automation

Next-gen autonomous survey vessels to be created

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.

Fugro joined forces with L3 ASV in order to create a diversity of fit-for-purpose unmanned surface vessels, USVs.

The delivery of the first USV, which is designed for medium- to large-scale hydrographic survey applications, is...

https://safety4sea.com/next-gen-autonomous-survey-vessels-to-be-created/

USCG allows tankers to operate certain automatic pilot systems

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.

This rule removes the previous regulatory restriction and updates the technical requirements for automatic pilot systems.

Prohibiting the use of autopilots creates regulatory burdens for both industry and the...

https://safety4sea.com/uscg-allows-tankers-to-operate-certain-automatic-pilot-systems/

Khalifa Port to receive 54 automated cranes

Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) selected Konecranes to supply an Automated Stacking Crane (ASC) system for the second phase of the building of its container terminal in Khalifa Port, namely the Khalifa Port Container Terminal (KPCT). The order includes 54 Automated Rail Mounted Gantry (ARMG) cranes.

Konecranes has earlier delivered 52 ARMG cranes, for the first phase of KPCT container terminal, which started operation on 2012.

The second phase involves an expansion of the terminal area, infrastructure,...

https://safety4sea.com/khalifa-port-to-receive-54-automated-cranes/

EU funded program funds new sail system for autonomous boats

Marine-i, an EU funded program created to advance marine innovation in Cornwall, has made a grant award to the Falmouth-based company, Kiote. This company has created a new concept in sail technology that can propel an autonomous vessel.

Kiote created a sail system that can propel an autonomous vessel while also providing stability in rough seas. The system could be automatically controlled and offer zero-fuel, long-range, high-speed propulsion.

This system aims to address the fact that...

https://safety4sea.com/eu-funded-program-funds-new-sail-system-for-autonomous-boats/

Gradual evolution is the right way, says iContainers

There is a palpable sense of urgency and ambition in one of the hottest topics in freight forwarding: automation.

This is especially so among the new digital freight forwarders, all wanting to transform this immense and complex world of ocean freight with technology. But these claims of ‘disrupting’ the industry have raised questions, especially in relation to their impact.

Studies published by Barclays and more recently, Transport Intelligence, noted the lack of an impact from this ‘disruption’...

http://container-news.com/gradual-evolution-right-way-icontainers/

ICS: Autonomous ships will create more jobs ashore for seafarers

ICS published a new study, conducted by the Hamburg School of Business Administration (HSBA) on behalf of ICS, regarding the potential effects of autonomous ships on the role of seafarers and the global shipping industry.

With more than 1.6 million seafarers estimated to serve on merchant ships trading internationally, the impact of MASS on seafarers requires thorough consideration going forward.

The study indicates that there will be no shortage of jobs for seafarers, especially officers, in the...

https://safety4sea.com/ics-autonomous-ships-will-create-more-jobs-ashore-for-seafarers/

Watch: First unmanned platform starts production off Norway

On 14 October, the Oseberg Vestflanken 2 field in the North Sea came on stream. Remotely-operated from the Oseberg field centre, the new Oseberg H platform is the first unmanned platform on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, with recoverable resources at 110 million barrels.

Partners in the Oseberg Vestflanken 2 production licence include Norwegian Equinor Energy AS (49.3%), Petoro AS (33.6%), Total E&P Norge AS (14.7%) and ConocoPhillips Skandinavia AS (2.4%). The field is located in the North...

https://safety4sea.com/watch-first-unmanned-platform-starts-production-off-norway/

Autonomous ships vs Human element: Seafarers’ role onboard remains crucial

safety4sea poll

Numerous statistics show that human error is the reason for the majority of maritime accidents, however, at the same time, many accidents have been avoided due to actions of the crew in difficult moments at sea. Thus, being in an industry that blames human error for the majority of maritime accidents while at the same time being in the verge of autonomous ships, we ran a quick poll to sense what people from the maritime world believe. Will the presence of crew onboard vessels be always...

https://safety4sea.com/cm-autonomous-ships-vs-human-element-seafarers-role-onboard-remains-crucial/

UNCTAD: 1% of container terminals are fully automated

According to UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport, automation can play a significant role in increasing ports’ efficiency and productivity. In the same time, it can also reduce operational costs.

A factor that is rapidly increasing and can have important implications for port operations and management is digitalization.

Key technologies supporting digitalization in maritime transport include:

  • Internet of things;
  • Robotics;
  • Automation;
  • Artificial intelligence;
  • Unmanned vehicles;
  • Equipment;
  • Blockcha...

https://safety4sea.com/unctad-1-of-container-terminals-are-fully-automated/

BHP to use drones to improve its freight operations

International resources company BHP, announced that it will be using drones in its freight operations. The drones will conduct inspection of holds, while they will be tested to improve the safety, time and cost of ship draft readings.

The drones are still in the trial phase, BHP’s Vice President of Marketing Freight, Rashpal Bhatti said, but he believes that they have big potential as they have artificial intelligence that provides captains a digital view of their ship.

According to the company,...

https://safety4sea.com/bhp-to-use-drones-to-improve-its-freight-operations/

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