September 2025 WATERLINE | 9 FEATURE CRM, ACCESS CONTROL & SECURITY Solar-powered, 4G-connected time lapse cameras are transforming how construction progress is monitored, particularly for complex, largescale marine projects. Marine infrastructure projects such as wharf upgrades, breakwaters, piers, jetties, and port facilities often span long durations and involve intricate logistics, environmental considerations, and a diverse set of stakeholders. These time lapse solutions offer an unmatched way to visualise, monitor, and communicate progress with precision and ease. Installed on-site, the cameras operate entirely off-grid using solar power and connect via the Telstra 4G network, making them ideal for remote coastal and marine environments where infrastructure access can be limited. They automatically capture high-resolution images every 10 minutes during construction hours, offering a reliable and realtime visual record of the entire build. Project managers benefit from having a centralised visual feed to monitor operations without needing to be physically present, allowing for more responsive decision-making and efficient coordination with contractors and crews. Stakeholders, whether government agencies, investors, or senior executives, can access progress imagery through a secure online portal accessible from any device. Other advanced features such as weather data overlays to give context to daily progress, while image comparison tools allow users to easily see changes over time by comparing two images side-by-side add further value to marina managers and others. Perhaps most notably, premium AI-generated videos offer a powerful way to showcase project evolution. ENHANCING MARINE CONSTRUCTION WITH SMART TIME LAPSE TECHNOLOGY By Ross Meadows, Managing Director On Time Lapse Any project that spans weeks or months can benefit from the transparency, documentation, and promotional advantages that these cameras provide. Whether it’s tracking vertical construction, road development, or even remote agricultural work, these solutions bring visibility and accountability into focus. For more information visit ontimelapse.com.au INDUSTRY ACCREDITATION & OPERATIONAL PREPAREDNESS SMARTER MARINA ENERGY MANAGEMENT As marinas evolve to meet the needs of increasingly sophisticated vessels, energy infrastructure must evolve too. Today’s boats draw more shore power than ever before, making it essential for marinas to monitor and manage electrical usage efficiently and accurately. This is where cloud-based metering systems are proving to be a valuable asset. REAL-TIME MONITORING AT THE BERTH LEVEL Cloud-based metering platforms allow marina operators to monitor key electrical parameters in real time, including amps, watts, kilowatthours, and voltage. By transmitting this data to the cloud, operators can access usage insights remotely, from any device. This improves response time, reduces reliance on on-site diagnostics, and allows for smarter day-to-day management of shore power systems. At Hamilton Island Marina, real-time monitoring has allowed staff to track energy use more closely during busy periods, enabling a more proactive approach to load balancing and customer support. DATA-DRIVEN PLANNING AND CAPACITY MANAGEMENT One of the key benefits of cloud-based metering systems is their ability to support long-term infrastructure planning. By linking meters to vessel size and berth type, operators can build a historical dataset that reveals patterns in energy consumption over time. This data is essential for predicting future demand, planning for expansion, and avoiding capacity-related issues. This translates to more confident planning decisions, especially in those marinas that see seasonal increases in tourism and superyacht visits. SEAMLESS INTEGRATION WITH EXISTING SYSTEMS Most modern cloud-based platforms are designed with open APIs, which allow them to integrate smoothly with marina management software. This eliminates the need for full system replacements and minimises downtime during implementation. Many platforms also offer optional features like user-side access to energy data or prepaid billing, which can enhance the experience for marina customers. COST AND MAINTENANCE Compared to older, locally hosted systems, cloud-based solutions typically require minimal on-site infrastructure. A light server setup combined with cloud storage reduces maintenance overhead and simplifies data access. For marinas looking to optimise both operations and cost-efficiency, this approach can provide long-term value without adding complexity. INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE Luke Hancock, Operations Manager M-Tech says “Our goal was to combine robust hardware with advanced tracking and user-friendly features, something that’s powerful for marinas, but simple to use.” Cloud-based metering systems are reshaping the way marinas operate, not just through real-time data access, but by enabling smarter planning, easier integration, and long-term cost efficiency. As seen at facilities such as Hamilton Island Marina, these systems are no longer just a technological upgrade, they’re a practical step toward sustainable and scalable marina management. For more information visit: m-tech.com.au HELPING MARINAS THINK SMARTER By Adam Bruce, General Manager M-Tech
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