, and system integrators: our sales team will guide you through the available configurations. You can order as a complete package or licence and hardware separately. Engineering and commissioning support is also available.
What is the benefit with X-CONNECT® compared to traditional SCADA/PLC technology?
Traditional SCADA/PLC systems require significant ongoing investment in architecture development and custom programming to remain fit for purpose. X-CONNECT® offers a ready-made, maritime-optimised platform where functionality is activated through configuration rather than core code development. This reduces project cost, delivery time, and the risk of programming errors.
Who has already chosen X-CONNECT®?
X-CONNECT® is installed on a growing fleet of vessels across multiple segments, including offshore support vessels, platform supply vessels, fishing vessels, ferries, and specialised workboats. Blue Ctrl works with a network of experienced yards, system integrators, and partners across Norway and internationally. Reference projects are available on request.
Can X-CONNECT® integrate with equipment from other manufacturers?
Yes. X-CONNECT® is designed as an open integration platform and supports the most common maritime communication protocols, including Modbus, NMEA, CAN, Profibus, and standard analog/digital IO. This means it can connect to sensors, drives, engines, and other equipment from most manufacturers. If you have questions about a specific integration, our engineers are happy to advise.
What support is available if something goes wrong at sea?
Blue Ctrl and our certified partners offer remote support, and most issues can be diagnosed and resolved without anyone needing to be physically onboard. For scheduled maintenance, software updates, and configuration changes, remote access via X-Connect Studio is the standard approach. For more complex situations, our service engineers and partner network can be mobilised. Please ask your local partner or Blue Ctrl directly about available support agreements.
Can X-CONNECT® be installed on a vessel that already has an existing automation system?
Yes. X-CONNECT® can be introduced gradually alongside an existing system, allowing for a phased migration rather than a full replacement in one go. This is particularly relevant for vessels arriving at a yard for scheduled maintenance. The scope and approach for each retrofit is assessed individually. Contact your local partner or Blue Ctrl to discuss the best approach for your vessel.
Who owns the vessel data collected by BLUE BOX™, and how is it handled?
The vessel owner retains ownership of all operational data collected by BLUE BOX. Data is stored securely on professional cloud infrastructure, encrypted in transit and at rest. Data can be accessed, exported, and managed through the X-CONNECT® portal. Blue Ctrl does not use customer operational data for any purpose other than delivering the service. For specific questions about data handling and compliance, please contact us.
What happens to BLUE BOX™ data collection if the vessel loses internet connectivity?
BLUE BOX is designed to handle intermittent connectivity. Data is logged and stored locally onboard during periods without internet access, and automatically synchronised to the cloud when the connection is restored. There is no data loss due to connectivity gaps during normal operation.
Is Blue Ctrl able to support my vessel wherever it operates?
Blue Ctrl works with a network of certified partners across key maritime regions. Remote support can be provided regardless of where the vessel is located, as long as an internet connection is available. For onsite support, we can help identify the most suitable local partner. Contact us to discuss coverage for your area of operation.
Can X-CONNECT® support autonomous and remote operations for my vessel?
X-CONNECT® is well positioned to support the transition towards autonomous and remote vessel operations. The platform's open architecture and real-time data integration capabilities allow it to interface with the systems and sensors that autonomous and remote operation solutions depend on, including machinery monitoring, power management, and situational awareness. Blue Ctrl is actively engaged in this space and welcomes dialogue with owners and operators exploring these capabilities. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Yards, designers and system integrators
How can I keep track of my budget during changes in building period?
Scope is clearly defined and all additional functionality and hardware is available at fixed prices. Since all features are pre-built and configured rather than custom-developed, add-ons are handled efficiently and budget impact is predictable with no hidden costs.
Is commissioning of X-CONNECT® time consuming?
Commissioning with X-CONNECT® is efficient. The extensive library of pre-built, standardised software functions for maritime applications means that most functionality can be activated and validated quickly. Changes are made through X-CONNECT® Studio and deliver predictable results, keeping the commissioning schedule on track.
Can partners use the X-CONNECT® studio to configure an automation system?
Yes. Blue Ctrl enables qualified partners to manage the full value chain, from engineering and production through software configuration, commissioning, and aftermarket support. Partners with X-CONNECT® Studio certification can deliver complete automation solutions independently.
What are the benefits using configuration tool compared to traditional coding with Scada tool, and how does this affect me as a customer?
Configuration-based tools reduce human error inherent in traditional manual programming workflows. The result is higher and more consistent quality across projects. Changes and deviations are addressed faster, and outcomes are more predictable, which ultimately means less risk and lower cost for the customer.
Can I as a partner be responsible for the after market sales?
Yes. Certified Blue Ctrl partners can take full responsibility for aftermarket sales and service, including software updates, configuration changes, and hardware support. This enables a local service model that reduces response time and cost for vessel owners.
Is there any annual license fee for X-CONNECT® Studio?
X-CONNECT® Studio is available to certified partners at no licence cost. Blue Ctrl provides an initial training package as part of the partner onboarding programme.
Is the documentation part of the partner package?
Yes. All documentation including drawings, bills of materials, operation guidelines, and commercial materials is standardised and made available to partners to support project delivery.
How does X-CONNECT® handle system reliability and fault tolerance?
X-CONNECT® addresses reliability through system segmentation rather than traditional hardware and software redundancy. The control system is divided into logical segments, so a fault in one part of the system does not affect the rest. This architecture gives operators and system designers control over acceptable fault boundaries, and focuses on clear failure detection and defined recovery procedures, rather than adding complexity through duplicated hardware that itself introduces additional failure points.
Which classification societies approve X-CONNECT®?
DNV Type Approval for Cyber Security Essential (SP1), and case-by-case control & monitoring approvals from BV, DNV, ABS, and Lloyd's Register.
Which communication protocols does X-CONNECT® support?
X-CONNECT® supports the most commonly used maritime protocols, including Modbus (RTU and TCP), NMEA 0183/2000, CAN, Profibus, MQTT, and standard analog/digital IO. This broad protocol support allows X-CONNECT® to interface with sensors, drives, engines, and third-party automation equipment from most manufacturers, reducing integration risk during the engineering phase.
Can X-CONNECT® be integrated into autonomous or remote operation projects?
X-CONNECT® provides the data integration and system interoperability layer that autonomous and remote operation solutions require. The platform's open protocol support and real-time data access make it a natural fit for vessels being designed or retrofitted for remote monitoring, remote control, or higher degrees of autonomy. Blue Ctrl is actively engaged in this area and welcomes early-stage dialogue with yards and designers working on autonomous vessel projects. Please contact us to discuss integration possibilities.
