South Australia - Toward smarter, data-autonomous maritime operations.
BMT is working with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport of South Australia (DIT SA), to develop a prototype of its ADAPT platform for management of state harbours.A key milestone in Australia’s journey toward smarter, data-autonomous maritime operations, Phase 2 of the ‘Deep Blue’ Project will see the prototype based on BMT’s ADAPT (Adaptive Dredging Automated Prediction Tool) platform - a cloud-based, AI-powered data management and intelligence system that enables real-time environmental monitoring, predictive insights and improved operational decision-making for ports and coastal infrastructure.
ADAPT integrates multiple data sources - from autonomous vessels and metocean sensors to survey models and machine learning outputs - transforming vast and complex data streams into actionable intelligence. It automates pattern detection, anomaly identification and forecasting across diverse port and environmental datasets, helping decision-makers reduce dredging costs, improve safety and optimise operations.
The ADAPT platform is delivering measurable results for customers, in line with BMT’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainability.
Early deployments indicate efficiency gains of up to 15% compared to traditional approaches, achieved through advanced forecasting that helps avoid over-dredging, proactive maintenance to safeguard channel access and trade continuity, and intelligent scheduling that reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The platform builds on BMT’s extensive experience supporting ports and coastal infrastructure across Australia, where AI-enabled simulation and digital twin technologies have become core to future-ready asset management and sustainable dredging strategies.Through its ‘Deep Blue’ collaboration, BMT is breaking new ground in maritime data autonomy, moving beyond traditional remote sensing models to create a dynamic data-as-a-service ecosystem. By embedding AI and intelligent analytics across autonomous platforms, data networks and digital twins, BMT is enabling customers to transform data into foresight - empowering faster and more confident decision-making.
Graeme Nayler, BMT’s Regional Business Director, Asia-Pacific, said, “This project represents a step change in how Australia thinks about and manages maritime data. By combining AI and autonomy, ‘Deep Blue’ is proving that data is not just collected - it’s intelligent, active and transformative. Our collaboration with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport reinforces our commitment to helping government and industry reimagine data as a sovereign asset driving safety, sustainability and operational advantage.”
Source: BMT