Tag: automation

The introduction of autonomous drones will revolutionize ship inspection regime in the near future, opening up new possibilities, according to Cezary Galinski, Senior Principal Surveyor and Head of the DNV GL drone squad. Having adapted its survey technology to various ship structures, DNV GL conducted its first offshore drone survey, in July 2017.

Marine tech company MSubs, Plymouth University and charitable research foundation Promare, are creating a 21-metre autonomous vessel based on a classic Oyster hull. The ship will be finished in two years, and will conduct sea trials. After its first journey, the vessel will sail around the world.

The largest automated terminal, Shanghai Yangshan Port, started operations, under the fourth phase of the Yangshan deep-water port. The fourth phase will take up an area of 2,23 million square metres.

During its biannual meeting in London, last December, the International Association of Classification Societies focused on Quality issues. An agreement was reached to revise IACS internal benchmarking criteria for existing members, as well as an initiative to investigate the practical implementation of QSCS.

Shifting economic trends, trade flows and global demographic patterns, in tandem with changes in port ownership and ongoing investment in modernisation and expansion are all creating the conditions for what could be a defining year for the global ports industry, argued international law firm Ince & Co.

In a bid to align with smart shipping and innovation, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co is working to develop China's first smart crude oil carrier, that will be designed to incorporate technology to assist the captain in operation.

This joint project will use Rolls-Royce's IAS, which can be an underlying technology, and the IAS will be installed on a ferry in service. The technology will be used in new sensors for nautical instruments, like ship radar.

Looking in the future, it is important for shipping companies to ensure that there are always top-quality antennas onboard vessels, to support safety and leverage on the efficiencies and tangible savings offered by maritime connectivity, Jens Hedegaard Jensen, COBHAM, told SAFETY4SEA on the sidelines of Europort Conference.

The Shipowners' Club released a report, in which they outline the developments made in autonomous vessels and the implications that may occur in the light of a P&I perspective. It also clarifies that amendments will need to be made to the existing regulatory framework to ensure it remains relevant to unmanned vessels and autonomous vessels.