Five of the largest container shipping companies, MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Ocean Network Express, are planning to establish an association to pave the way for digitalization, standardization and interoperability of the container shipping industry.
Nokia, ABB and Kalmar successfully conducted industrial trials that use the low latency capabilities of 5G to support applications and improve protection and efficiency in smart electricity grid and harbor automation. The trials are part of the Wireless for Verticals research project.
Maritime UK has launched an updated version of the industry Code of Practice for autonomous ships. The updated version adds new guidance on the operation of autonomous ships, with a particular focus on skills, training and vessel registration.
CargoX launched the CargoX platform which is an open, neutral, and accessible blockchain platform in the shipping industry. Through this platform companies can transfer documentation via a cryptographically secure environment. Participants to a closed process will be able to see who owns the document, while documentation can be changed or resent if necessary.
Cargo hold cleaning constitutes one critical aspect of the complex bulk carrier operations. A conventional bulk carrier may transport coal this week and soya beans the next week, which requires thorough wash-downs and cleaning. In this regard, Danish shipping company Norden announced it has tested a cargo hold robot which can be remotely operated to prevent risk and delays.
On 8 November, AMSA signed a contract to commence operations with Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROUVs) to investigate the containers lost from the YM Efficiency. The images of the ocean floor by the ROUVs will allow an assessment by salvage experts on whether the items can be brought to the surface safely and without causing more damage to the environment.
Innovations that lead to major developments require a process of collaboration and an exchange of ideas, and people willing to go the extra mile. Benny Pettersson is one of those people, who through his know-how and commitment, searched for solutions to benefit global shipping, and came up with the idea of the AIS; a vital tool for navigators on vessels globally.
Technology concerning autonomous and unmanned vessels is under construction aiming to create the next generation of autonomous vessels for the commercial survey market. Partners signed a joint development agreement in order to create the future autonomous survey ships.
The US Coast Guard published a Final Rule in the Federal Register, allowing tankers with automatic pilot systems that meet certain international standards to operate using those systems in shipping safety fairways and traffic separation schemes. The rule will apply from December 5, 2018.
Abu Dhabi Terminals selected Konecranes to supply an Automated Stacking Crane system for the second phase of the building of its container terminal in Khalifa Port, namely the Khalifa Port Container Terminal. The order includes 54 Automated Rail Mounted Gantry cranes.
