The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has issued a stark warning that if temporary short cuts adopted in the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic continue or become permanent, then there will be a rise in shipping accidents and environmental disasters. The predictions are contained within a new report released by the ITF’s Maritime Safety Committee:...
The newbuilt vessel, Shenhai 01, features a full scope of ABB’s electric, digital and connected solutions that help support sustainable operations and enhance safety and efficiency. The first Chinese-built hybrid emergency rescue vessel is powered by ABB’s bridge-to-propeller technologies, including Azipod electric propulsion, energy storage system and state-of-the-art automation and control solutions that further optimise...
Ballast water treatment system (BWTS) manufacturer Ecochlor has announced plans to bring the NanoVapor gas-freeing fuel tank technology to the maritime industry. The technology is currently undergoing final testing with Lloyd’s Register for type approval with the expectation of completion in time for the Marintec exhibition held in China next week. Using break-through technology, the...
30 to 70 per cent of overall ship operating costs are associated with fuel, according to agile maritime digitalisation company Ascenz. Inaccurate or unsafe bunkering practices can lead to costly and dangerous operations, with fires, oil overflow or spillages a risk. Accurate bunkering and effective monitoring is vital to ensure safe and correct operation as...
GNS has released a new version of its Voyager PLANNING STATION that introduces a new route validation tool for more streamlined route planning and enhanced vessel safety. Officers today using ENCs for navigation must validate each route in ECDIS and then transfer the route back to a PC in order to get any missing permits...
The shipping industry is transitioning to a more digitalised and connected way of operating, finding new tools and technologies to improve safety and operational efficiency. VPO Global spoke with one ship operator, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) about the company’s approach to safety and environmental responsibility. The word ‘efficiency’ is regularly heard in the shipping industry...
Sovcomflot has chosen the ABB Ability Marine Remote Diagnostic System (RDS) for eleven vessels operating in the Arctic and Russia’s Far East, helping to optimise safety and performance through 24/7 remote support. From the ABB Ability Collaborative Operation Centres that are located worldwide, ABB experts will monitor operational shipboard systems, coordinate remote equipment diagnostics and...
Trelleborg has launched DynaMoor, a safety focused dynamic mooring solution that actively maintains constant tension in mooring lines to dampen vessel movements, eliminating the effect that passing ships and long-period waves have on moored vessels. DynaMoor increases port and terminal throughput by allowing operations to continue in a wider range of conditions, while improving safety...
The 1 January 2020 sulphur cap is less than five and a half months away and INTERCARGO has expressed its growing concern of the challenge lying ahead for the industry and the need for a smooth transition. The global availability of safe compliant fuels remains a key question largely unanswered. According to INTERCARGO, the...
Cavotec has won another order for its automated mooring technology, MoorMaster, for a ferry berth at the Port of Turku in Finland. The system will be delivered in 2020. MoorMaster improves safety, reduces environmental impact, and increases operational efficiency by removing conventional mooring lines from the mooring process. This significantly reduces mooring times, vessel motion,...
Advanced digital technologies and increasing bandwidth capacities are facilitating the rapid exchange of data between ship and shore, improving the safety and fuel-efficiency of maritime voyages. One area that has benefitted from the progression of digital solutions is navigation. We spoke with ChartCo’s chief commercial officer, Howard Stevens, about the journey from paper-based to digitally-driven...
Wärtsilä has secured the first order for its auto-docking technology. The SmartDock system reduces the risk of human error and improves safety and efficiency by automating the docking procedure and eliminating the need for ship officers to perform technical manoeuvres multiple times a day. To operate the SmartDock system, the Captain selects the destination and...