Tag: automation

An underwater drone that can keep watch on reef health and accurately identify and inject the devastating crown-of-thorns starfish is ready to be put to the test on the Great Barrier Reef, as a result of a collaboration between QUT, Google and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

As artificial intelligence emerges in a growing number of industries, the need to ensure safe use of AI has become a priority. DNV GL launched a position paper to advise on responsible use of AI, asserting that data-driven models alone may not be sufficient to ensure safety.

Recently, Maersk and IBM named their blockchain venture, marking another step towards the upcoming transformation of global trade. Blockchain seems to emerge in many industries including the maritime. What are the benefits that shipping could take advantage of with respect to this new technology?

Kongsberg Digital launched a new digital twin, after a successful feasibility study with Equinor. The new twin is a virtual model of unmanned production facilities for oil and gas and it allows users onshore to explore planned or existing assets offshore. The digital twin can also improve design quality and processes.

In Nautilus Federation 's survey of almost 1,000 maritime professionals of more than 20 seafaring unions, 40% of serving seafarers believe that commercially viable unmanned ships will be in widespread service within the next 20 years. only 16% of respondents wanted to see a future with no autonomous support.

After the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy claimed administrative responsibility for mineral deposits on the continental shelf, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate has been assigned the task of mapping potential deposits. The mapping will carried out using an an autonomous underwater vehicle. 

The world's first autonomous and electric container vessel is one step closer to launch, as YARA signed a deal with VARD worth NOK 250 million to build the vessel. VARD will deliver Yara Birkeland for launch in early 2020, and the vessel will gradually move from manned operation to fully autonomous by 2022.

The Port of Antwerp introduced a fully automatic sounding boat that employs unique technology. The vessel, 'Echodrone', is being developed to supplement the other operational sounding boat, 'Echo.' These vessels conduct measurements of the water depth everywhere in the port to guarantee safe passage for shipping.

Digitization solutions, such as big data, blockchain, automation, drones, and robotics, are enabling the maritime freight industry to utilize innovative approaches that will reduce or eliminate non-value-added activities. These technologies will benefit the industry, especially considering the fact that global maritime freight transportation revenue is expected to reach $205 billion in 2023. 

Studying the landscape of container transport sector over the next 25 years, TT Club insurer and McKinsey consultant presented a four-step roadmap for the industry to prepare in a rapidly changing environment where the longstanding formula for value-creation will have to change as well.