Hybrid modelling–based digital twin for health monitoring in the naval auxiliary industry

Digital Twin (DT) technology is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance product lifecycle management, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making across multiple industrial sectors. Although its adoption is growing in fields, such as aerospace and shipbuilding, its application within the Naval Auxiliary Industry—comprising the systems and suppliers that support core naval platforms—remains limited. This paper presents key insights from the TWIN NAVAUX project, which promotes the integration of digital twin technologies within this sector in the Galicia–North Portugal Euroregion. Based on demonstrator and real-world use cases, the study identifies major technical and organizational challenges, including system integration, data interoperability, and the inherent complexity of modelling ships as systems-of-systems (SoS). The work also outlines the essential building blocks required for successful DT deployment, such as standardized communication protocols, robust data acquisition and storage infrastructures, and advanced modelling and simulation techniques. Overall, the findings provide a structured roadmap to support and guide future digital twin implementations in the naval auxiliary domain.