Monitoring device

Abstract

A monitoring device for monitoring marine cargo, comprising a sensor arrangement configured to determine motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo, a satellite communication module, and a control module; the satellite communication module is used for communicating with a remote device through satellite communication; the control module is configured to: receive motion data determined by the sensor arrangement over a predetermined monitoring period; determining one or more maximum movements of the cargo over the monitoring period based on the received movement data; and generating alert data when the at least one determined maximum motion exceeds the corresponding first predetermined motion threshold. The satellite communication module is configured to transmit the generated alarm data to a remote device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present teachings relate to a monitoring device for monitoring sea cargo and a method for monitoring sea cargo. Background Art

[0002] Marine cargo (i.e., cargo transported via a watercraft such as a ship) is often subject to significant rigid body motion (e.g., pitch, roll, heave, etc.) during transportation, especially when traveling in severe sea conditions (e.g., during a storm). Depending on the cargo, this motion may damage the cargo. Some marine cargo, particularly high value cargo such as project cargo (e.g., wind turbine components), must be subject to agreed motion standards during transportation to help prevent damage to the cargo for insurance purposes.

[0003] Devices are known that are designed to be installed on marine cargo and, when inspected, indicate whether such movement standards are met. However, a problem with such devices is that stakeholders (e.g., the cargo's owner or insurer) must wait until the marine cargo is shipped before determining whether movement standards are met. As a result, stakeholders are unable to take any mitigating or preventative measures to prevent damage to the cargo during transportation.

[0004] The present teachings are directed to overcoming or at least alleviating one or more problems associated with the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present teachings, there is provided a monitoring device for monitoring marine cargo, comprising a sensor arrangement configured to determine motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo, a satellite communication module for communicating with a remote device via satellite communication, and a control module; the sensor arrangement is configured to determine motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo; the satellite communication module is configured to receive motion data determined by the sensor arrangement during a predetermined monitoring period; determine one or more maximum motions of the cargo during the monitoring period based on the received motion data; and generate alarm data when at least one determined maximum motion exceeds a corresponding first predetermined motion threshold. The satellite communication module is configured to transmit the generated alarm data to the remote device.

[0006] Advantageously, the monitoring device can notify a remote user during transport that the cargo has been subjected to movement that could damage the cargo. This enables the remote user to notify the operator of the watercraft transporting the cargo so that they can take mitigating measures if necessary.

[0007] Additionally, periodically processing motion data determined during a monitoring period helps reduce the frequency of transmissions by the satellite communication module and the amount of data that needs to be transmitted.

[0008] The alert data may include data based on the received motion data.

[0009] Advantageously, such alert data may enable a remote user to determine the risk of cargo damage and whether mitigating action is required.

[0010] The alarm data includes data corresponding to the determined one or more maximum movements of the freight shipment.

[0011] Advantageously, transmitting the determined maximum movement(s) of the cargo to a remote device may indicate a likelihood of damage to the cargo.

[0012] The control module may be configured to generate warning data when the at least one determined maximum motion exceeds a corresponding second predetermined motion threshold that is less than the corresponding first predetermined motion threshold. The satellite communication module is configured to transmit the generated warning data to the remote device. The monitoring device may include a short-range wireless communication module configured to transmit the generated warning data to the watercraft transporting the cargo via wireless communication.

[0013] This configuration of the control module may alert stakeholders and / or operators of watercraft that motion standards are about to be exceeded so that mitigating and / or preventative measures may be taken.

[0014] The determined one or more maximum movements include one or more maximum rotational movements (eg, of pitch, roll, or yaw) of the cargo during the monitoring period.

[0015] This configuration may enable a remote user to monitor for over-rotation of cargo, which may cause the cargo to shift and become damaged.

[0016] The one or more maximum rotational movements include at least one maximum rotational angular amplitude, and / or at least one maximum rotational period frequency.

[0017] The determined one or more maximum motions include one or more maximum linear accelerations (eg, surge, sway, or heave) of the cargo during the monitoring period.

[0018] This configuration may enable a remote user to monitor excessive acceleration of cargo, which may directly or indirectly damage the cargo (eg, excessive acceleration of cargo may cause the cargo to become detached from a watercraft transporting the cargo).

[0019] The determined one or more maximum motions may include at least one maximum pitch rotational motion, at least one maximum roll rotational motion, and at least one maximum heave acceleration of the cargo during the monitoring period.

[0020] The determined one or more maximum movements may also include at least one maximum heave displacement of the cargo during the monitoring period.

[0021] The control module may also be configured to: determine one or more time-averaged movements of the cargo during the monitoring period based on the received movement data; and generate alarm data when at least one determined time-averaged movement exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold.

[0022] Advantageously, such a configuration may enable a remote user to be notified of a potential tilt of a watercraft transporting cargo so that they can notify the operator of the watercraft, who may take mitigating measures if necessary.

[0023] The one or more time-averaged motions of the cargo may include a time-averaged roll angle amplitude of the cargo. The corresponding predetermined threshold may be 5 degrees or greater.

[0024] The monitoring period may be at least 60 seconds.

[0025] Advantageously, such a monitoring period helps reduce the frequency of transmissions by the satellite communication module and the amount of data that needs to be transmitted.

[0026] The monitoring period may be in the range of 60 seconds to 3600 seconds.

[0027] The monitoring period may be in the range of 60 seconds to 1800 seconds.

[0028] The monitoring period may be in the range of 60 seconds to 600 seconds.

[0029] The monitoring device may further include a memory module. The control module may be configured to store the recorded data determined by the control module in the memory module, receive a request for the recorded data from the remote device via the satellite communication module, and retrieve the recorded data from the memory module in response. The satellite communication module may be configured to transmit data based on the retrieved recorded data to the remote device.

[0030] This configuration enables a remote user to obtain information about the device and / or cargo that is more detailed than what they could obtain from the alarm data or status data transmitted by the device. For example, a remote user can obtain detailed cargo movement information when a specific event such as a collision occurs.

[0031] The recorded data may be based on the received motion data.

[0032] The sensor arrangement may be configured to determine position data corresponding to a position of the monitoring device and / or a position of a watercraft transporting the cargo. The alarm data may include data based on the determined position data.

[0033] Such alert data may enable a remote user to be notified of the location of cargo if the cargo is subject to excessive and potentially damaging movement.

[0034] The sensor arrangement may comprise a wireless position receiver configured to receive the position of the watercraft via wireless communication with the watercraft.

[0035] The wireless position receiver may be an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver.

[0036] The monitoring device may further include a short-range wireless communication module for communicating with a watercraft transporting the marine cargo via wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication module may be configured to transmit the alarm data to the watercraft.

[0037] Advantageously, this may enable the operator of the watercraft to take action (eg, reduce the speed of the watercraft) to reduce the movement of cargo.

[0038] The control module may be configured to periodically generate status data (e.g., corresponding to one or more of time, location of the device, power status of the device, and temperature of the device). The satellite communication module may be configured to transmit the status data to the remote device.

[0039] Advantageously, the status data may inform a remote user of the operating condition of the device.

[0040] The monitoring device may further comprise a power supply arrangement configured to independently supply power to the device.

[0041] This power supply arrangement helps increase the flexibility of the device placement location because no external power supply is required. In addition, this power supply arrangement helps reduce the dependence of the cargo stakeholders on the owner / operator of the watercraft that transports the cargo.

[0042] The power supply arrangement may comprise a power storage module (eg one or more batteries).

[0043] The power supply arrangement may comprise power generation modules (eg solar panels).

[0044] Power generation modules can help extend the life of the device.

[0045] The monitoring device may further comprise a (eg waterproof or water resistant) housing. The sensor arrangement, the control module and the satellite communication module may be at least partially housed within the housing.

[0046] Advantageously, the housing helps protect the components from the external environment.

[0047] The hull may include a mounting arrangement for mounting the hull to a watercraft or to the cargo.

[0048] The determined one or more maximum motions may include a maximum roll angle amplitude of the cargo during the monitoring period. The corresponding motion threshold may be in the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees; alternatively, in the range of 20 degrees to 30 degrees.

[0049] The determined one or more maximum motions may include a maximum pitch angle amplitude of the cargo during the monitoring period. The corresponding motion threshold may be in the range of 2.5 degrees to 35 degrees; alternatively, in the range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

[0050] The determined one or more maximum motions may include the maximum roll and / or pitch cycle frequency of the cargo during the monitoring period. The corresponding motion threshold may be in the range of 0 Hz to 0.2 Hz; optionally, approximately 0.1 Hz.

[0051] The determined one or more maximum motions may include a maximum heave acceleration of the cargo during the monitoring period. The corresponding motion threshold may be in the range of 0 g to 0.5 g; alternatively, in the range of 0.1 g to 0.3 g, for example, approximately 0.2 g.

[0052] The control module may be configured to determine wave height characteristics of the surrounding water based on the received motion data.

[0053] The wave height characteristic may be a significant wave height or a root mean square wave height.

[0054] The received motion data may include heave acceleration data. The wave height characteristic may be determined based on the heave acceleration data.

[0055] According to a second aspect of the present teachings, there is provided a monitoring device for monitoring marine cargo, comprising a sensor arrangement configured to determine motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo, a satellite communication module, and a control module; the sensor arrangement is configured to determine motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo; the satellite communication module is used to communicate with a remote device via satellite communication; the control module is configured to: receive motion data determined by the sensor arrangement during a predetermined monitoring period; determine one or more time-averaged motions of the cargo during the monitoring period based on the received motion data; and generate alarm data when at least one determined time-averaged motion exceeds a corresponding first predetermined threshold. The satellite communication module is configured to transmit the generated alarm data to the remote device.

[0056] The one or more time-averaged motions of the cargo may include a time-averaged roll angle amplitude of the cargo. The corresponding predetermined threshold may be 5 degrees or greater.

[0057] The control module may be configured to generate warning data when the at least one determined time-averaged movement exceeds a corresponding second predetermined threshold value that is less than the corresponding first predetermined threshold value.

[0058] The satellite communication module may be configured to transmit the generated warning data to the remote device.

[0059] The monitoring device may include a short-range wireless communication module configured to transmit the generated warning data to a watercraft transporting the cargo via wireless communication.

[0060] The monitoring device according to the second aspect may include any of the features described above in relation to the first aspect.

[0061] According to a third aspect of the present teachings, there is provided a monitoring device for monitoring marine cargo, comprising a sensor arrangement configured to determine motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo, and / or position data corresponding to the position of the device; a satellite communication module for communicating with a remote device via satellite communication; and a housing, such as a waterproof or water-resistant housing. The satellite communication module comprises an antenna. The control module is configured to generate data based on data determined by the sensor arrangement. The satellite communication module is configured to transmit the generated data to the remote device via the antenna. The sensor arrangement, the satellite communication module, and the control module are completely contained within the housing.

[0062] Advantageously, the housing helps protect the components from the external environment.

[0063] The monitoring device may further comprise a power supply arrangement configured to independently supply power to the device.The power supply arrangement may be at least partially housed within the housing.

[0064] The power supply arrangement may include a solar panel mounted on an outer surface of the housing.

[0065] The monitoring device according to the third aspect may include any of the features described above in relation to the first and second aspects.

[0066] According to a fourth aspect of the present teachings, there is provided an assembly comprising a monitoring device according to the first, second or third aspect mounted to an item of cargo (eg container cargo or project cargo) or a watercraft.

[0067] According to a fifth aspect of the present teachings, there is provided a method for monitoring maritime cargo, comprising: receiving motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo determined during a monitoring period; determining one or more maximum motions of the cargo during the monitoring period based on the received motion data; generating alarm data when at least one determined maximum motion exceeds a corresponding predetermined motion threshold; and transmitting the alarm data to a remote device via satellite communication.

[0068] The method according to the fifth aspect may include any of the features described above in relation to the first, second, third and fourth aspects.

[0069] According to a sixth aspect of the present teachings, there is provided a method for monitoring maritime cargo, comprising: receiving motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo determined during a monitoring period; determining one or more time-averaged motions of the cargo during the monitoring period based on the received motion data; generating alarm data when at least one determined time-averaged motion exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold; and transmitting the alarm data to a remote device via satellite communication.

[0070] The method according to the sixth aspect may share any of the features described above in relation to the first, second, third and fourth aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Embodiments are now disclosed by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] Figure 1a is a side view of a watercraft carrying marine cargo and a monitoring device according to an embodiment;

[0073] Figure 1b yes Figure 1a The plan of the watercraft;

[0074] Figure 2 yes Figure 1aA block diagram representation of an embodiment of a monitoring device;

[0075] Figure 3 yes Figure 1a An isometric view of an embodiment of a monitoring device;

[0076] Figure 4 Is Figure 1a A flowchart representation of an exemplary process performed by an embodiment of a monitoring device; and

[0077] Figure 5 Is Figure 1a A flow chart representation of an exemplary process performed by an embodiment of a monitoring device. Specific embodiments

[0078] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A marine cargo 12 is shown on a watercraft 10. The watercraft 10 is configured to transport the marine cargo 12 through a body of water 14, such as an ocean, sea, or river, and includes a wheelhouse or pilothouse 10a. In the illustrated embodiment, the watercraft 10 is a cargo ship suitable for transporting the marine cargo 12. The marine cargo 12 is a project cargo, such as a structure for a wind turbine (e.g., a wind turbine tower or blades) or a (e.g., oil or gas) pipeline. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cargo can be any suitable marine cargo (e.g., containerized cargo or bulk cargo), and the watercraft 10 can be any suitable watercraft (e.g., any suitable vessel (e.g., a bulk carrier or container ship, a boat, a barge, or a ship).

[0079] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the marine cargo 12 may also be in the water 14 and towed by the watercraft 10. In such an embodiment, the marine cargo 12 may require modifications to ensure that it is buoyant.

[0080] In response to the various forces acting on the watercraft 10 (eg, propulsive forces, wind forces, and wave-induced forces), the watercraft 10 tends to move as a rigid body in all six degrees of freedom (discussed in detail below) relative to an earth-fixed reference frame.

[0081] The cargo 12 is attached to (eg, tethered to) the watercraft 10. Thus, as the watercraft 10 moves, it applies forces to the cargo 12, causing the cargo 12 to move as a rigid body in all six degrees of freedom. In the illustrated embodiment, the cargo 12 is substantially fixed relative to the watercraft 10.

[0082] Reference Figure 1a and Figure 1b, the cargo 12 moves in a manner of surge (i.e., translation along the x-axis), sway (i.e., translation along the y-axis), heave (i.e., translation along the z-axis), roll (i.e., rotation about the x-axis), pitch (rotation about the y-axis), and yaw (i.e., rotation about the z-axis). The x-axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft 10 extending between its bow and stern. The y-axis is parallel to the lateral axis of the watercraft 10 extending between its port and starboard. The z-axis is parallel to the vertical axis of the watercraft 10. It should be understood that the movement of the cargo 12 in one or more of its six degrees of freedom (surge, sway, heave, pitch, roll, yaw) can be oscillatory, or at least include an oscillatory component (i.e., the cargo 12 can undergo a cycle of motion in one or more of its six degrees of freedom).

[0083] The movement of some marine cargo (particularly high value cargo such as project cargo) is often required to comply with predetermined movement standards during transportation (e.g., for insurability purposes). For example, maximum limits are often imposed on one or more of the roll angular amplitude, pitch angular amplitude, roll cycle frequency (i.e., the number of roll cycles per unit time), pitch cycle frequency (i.e., the number of pitch cycles per unit time), and heave acceleration to which the cargo may be subjected. However, in addition or alternatively, maximum limits may be imposed on any rigid body motion of the cargo (e.g., swell velocity, swell acceleration, swell cycle frequency, swell displacement, swell velocity, swell acceleration, swell cycle frequency, heave displacement, heave velocity, heave cycle frequency, heading angular amplitude, heading cycle frequency, roll / pitch / heading angular velocity, and / or roll / pitch / heading angular acceleration).

[0084] It will be appreciated that the inverse of each motion cycle frequency is the motion cycle period (ie, the time required to complete one motion cycle). Therefore, the maximum limit on the motion cycle frequency has an equivalent minimum limit on the corresponding motion cycle period.

[0085] To monitor whether the movement of the marine cargo 12 complies with predetermined movement criteria, the monitoring device 100 is secured to the marine cargo 12. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the monitoring device 100 may instead be secured to the watercraft 10 (e.g., to a weather deck of the watercraft 10).

[0086] Further references Figure 2, the monitoring device 100 is configured to determine motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo 12, determine one or more maximum motions of the cargo 12 based on the determined motion data, generate alarm data when at least one of the determined maximum motions exceeds a corresponding motion threshold, and transmit the generated alarm data to one or more remote devices 102 (e.g., a remote server, computer, and / or portable electronic device) via satellite communication. Thus, regardless of where the cargo 12 is located relative to the (one or more) remote devices 102 (e.g., the (one or more) remote devices 102 may be located on land), when the motion threshold is exceeded, stakeholders (e.g., owners or insurers of the cargo 12) can be quickly notified. This enables stakeholders to notify the operator of the watercraft 10 that excessive cargo motion has been detected, and the operator can then take appropriate preventive and / or mitigation measures in response if necessary (e.g., reducing the speed of the watercraft 10 and / or changing the heading of the watercraft 10).

[0087] The monitoring device 100 includes a control module 104 (e.g., a suitable microcontroller), a sensor arrangement 106, a satellite communication module 108, a power supply arrangement 110, a memory module 112 (e.g., a hard disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), and / or a secure digital (SD) card), and a short-range wireless communication module 114.

[0088] The satellite communication module 108 is configured to communicate with one or more remote devices 102 via satellite communications. The satellite communication module 108 includes a satellite transceiver having an antenna 108a for transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from a satellite (e.g., via an Iridium satellite). RTM In an alternative embodiment, the satellite communication module 108 may be configured to transmit signals only.

[0089] The sensor arrangement 106 includes a motion sensor arrangement 106 a and a position sensor arrangement 106 b , both of which are in communication with the control module 104 .

[0090] The position sensor arrangement 106b is configured to determine position data corresponding to the position of the monitoring device 100 and / or the watercraft 10, and to send the determined position data to the control module 104. The position sensor arrangement 106b includes one or more position sensors (e.g., GPS sensors) configured to determine the position data. The position data may include the geographic coordinates (i.e., latitude and longitude) of the device 100. The position data may include the time at which the position of the device 100 (e.g., obtained from a GPS satellite) was determined.

[0091] In some embodiments, the position sensor arrangement 106b may include a wireless position receiver, such as an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver, configured to receive the position of the watercraft 10 via wireless communication with the watercraft 10. This may enable the position sensor arrangement 106b to determine the position of the watercraft 10 without satellite communications. The position sensor arrangement 106b may also determine the speed, heading, and / or identity of the watercraft 10 via the wireless position receiver.

[0092] The motion sensor arrangement 106a is configured to determine motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo 12 and send the determined motion data to the control module 104. For example, the motion data may include data corresponding to the displacement, velocity, and / or acceleration of each of the one or more rigid body motions of the cargo 12. The motion sensor arrangement 106a includes one or more motion sensors configured to determine the motion data. For example, the motion sensor arrangement 106a may include one or more of the following: an inclinometer for determining roll and / or pitch angles / angular rates, an accelerometer for determining swell, roll, and / or heave accelerations and / or roll, pitch, and / or yaw angles, a gyroscope for determining roll, pitch, and / or yaw angular rates, and / or an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for determining roll, pitch, and / or heave angles / angular rates and / or swell, roll, and / or heave accelerations. It will be appreciated that linear displacement and angular displacement may be determined from linear velocity and angular rate, respectively, while linear velocity and angular rate may be determined from linear acceleration and angular acceleration, respectively, via integration. In some embodiments, the motion sensor arrangement 106a may include a nine-degree-of-freedom inertial measurement unit, including a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer, which determines at least roll, pitch and yaw angles, surge, sway and heave accelerations, and heading.

[0093] Because the monitoring device 100 is fixed to the cargo 12, the monitoring device 100 moves as a rigid body in all six degrees of freedom in substantially the same manner as the cargo 12. Therefore, the rigid body motion of the monitoring device 100 determined by the motion sensor arrangement 106a is substantially the same as the corresponding rigid body motion of the cargo 12. Likewise, in embodiments where the monitoring device 100 is fixed to the watercraft 10, because the cargo 12 is substantially fixed relative to the watercraft 10, the rigid body motion of the monitoring device 100 determined by the motion sensor arrangement 106a is substantially the same as the corresponding rigid body motion of the cargo 12.

[0094] Control module 104 is configured to receive motion data determined by motion sensor arrangement 106a during a predetermined monitoring period. Control module 104 stores (at least temporarily) the received motion data (eg, in memory module 112 discussed in more detail below or in random access memory (RAM)).

[0095] The monitoring period can be at least 1 minute (i.e. 60 seconds). In certain embodiments, the monitoring period can be in the range of 1 minute to 1 hour (i.e. 60 seconds to 3600 seconds). In such embodiments, the monitoring period can be in the range of 1 minute to 30 minutes (i.e. 60 seconds to 1800 seconds). In such embodiments, the monitoring period can be in the range of 1 minute to 10 minutes (i.e. 60 seconds to 600 seconds). For example, the monitoring period can be about 5 minutes (i.e. 300 seconds). In certain embodiments, the monitoring period can be fixed.

[0096] The motion sensor arrangement 106a is configured such that the determined motion data for each monitoring period includes a plurality of data samples corresponding to each monitored rigid body motion of the cargo 12. The motion sensor arrangement 106a may be configured to determine the motion data at a sampling frequency in the range of 1 Hz to 100 Hz; alternatively, in the range of 1 Hz to 50 Hz, for example approximately 10 Hz.

[0097] The control module 104 is configured to determine one or more maximum movements of the cargo 12 during the monitoring period based on the received motion data. "Maximum movement of the cargo 12" is intended to mean a maximum disturbance of the motion of the cargo 12 in one of the six degrees of freedom of the cargo (e.g., a maximum disturbance of displacement, velocity, or acceleration of the cargo 12) or a maximum frequency of a motion cycle of the cargo 12.

[0098] The determined one or more maximum motions may include one or more maximum rotational motions (e.g., pitch, roll, or yaw) and / or one or more maximum linear motions (e.g., surge, sway, or heave) during the monitoring period. The one or more maximum rotational motions may include at least one maximum rotational angular amplitude, at least one maximum rotational angular velocity, and / or at least one maximum rotational period frequency. The one or more maximum linear motions may include at least one maximum linear displacement, at least one maximum linear velocity, and / or at least one maximum linear acceleration.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the motion data determined by the motion sensor arrangement 106a during the monitoring period includes: pitch angle data, roll angle data, and heave acceleration data (e.g., all determined by the IMU). Based on the motion data, the control module 104 determines the following maximum motions of the cargo 12 during the monitoring period: maximum pitch angle amplitude, maximum roll angle amplitude, maximum pitch cycle frequency, maximum roll cycle frequency, maximum heave acceleration, and maximum heave displacement. These maximum motions can be effectively determined from the motion data via an appropriate frequency analysis-based process, such as via Fourier analysis of the motion data (e.g., via a fast Fourier transform (FFT)), or via an appropriate recursive time-domain state estimation process. The maximum heave displacement can be determined from the heave acceleration data (e.g., by assuming simple harmonic motion of the cargo 12 in the heave direction). In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the control module 104 can be configured to determine only one or more of the above-mentioned maximum motions of the cargo 12 during the monitoring period.

[0100] The control module 104 is configured to compare each determined maximum movement of the cargo 12 during the monitoring period to a corresponding predetermined movement threshold. For example, the predetermined movement threshold(s) may correspond to the predetermined movement criteria discussed previously.

[0101] In the exemplary embodiment described above, the control module 104 compares the determined maximum movement of the cargo 12 during the monitoring period with the corresponding pitch angle amplitude threshold, roll angle amplitude threshold, pitch cycle frequency threshold, roll cycle frequency threshold, heave acceleration threshold, and heave displacement threshold.

[0102] For example, the roll angle amplitude threshold may be 5 degrees or greater; optionally, the roll angle amplitude threshold may be in the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees; optionally, 20 degrees to 30 degrees. The pitch angle amplitude threshold may be in the range of 2.5 degrees to 35 degrees; optionally, 10 degrees to 30 degrees. The roll and / or pitch period frequency threshold may be in the range of 0 Hz to 0.2 Hz; optionally, approximately 0.1 Hz. The heave acceleration threshold may be in the range of 0 g to 0.5 g; optionally, 0.1 g to 0.3 g, for example, approximately 0.2 g, where g is the acceleration due to gravity. The heave displacement threshold may be in the range of 0.1 m to 4 m; optionally, 0.1 m to 2 m.

[0103] When the control module 104 determines that at least one determined maximum motion of the cargo 12 exceeds its corresponding motion threshold, the control module 104 is configured to generate alarm data and transmit the generated alarm data to the satellite communication module 108. "Generate alarm data" is intended to mean that the control module 104 collates data previously determined by, for example, the control module 104 and / or the sensor arrangement 106, and / or generates new data (e.g., an alarm message). The satellite communication module 108 is configured to transmit the generated alarm data to the remote device(s) 102. The alarm data alerts stakeholders that the cargo 12 has exceeded a predetermined motion threshold, thereby enabling them to take appropriate action.

[0104] In some embodiments, the alert data includes data (e.g., raw and / or processed motion data) based on motion data determined by the motion sensor arrangement 106a during the monitoring period. For example, the alert data may include data corresponding to one or more determined maximum motions of the cargo 12. This may help stakeholders determine the risk of damage to the cargo 12.

[0105] The alarm data may additionally or alternatively include any suitable data. For example, the alarm data may include data based on the position data (e.g., raw and / or processed position data) determined by the position sensor arrangement 106b. Such alarm data informs stakeholders of the location of the cargo 12 when the cargo 12 is subject to excessive and potentially damaging movement.

[0106] The control module 104 queues the alarm data into the satellite communication module 108, which waits for the satellite to have a suitable relative position (e.g., substantially overhead), and then transmits the queued alarm data to the satellite for transmission to the remote device(s) 102. Thus, the delay between the control module 104 determining that at least one determined maximum movement of the cargo 12 exceeds its corresponding movement threshold and the remote device(s) 102 receiving the alarm data may be on the order of seconds, minutes, or hours. However, even with a delay on the order of hours, the monitoring device 100 notifies stakeholders more quickly than known devices that movement standards have not been complied with.

[0107] After the alarm data is transmitted, the control module 104 receives motion data determined by the motion sensor arrangement 106a during a subsequent monitoring period (i.e., starting after (e.g., immediately after) the end of the previous monitoring period), determines one or more maximum movements of the cargo 12 during the subsequent monitoring period based on the received motion data, and generates alarm data when at least one determined maximum movement exceeds a corresponding predetermined motion threshold.

[0108] Advantageously, periodically processing motion data determined during a monitoring period and transmitting data based on the processed motion data helps reduce the frequency of satellite communication module 108 transmissions and the amount of data that needs to be transmitted, reducing associated costs.

[0109] In some embodiments, the control module 104 can be configured to determine a wave height characteristic (e.g., a significant wave height or a root mean square wave height) of the water 14 during the monitoring period based on the received motion data. The wave height characteristic can be determined from the heave acceleration data (e.g., by assuming a simple harmonic motion of the cargo 12 in the heave direction). In such an embodiment, the control module 104 can be configured to compare the determined wave height characteristic of the water 14 with a corresponding predetermined wave height characteristic threshold, and generate alarm data when the threshold is exceeded. The alarm data may include the determined wave height characteristic. In an embodiment where the wave height characteristic is the significant wave height of the water 14, the corresponding threshold may be in the range of 0.1 meters to 4 meters; alternatively, 0.1 meters to 2 meters.

[0110] In some embodiments, the control module 104 may be configured to determine one or more time-averaged motions of the cargo 12 during the monitoring period based on the received motion data. The "time-averaged motion of the cargo 12" is intended to mean a single parameter corresponding to the time average of the received motion data during the monitoring period, the received motion data corresponding to the displacement, velocity, acceleration, or motion cycle frequency of surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, or pitching. In such embodiments, the control module 104 may be configured to generate alarm data when at least one determined time-averaged motion of the cargo 12 exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold, and to send the generated alarm data to the satellite communication module 108 for transmission to the remote device(s) 102.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the control module 104 is configured to determine a time-averaged roll angle amplitude of the cargo 12 during a monitoring period based on the received motion data, and to generate alarm data when the determined time-averaged roll angle amplitude exceeds a corresponding predetermined time-averaged roll angle threshold. The time-averaged roll angle threshold may be 5 degrees or greater. When the cargo 12 is a bulk cargo, a non-zero time-averaged roll angle amplitude may indicate that the watercraft 10 is tilting due to liquefaction of the cargo 12. Therefore, when such a non-zero time-averaged roll angle amplitude is detected, alarm data is sent to the remote device(s) 102 so that the remote user can notify the operator of the watercraft 10 so that they can take mitigation measures if necessary.

[0112] The control module 104 is configured to periodically generate status data and send the generated status data to the satellite communication module 108 for transmission to the remote device(s) 102 in a manner similar to the alarm data. In the illustrated embodiment, the control module 104 periodically generates status data every time a predetermined status period passes. The status period may correspond to a multiple of the monitoring period. For example, the status period may correspond to two or more monitoring periods (e.g., twelve monitoring periods).

[0113] The status data may include data corresponding to one or more of the following: the time at which the data was determined, the location of the device (e.g., location data determined by the location sensor arrangement 106b), the power state of the device (e.g., battery voltage), and the temperature of the device. The status data helps inform stakeholders of the operating conditions of the monitoring device 100.

[0114] In some embodiments, the position sensor arrangement 106b may be primarily in a low power mode (e.g., a sleep mode) in which it consumes little or no power and cannot determine position data, and the position sensor arrangement 106b may periodically enter a high power mode (e.g., an operating mode) in which it consumes relatively more power and determines position data. For example, the position sensor arrangement 106b may enter the high power mode only once per monitoring period, the duration of which is shorter than the monitoring period. Advantageously, this helps to reduce the power consumed by the monitoring device 100.

[0115] The short-range wireless communication module 114 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the watercraft 10 (e.g., the navigation cabin or the steering room 10a, or the control room of the watercraft 10), for example, via a LoRa RTM 、Bluetooth RTM 、Zigbee RTM , Wi-Fi RTM The short-range wireless communication module 114 includes an antenna 114a for transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from the watercraft 10. In an alternative embodiment, the short-range wireless communication module 114 may be suitable only for transmitting radio signals.

[0116] In the illustrated embodiment, the control module 104 is configured to send the generated alarm data and status data to the short-range wireless communication module 114 for transmission to the watercraft 10. Advantageously, this may enable the operator of the watercraft 10 to take action (e.g., reduce the speed of the watercraft 10) to reduce the movement of the cargo 12. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the monitoring device 100 may not include the short-range wireless communication module 114.

[0117] The control module 104 is configured to store the logged data in the memory module 112. The logged data may be based on one or more of: motion data received from the motion sensor arrangement 106a, position data received from the position sensor arrangement 106b, data received from the power supply arrangement 110, data received from the satellite communication module 108, and / or data received from the short-range wireless communication module 114. The logged data may include time data identifying when the event occurred.

[0118] In some embodiments, the recorded data may include data corresponding to one or more of the following: the location of the device 100 (e.g., latitude and longitude); the speed of the device 100 (e.g., on the ground) (e.g., determined by the motion sensor arrangement 106a and / or the position sensor arrangement 106b); the heading of the device 100; the number of satellites used by the position sensor arrangement 106b to determine the location of the device 100; the maximum pitch, roll and / or heave acceleration / velocity / displacement / cycle frequency for each monitoring period; the average pitch, roll and / or heave acceleration / velocity / displacement for each monitoring period; the maximum pitch, roll and / or yaw angular amplitude for each monitoring period; the maximum pitch, roll and / or yaw angular rate amplitude; the pitch, roll and / or yaw peak frequency; the temperature of the device 100 (e.g., the temperature of the control module 104 determined via appropriate sensors); the power storage level of the power storage module 110a (e.g., the battery voltage); and / or the power generation level of the power generation module 110b (e.g., the voltage of the solar panel 120). Control module 104 may additionally or alternatively be configured to store any suitable logged data in memory module 112 .

[0119] The status data and alarm data previously described may include any of the recorded data described above.

[0120] The control module 104 is configured to receive commands from the remote device(s) 102 via the satellite communication module 108 and to receive commands from the watercraft 10 via the short-range wireless communication module 114. For example, such a command may be a request to log data (e.g., specified logged data occurring at a specified time or within a specified time range), or a command from the remote device(s) 102 to send data (e.g., a message) to the watercraft 10 or vice versa.

[0121] In an alternative embodiment, control module 104 may be configured to receive such commands from only one of satellite communication module 108 or short-range wireless communication module 114 .

[0122] In response to a request for log data from the remote device(s) 102 or the watercraft 10, the control module 104 is configured to retrieve the log data specified in the command from the memory module 112. The control module 104 then sends data based on the retrieved log data (e.g., raw and / or processed retrieved log data) to the satellite communication module 108 for transmission to the remote device(s) 102, or to the short-range wireless communication module 114 for transmission to the watercraft 10. Thus, stakeholders and operators of the watercraft 10 can remotely obtain specific log data corresponding to the monitoring device 100 and the cargo 12.

[0123] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the monitoring device 100 may be configured to send and / or receive data to / from another device via wired communication. In such an embodiment, the monitoring device 100 may include an appropriate hardware interface, such as an appropriate socket or port (e.g., a USB port), for connecting the control module 104 to another device via a wire or cable to enable communication between the control module 104 and the other device. For example, the other device may receive recorded data from the memory module 112 via the hardware interface. This configuration of the monitoring device 100 may enable the crew of the watercraft 10 to obtain data from the monitoring device 100 and / or provide data to the monitoring device 100 during the transportation of the cargo 12.

[0124] The power supply arrangement 110 is configured to independently supply power to the monitoring device 100. "Independently supplying power" is intended to mean that the power supply arrangement 110 supplies power to the monitoring device 100 without itself receiving power from any other device. Since no external power supply is required, this power supply arrangement 110 helps increase the flexibility of where the monitoring device 100 can be located. In addition, the power supply arrangement 110 reduces the dependence of the cargo stakeholders on the owner / operator of the watercraft 10.

[0125] The power supply arrangement 110 includes a power storage module 110a (e.g., one or more (e.g., lead-acid) batteries) configured to supply power to the monitoring device 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the power storage module 110a supplies power to the device 100 via the control module 104, but in alternative embodiments, the power storage module 110a may also supply power directly to one or more other components of the device 100.

[0126] The power supply arrangement 110 includes a power generation module 110b. In the illustrated embodiment, the power generation module 110b generates power and supplies the generated power to the power storage module 110a (e.g., to charge one or more batteries). Additionally or alternatively, the power generation module 110b can directly supply power to other components of the monitoring device 100 (e.g., the control module 104).

[0127] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the monitoring device 100 may be configured to additionally or alternatively receive power from another device (e.g., via a wire or cable connected to the monitoring device 100). In such an embodiment, the monitoring device 100 may not include the power storage module 110a and / or the power generation module 110b.

[0128] Reference Figure 3 , the power generation module 110b includes a solar panel 120 (i.e., a photovoltaic cell). In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the power generation module 110b may additionally or alternatively include any suitable power generation device (e.g., a wind turbine, a motion-driven energy generator, and / or a thermoelectric generator).

[0129] like Figure 3 As shown, the monitoring device 100 includes a housing 122. A solar panel 120 is mounted to an outer surface of the housing 122 to receive light (eg, from the sun).

[0130] In the illustrated embodiment, the control module 104, the sensor arrangement 106, the satellite communication module 108 (including the antenna 108a), the power storage module 110a, the memory module 112, and the short-range wireless communication module 114 are all housed within the housing 122, which helps protect these components from damage caused by the external environment.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 122 is a waterproof housing, i.e., the housing 122 is configured to inhibit the ingress of water, which helps prevent the components housed therein from being damaged by water. The housing 122 includes a first portion 122a and a second portion 122b that are releasably secured together via a plurality of fasteners (not shown), such as screws or bolts, that are received in corresponding fastening points 124 in the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b. Figure 3, eight fasteners are housed in eight pairs of fastening points 124 to secure the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b to each other. The first portion 122a and the second portion 122b are made of plastic. The housing 122 includes a seal (e.g., a flexible polymer gasket) between the first portion 122a and the second portion 122b to inhibit water ingress. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the housing 122 can have any suitable configuration and can be made of any suitable (one or more) materials. In such embodiments, the housing 122 may not be waterproof (e.g., the housing 122 may instead be water resistant).

[0132] The hull 122 includes a mounting arrangement 126 for mounting the hull 122 to the watercraft 10 or cargo 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting arrangement 126 includes a plurality of recesses 128 in the hull 122 configured to receive mounting members (e.g., cables, wires, or cable ties) therethrough to mount the hull 122 to the watercraft 10 or cargo 12 via the mounting members. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the hull 122 may include any suitable mounting arrangement or no mounting arrangement (e.g., a separate mounting arrangement may be used to mount the hull 122 to the watercraft 10 or cargo 12).

[0133] In the illustrated embodiment, the monitoring device 100 includes a key switch 130 configured to selectively turn the device 100 (e.g., the control module 104) on or off. The key switch 130 is accessible from the exterior of the housing 122 to enable a user to turn the device 100 on or off without opening the housing 122. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the monitoring device 100 may include any suitable switch to selectively turn the device 100 on or off.

[0134] The monitoring device 100 includes a power status indicator 132 configured to indicate whether the device 100 is turned on or off. In the illustrated embodiment, the power status indicator 132 includes a plurality of LEDs arranged around the switch 130, which are illuminated for a predetermined period of time when the device 100 is first turned on. Alternatively, the power status indicator 132 may have any suitable configuration, for example, may include any suitable light source.

[0135] Figure 4A flow chart of an exemplary process performed by the control module 104 is shown. In step S1, a monitoring period is started (e.g., the control module 104 stores the monitoring period start time). In a subsequent step S2, the control module 104 receives motion data determined by the motion sensor arrangement 106a during the monitoring period. In the illustrated embodiment, the control module 104 receives the motion data immediately after the motion sensor arrangement 106a determines the motion data. In an alternative embodiment, the control module 104 may instead receive a set of motion data after the monitoring period ends. In a subsequent step S3, the control module 104 determines whether the monitoring period has passed. If the monitoring period has not yet passed ("No"), the process returns to step S2. Otherwise, if the monitoring period has passed ("Yes"), the process proceeds to step S4.

[0136] In step S4, the control module 104 determines one or more maximum movements of the cargo 12 during the monitoring period based on the movement data received in step S2. In a subsequent step S5, the control module 104 compares the one or more maximum movements of the cargo 12 determined during step S4 with one or more corresponding predetermined movement thresholds. If at least one of the determined maximum movements exceeds its corresponding movement threshold ("yes"), the process proceeds to step S6. If none of the determined one or more maximum movements exceeds its corresponding movement threshold ("no"), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0137] In an alternative embodiment, in step S4, the control module 104 may additionally or alternatively determine one or more time-averaged movements of the cargo 12 during the monitoring period based on the movement data received in step S2. Furthermore, in a subsequent step S5, the control module 104 may compare the one or more time-averaged movements of the cargo 12 determined during step S4 with one or more corresponding predetermined thresholds. If at least one of the determined time-averaged movements exceeds its corresponding threshold ("yes"), the process proceeds to step S6. If none of the determined one or more time-averaged movements exceeds its corresponding movement threshold ("no"), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0138] In step S6, the control module 104 generates alarm data and queues the generated alarm data in the satellite communication module 108 for transmission to the remote device(s) 102 via satellite communication. The control module 104 may also send the alarm data to the short-range wireless communication module 114 for transmission to the watercraft 10. After step S6, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0139] In step S7, the control module 104 determines whether a command has been received from the remote device(s) 102 via the satellite communication module 108 and / or a command (e.g., a request for logged data) has been received from the watercraft 10 via the short-range wireless communication module 114. If it is determined that a command has been received ("yes"), the process proceeds to step S8, where the control module 104 processes the command (e.g., retrieves and sends the requested logged data). If a command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0140] In step S9, the control module 104 determines whether the status period has elapsed. If it is determined in step S9 that the status period has elapsed ("yes"), the control module 104 generates status data and queues the generated status data in the satellite communication module 108 for transmission to the remote device(s) 102 in step S10. The control module 104 may also send the status data to the short-range wireless communication module 114 for transmission to the watercraft 10. In step S10, the control module 104 also restarts the status period.

[0141] After step S10, the process proceeds to step S1, where the control module 104 restarts the monitoring period (e.g., stores a new monitoring period start time). The process then proceeds to step S2, where the control module 104 receives motion data determined by the motion sensor arrangement 106a during the new monitoring period.

[0142] If it is determined in step S9 that the status period has not elapsed ("NO"), the process proceeds to step S1.

[0143] Figure 4 The process shown in the embodiment can be run until the control module 104 is powered off, or an instruction to end the process is received. In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more steps of the process can have an alternative order, can be run in parallel with one or more other steps, or can be omitted (for example, the status data can not be transmitted).

[0144] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing another exemplary process performed by the control module 104. Steps S1 to S4 and S6 to S10 are similar to Figure 4 In step S5a after step S4, the control module 104 compares the one or more maximum movements of the cargo 12 determined during step S4 with one or more corresponding first predetermined movement thresholds, which may correspond to Figure 4If at least one of the determined maximum motions exceeds its corresponding first motion threshold ("yes"), the process proceeds to step S6. If none of the determined one or more maximum motions exceeds its corresponding first motion threshold ("no"), the process proceeds to step S5b.

[0145] In step S5b, the control module 104 compares the one or more maximum movements of the cargo 12 determined during step S4 to one or more corresponding second predetermined movement thresholds that are less than the corresponding first predetermined movement thresholds. For example, each second movement threshold may be a fixed proportion (e.g., 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%) of its corresponding first movement threshold. If at least one of the determined maximum movements exceeds its corresponding second movement threshold ("yes"), the process proceeds to step S5c. If none of the determined one or more maximum movements exceeds its corresponding second movement threshold ("no"), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0146] In step S5c, the control module 104 generates warning data, which may include any of the alarm data, status data, and / or log data described above. The control module 104 sends the warning data to the satellite communication module 108 for transmission to the remote device(s) 102, and / or to the short-range wireless communication module 114 for transmission to the watercraft 10. The warning data alerts stakeholders and / or operators of the watercraft 10 that at least one first motion threshold (which may form part of the predetermined motion criteria described above) is about to be exceeded, enabling them to take mitigation and / or preventive measures in response. After step S5c, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0147] In an alternative embodiment, in steps S5a, S5b and S5c, the control module 104 may additionally or alternatively compare one or more time-averaged movements of the cargo 12 determined during step S4 with one or more corresponding first and second predetermined thresholds, and then generate alarm data or warning data in a manner similar to that described above.

Claims

1. A monitoring device for monitoring marine cargo, comprising: a sensor arrangement configured to determine motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo; a satellite communication module for communicating with a remote device via satellite communications; as well as A control module, wherein the control module is configured to: receiving motion data determined by the sensor arrangement during a predetermined monitoring period; determining one or more maximum movements of the cargo during the monitoring period based on the received movement data; as well as Alert data is generated when at least one determined maximum motion exceeds a corresponding first predetermined motion threshold, wherein the satellite communication module is configured to transmit the generated alert data to the remote device.

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The alert data includes data based on the received motion data.

3. The monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein: The alarm data includes data corresponding to the determined one or more maximum movements of the freight shipment.

4. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The control module is configured to generate warning data when the at least one determined maximum motion exceeds a corresponding second predetermined motion threshold, the corresponding second predetermined motion threshold being less than the corresponding first predetermined motion threshold, and wherein: The satellite communication module is configured to transmit the generated warning data to the remote device, and / or The monitoring device includes a short-range wireless communication module configured to transmit the generated warning data to a watercraft transporting the cargo via wireless communication.

5. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The determined one or more maximum movements include one or more maximum rotational movements (e.g., pitch, roll or yaw) of the cargo during the monitoring period; optionally, wherein the one or more maximum rotational movements include at least one maximum rotational angular amplitude, and / or at least one maximum rotational period frequency.

6. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The determined one or more maximum motions include one or more maximum linear accelerations (eg, of surge, sway, or heave) of the cargo during the monitoring period.

7. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The determined one or more maximum movements include at least one maximum pitch rotation movement, at least one maximum roll rotation movement and at least one maximum heave acceleration of the cargo during the monitoring period; optionally, the determined one or more maximum movements also include at least one maximum heave displacement of the cargo during the monitoring period.

8. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The control module is also configured to: determining one or more time-averaged movements of the cargo during the monitoring period based on the received movement data; and generating alarm data when at least one determined time-averaged motion exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold; Optionally, the one or more time-averaged movements of the cargo include a time-averaged roll angle amplitude of the cargo; optionally, the corresponding predetermined threshold is 5 degrees or greater.

9. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The monitoring period is at least 60 seconds; optionally, wherein the monitoring period is in the range of 60 seconds to 3600 seconds; optionally, in the range of 60 seconds to 1800 seconds; optionally, in the range of 60 seconds to 600 seconds.

10. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The monitoring device also includes a memory module, wherein the control module is configured to: store recorded data determined by the control module in the memory module, receive a request for recorded data from the remote device via the satellite communication module, and retrieve recorded data from the memory module in response, wherein the satellite communication module is configured to transmit data based on the retrieved recorded data to the remote device; optionally, wherein the recorded data is based on the received motion data.

11. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor arrangement is configured to determine position data corresponding to a position of the monitoring device and / or a position of a watercraft transporting the cargo, and wherein the alarm data comprises data based on the determined position data.

12. The monitoring device according to claim 11, wherein: The sensor arrangement comprises a wireless position receiver configured to receive the position of the watercraft via wireless communication with the watercraft; Optionally, the wireless position receiver is an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver.

13. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The monitoring device further comprises a short-range wireless communication module for communicating with a watercraft transporting the marine cargo via wireless communication, wherein the short-range wireless communication module is configured to transmit the alarm data to the watercraft.

14. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The control module is configured to periodically generate status data (e.g., corresponding to one or more of time, location of the device, power status of the device, and temperature of the device), and wherein the satellite communication module is configured to transmit the status data to the remote device.

15. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The monitoring device further comprises a power supply arrangement configured to independently supply power to the device; optionally, wherein the power supply arrangement comprises a power storage module (eg one or more batteries).

16. The monitoring device according to claim 15, wherein: The power supply arrangement comprises power generation modules (eg solar panels).

17. The monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising a (eg, waterproof or water-resistant) housing, wherein: The sensor arrangement, the control module, and the satellite communications module are at least partially housed within the housing.

18. The monitoring device according to claim 17, wherein: The hull includes a mounting arrangement for mounting the hull to a watercraft or the cargo.

19. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The determined one or more maximum motions include a maximum roll angle amplitude of the cargo during the monitoring period, and wherein the corresponding motion threshold is in the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees; optionally, in the range of 20 degrees to 30 degrees.

20. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The determined one or more maximum movements include a maximum pitch angle amplitude of the cargo during the monitoring period, and wherein the corresponding movement threshold is in the range of 2.5 degrees to 35 degrees; optionally, in the range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

21. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The determined one or more maximum motions include maximum roll and / or pitch cycle frequencies of the cargo during the monitoring period, and wherein the corresponding motion thresholds are in the range of 0 Hz to 0.2 Hz; optionally, approximately 0.1 Hz.

22. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The determined one or more maximum movements include a maximum heave acceleration of the cargo during the monitoring period, and wherein the corresponding movement threshold is in the range of 0g to 0.5g; optionally, in the range of 0.1g to 0.3g, for example, approximately 0.2g.

23. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein: The control module is configured to determine the wave height characteristics of the surrounding water based on the received motion data, for example, wherein the wave height characteristics are significant wave height or root mean square wave height; optionally, wherein the received motion data includes heave acceleration data, and wherein the wave height characteristics are determined based on the heave acceleration data.

24. An assembly comprising a monitoring device according to claim 1 mounted to an item of cargo (eg container cargo or project cargo) or a watercraft.

25. A method for monitoring marine cargo, comprising: receiving motion data corresponding to one or more rigid body motions of the cargo determined during a monitoring period; determining one or more maximum movements of the cargo during the monitoring period based on the received movement data; generating alarm data when at least one determined maximum motion exceeds a corresponding predetermined motion threshold; as well as The alarm data is transmitted to a remote device via satellite communications.

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