For many in the industry the question of attracting and retaining the skilled workers needed to run their shipping operations is a constant challenge. Europort is calling attention to this strategically important issue by designating it as one of the core themes to be explored in 2015.
However, recent technical development have reignited interest in an alternative approach: dispensing with the need for a crew altogether! Once more, potential cost savings and the fact that 85% of ship accidents are attributable to human error are being advanced as persuasive arguments for full automation.
One company that is exhibiting at Europort in 2015 has already progressed further than the ‘what if?’ stage. Classification society DNV GL has reached the test phase in Norway, using a 1:20 scale model, of its automated short sea ship of the future.
“ReVolt” envisages a vessel that is greener, smarter and safer than conventionally fuelled and operated vessels. Autonomous, fully battery powered and highly efficient, the “ReVolt” ship model embodies a shipping concept that looks to being a different dimension to shortsea shipping’s competitive case against rail and road modes. Instead of using diesel fuel, the “ReVolt” vessel will be powered by a 3,000 kWh battery.
This will reduce operating costs by minimizing the number of high maintenance parts such as rotational components. The vessel has a range of 100 nautical miles, before the battery needs to be recharged. If the energy required for that is harnessed from renewable sources, this would eliminate carbon dioxide emissions. With no crew, there is no need for crew facilities such as the superstructure on board this vessel.
The resulting increase in loading capacity, as well as low operating and maintenance costs, mean that compared to a diesel-run ship “ReVolt” could save up to US$34 million during its estimated 30-yearlife-time. “Building and operating this vessel would be possible with today’s technology. ‘ReVolt’ is intended to serve as inspiration for equipment makers, shipyards and shipowners to develop new solutions on the path to a safe and sustainable future,” says Hans Anton Tvete, Senior Researcher at DNV GL.
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Exposhipping-EUROPORT ISTANBUL 13th International Maritime Exhibition is being organised between 11th and 14th March 2015 at the Istanbul Exhibition Centre on behalf of the IMEAK Maritime Chamber of Commerce with the cooperation of UBM NTSR International Exhibition and Congress Organisations and AHOY ROTTERDAM. EUROPORT ISTANBUL as the leading maritime exhibition of the Turkish Maritime Sector, where it had gained a new direction and gathered speed also with the establishment of the Republic Turkey, Ministry of Transport, Maritime and Communications, is taking firm steps forward also for the year of 2015 with its targets of achieving the highest number of participants, visitors and the greatest area. Further details may be found on event webpage |
Learn further details about ”ReVolt” concept by reading GREEN4SEA article
Next Generation short sea shipping
Source: Europort Update
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