Tag: drones

EMSA informed that the Spanish maritime safety agency SASEMAR is using its Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in the southern province of Huelva, for identifying and monitoring oil spills, as well as for additional assistance during search and rescue missions. 

Although the delay was long concerning weather conditions, the salvage process for the sunken Norwegian frigate Helge Ingstad is almost completed, and the Norwegian Navy expects to raise it on February 7 for transport to a nearby naval base. Salvage divers managed to remove the majority of the frigate's missiles and torpedoes for disposal. As the torpedoes were too sensitive to be transferred, they were destroyed nearby.

Hong Kong authorities aim to fight air pollution coming from vessels with the help of flying drones that will monitor ship emissions. Newly designed sensors can detect pollutants from vessels up to 50 metres from source, with move set to be launched by end of 2019. The drones were designed by the University of Science and Technology.

The Norwegian Maritime Authority issued five fines for breaching sulphur regulations during 2018 in comparison with two in 2017. Except the five violation fines, NMA sent three additional notices for breach sulphur regulations, which are being processed for the time being. 

According to TASS, the Russian Navy aspires to put more than 30 Poseidon strategic nuclear-capable underwater drones on combat duty. The ‘Poseidon,’ also known under Ocean Multipurpose System Status-6 or “Kanyon” by the U.S. intelligence community, is propelled by a miniaturized nuclear reactor.

Digitalization is a constant theme in shipping right now; smart technologies are already making a great impact on the industry. 2018 was an interesting year for shipping, with major developments in the field of digitalization and further steps toward the so-called smart shipping era.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced on December 20 that it participated in a demonstration test of ship class survey using aerial drones to inspect an MOL-operated coal carrier in service. The test reassured the benefits of using drones to monitor rust, corrosion, and the presence of cracks.

As 2018 is running out SAFETY4SEA is picking the hottest smart issues per month at a glance; from significant challenges to worth mentioning developments that made 2018 an important year for the maritime industry especially when it comes to the smart shipping era.

As 2018 is reaching its end, the key developments and challenges that shaped the maritime landscape focus on the unprecedented opportunities that blockchain brought on the spotlight, to the unforeseen evolvement of the shipping regulatory framework that shifted the industry toward a more sustainable approach, the past year claims the title of a turning point for the future of shipping.

Vopak announced that it is testing the use of drones and robots, in order to ensure safer inspection and digital vessel clearance tool for better clearance process.  Among others the testing includes drone inspection and jetty inspection using an underwater remote operated vehicle (ROV).