Wärtsilä Marine Solutions used additive manufacturing (AM) in order to create a crucial component for an inert gas system; In this technological step, DNV GL assisted in a time when initial production prototypes displayed an unexpected characteristic.
Concerning SEA-KIT International Ltd’s autonomous vessel that sailed from the UK to Belgium, BBC contacted various industry stakeholders discussing the advantages of autonomous shipping, while also the dangers behind it, keeping in mind that many are those who support that automation in the shipping industry may jeopardise seafarers’ jobs.
The Hamburg Port Authority along with IAPH launched a study focusing on the impact the autonomous vehicles have on port infrastructure requirements. The study presents what needs to be done in the sectors of road, rail, waterborne, and aerial transportation, so that the port industry adapts automation. The study also provides recommendations on steps to be taken for port authorities being prepared for the technological progress.
LR announced its collaboration with Hyundai Global Services, aiming to provide value to the maritime sector through digital solutions, by firstly appraising HGS’s Smart Ship System as ‘Digital Class Ready’. Both partners will conduct tests on the system, that will be installed and operate on a ship, to acknowledge if the system is ready to comply with data-driven classification requirements.
Abu Dhabi ports announced that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dell Technologies, with the aim of joining their expertise in maritime and IT to develop technology based concepts, solutions and services, mostly for the marine sector.
While speaking at the first SAFETY4SEA Conference in London, Dana Jongens, Safety Services Manager, Inmarsat Maritime focused on smart ships, the future of the maritime industry and the adoption of IoT that will enable the transfer of data from ship to shore.
Keppel Singmarine, Keppel Offshore & Marine’s subsidiary, announced the development of an autonomous tug that will operate by Keppel Smit Towage. It is expected to be one of Singapore’s first autonomous vessels when the project is completed in 4Q 2020.
Nautilus Labs has secured USD 11 million in Series A funding led by M12, Microsoft’s venture fund, along with Root Ventures. Existing and new investors including Quiet Capital, Trail Mix, and Amplifier Lab participated in the round, which brings Nautilus’ total funding raised to USD 14.5 million.
In 2018, Baleària handled 4.320.000 passengers, an increase of 11% and 1.209.000 vehicles, an increase of 17% on its 23 routes with an overall of 1.109.000 on its five international routes. Cargo accounts for half of Baleària’s business, with a growth of 3.5%.
Denmark aims to a smart and sustainable future with the launch of ShippingLab this March. The platform will be used for maritime research, development and innovation and consists of 30 partners. The project is scheduled to run for three years.
