Using Technology

  • That ‘Cloud’ on the horizon is closer than it looks.

    The container shipping industry faces many challenges, particularly when it comes to increasing uncertainty in the global political and economic environment. The issues between the US and China over trade relations and Brexit in Europe are testing the industry, plus increased regulations and market fluctuations are having a big impact.

    How container shipping companies operate now and in the future is changing and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for survival. Predictions suggest there will be far less container shipping in the future as the trend for consolidation continues. Smaller operators are being pushed out as larger global carriers take over. Last year it was suggested that the 10 largest operators control 60-70% of the global capacity.

    Further consolidations are expected in 2019. The trend towards more goods being bought and produced locally, rather than coming from China, means there is likely to be far less container shipping needed in the future. Technologies such as 3D printing are also having an effect as they enable companies, for example engine manufacturers, to produce engines locally rather than shipping them from elsewhere.

    As a result container shipping companies need to look at innovative ways to become more efficient and streamline their operations to remain competitive. With 90% of all cargo being delivered across the oceans, technology has a vital role to play in connecting vessels and office teams. Technology can help cut costs and facilitate process optimization and is something companies should embrace.

    The Future of Shipping Technology
    Technology is reshaping the container shipping business, helping to improve efficiency and streamline processes. One of the hot topics just now is ‘smart shipping’ – highly automated or autonomous vessels. The Clyde Co and IMareEST Technology in Shipping Report found that most respondents forecast the introduction of smart shipping in the next 10 to 15 years.

    Companies such as Rolls-Royce even suggest autonomous shipping is the future of the maritime industry. They say it’s as disruptive as the smartphone and the smart ship will revolutionize the landscape of ship design and operations. And yet, some though are taking a ‘wait and see’ approach when it comes to adopting smart shipping technologies and it could be some years before the true impact of this on the container shipping industry is known.

    On the other hand, while the industry has been described by some as operating in the “stone age,” there are signs this is changing as cargo companies look to other industries for inspiration. One technology in particular that has had a big impact on business in the past ten years and is now causing big waves in the container shipping industry is the Cloud.

    The cloud facilitates the access of business data and applications from anywhere at any time and with any mobile device. Investing in cloud technology is improving collaboration between teams on shore and at sea and creating a connected workplace culture that supports strategic business goals. Increasingly, container shipping companies are recognizing this can bring tremendous benefits to their operations.

    One of the main advantages for companies who are technology wary because of the perceived costs and lack of knowledge within their crews is that cloud software doesn’t require big expense on new infrastructure. It’s straightforward and easy to implement, plus staff don’t need to have advanced IT skills as shipping cloud software is intuitive and requires minimal training.

    The recent Technology in Shipping Report highlighted that the skill set and competencies of crew to use new technologies was a concern when it came to smart shipping. This has also been a concern with the cloud and some companies have been hesitant to implement it. It’s true to say that companies willing to adapt their processes and procedures, hire tech-savvy staff and take advantage of technology to change the way they work, will benefit the most. However, the lack of technology skills needn’t be a barrier for companies looking to streamline operations through the cloud.

    How the cloud is changing operations
    A report by the Seafarers International Research Centre found that at least a part of the effective operation of a modern vessel is determined by the quality of the relationships between shoreside personnel and sea staff. The report recommended companies take steps to address the gulf between ship and shore personnel in order to improve ship-shore relations.

    Cloud-based software is enabling companies to do just this and optimize the management of their entire fleet, automate their processes, improve their communications, increase their business performance, improve operational efficiencies and drive down costs. A major benefit is the improved communication between staff on board ships and those in head office. Whether that’s crew planning, the execution of payroll or the evaluation of seamen, digital data is always up-to-date and available where it is needed.

    Without the cloud, it would be difficult for crews, head office teams and other parties to keep up to date with processes and other management and administrative issues, making companies less agile and able to deal with issues immediately. In today’s fast-paced business world, this is a definite disadvantage.

    Cloud solutions also enable companies to reduce overheads by having smaller offices around the world instead of one large office. For instance, instead of sending employees to travel across the world to carry out jobs such as on-board inspections, having a cloud solution means ships can hire external personnel locally who can log in, carry out jobs and send the results direct to those that need it.

    A major challenge for container companies currently is the integration of systems and processes from different departments to a central data source. The same information might get requested several times from the captain, which forces him to respond manually to each request.

    As to tasks being carried out by both land and sea teams, a lack of integration has previously meant less transparency across the business. The cloud is resolving this. It’s enabling information to be centralized in one place and made accessible no matter where staff is based. It is ensuring that systems and processes are integrated and data silos removed – allowing operators to gain a complete 360-degree overview of their fleet and entire operations.

    Most importantly the cloud is changing how information is exchanged and accessed. There is no more need to send emails back and forth, requesting or forwarding information. Data that is entered at one end is automatically available to everybody else using a cloud-based solution. Information is available in real-time regardless of time or location, reducing time spent on administration.

    This is a big change for an industry that still uses a lot of clipboards to take down information and manually transfer to Excel to send on to ship managers. Collecting data for instance on board this way is very ‘admin’ heavy but the cloud enables this to be done using mobile technology which can then be accessed anywhere in the world.

    Often data and documents are saved on multiple servers too that are not connected to vessels, so there are difficulties accessing and finding relevant documents. With the cloud all vessels and shore teams are connected so information can be easily filed and accessed by the entire company.

    The cloud is also helping automate and improve tasks such as purchasing and stock planning, as well as complying with regulations such as keeping track of waste, sewage and sludge disposal. Even staff wellbeing can be addressed using cloud applications, as crew shifts and rest periods can be tracked to ensure companies comply with industry guidelines and standards.

    A key benefit of using cloud applications is that they are constantly updated and improved as new technologies become available. These updates are automatically installed with no need for manual effort and can help container shipping companies’ future proof their business.
    With the container shipping industry becoming increasingly competitive, it is imperative that companies innovate now to reduce costs and improve efficiencies. Adopting the cloud is one way to do this.

    Cloud platforms are increasingly affordable and accessible and enable companies to implement smarter, faster and more effective processes to streamline their operations and remain competitive. The cloud is changing the way container companies work and is one technology that any company with an eye on the future needs to embrace.

    After graduating with a degree in Business Informatics, Alexander Buchmann worked for software company Trigonon at the Hansa Treuhand, where he first gained an insight into the internal processes of shipping companies.He founded Hanseaticsoft in 2009 and developed Cloud Fleet Manager. Today Hanseaticsoft has more than 30 employees and develops software solutions for shipping companies. Since March 2017, Lloyd's Register as held a share in the software company.

    This article first appeared in the MARCH/APRIL edition of Maritime Logistics Professional magazine.

  • offshore Alaska and could help meet this energy demand. Dozens of wells were safely drilled in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas in the 1980s and 1990s using technology generations behind the modern technology used to safely drill a new well in the Chukchi Sea during the summer of 2015. Even though the hoped-for

  • and reduces the administrative costs of regulatory compliance. HTS will satisfy the bandwidth demands of IoT, as well. Vessel owners already are using technology to create automated ships, manned with smaller crews, that require robust satellite capacity for operations, navigation and onshore monitoring

  • .   “We will also be providing the opportunity for ABTO members to discuss issues affecting their business. This will be achieved by conferences and using technology such as webinars and conference calls. We recognize that it is not always possible for members to travel to a major annual conference and so we

  • designed to be used in isolation. Rather than treating digital as a bolt-on, digital tools are used throughout the wider industry, demonstrating that using technology to enhance decision-making can be straightforward, effective and, most crucially, beneficial to their bottom line.   Feeling the pressure from

  • , barge loads can be prioritized with regard to the urgency to get one or more to market, sooner than another. All of this can be handled from afar, using technology that leverages the cloud. Hence, an idle loaded barge can be monitored from the office, miles away.Pricing models for this new technology can

  • simulation technology to help teach skills that were once the province of learning by doing at sea.“Today there has been a transition to using technology more and more to aid training,” said Dr. Manuel. “Simulation has become a greater point of emphasis, and there are ships today that

  • more so. Cyber is how we are operating today, and more and more we need to figure out how to manage that risk,” said Thomas.Every business sector is using technology to drive efficiencies, productivity and profit, but few are as vital to the national economy and the flow of goods and materials as is the country’s

  • , and sea states up to 3.5meters (about 11.5 feet.) It is fully motion compensated on six hydraulic legs, resulting in zero movement of the gangway. Using technology inspired by the flight simulator industry, Dutch offshore technology firm Ampelmann has enhanced the design of its conventional W2W system, employed

  • rival on the USEC. Your other terminals (NIT in particular) are looking at automation as well, aren’t they? Tell us about that development.We are using technology to our advantage to drive efficiency and predictability across all phases of our operation and at all of our terminals. Behind the technology

  • The passion to help our clients through a large network of skilled people and worldwide expertise. RightShip was also at the top when it came to using technology to deliver a customer-centric experience, and I will also build from that experience to bring value to Imtech and our customers. As MD of the

  • for valves that are in these processes.” St. Jean went to explain that customers – marine operators, for example – were starting to be proactive in using technology that will get them to that 100 ppm level, and below. Hence, what W&O and Chesterton are now offering to barge outfits, has been around a long

  • MR Feb-24#48 Index page MR Feb2024:MN INDEX PAGE  2/8/2024  11:05 AM)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 48

    Index page MR Feb2024:MN INDEX PAGE 2/8/2024 11:05 AM Page 1 ANCHORS & CHAINS MILITARY SONAR SYSTEMS tel:+44 (0) 1752 723330, [email protected] , www.siliconsensing.com Anchor Marine & Supply, INC., 6545 Lindbergh Houston, Massa Products Corporation, 280 Lincoln Street, SONAR TRANSDUCERS

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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 44

    A/S and Danish erance of max 0.05 mm. emissions such as CO2, NOX, SOX, Technological Institute have developed Cold straightening is carried out using PM, and others. The design emphasizes a real-time ? ue gas sensor technol- the company's purpose-built hydraulic ease of installation, with a con

  • MR Feb-24#42 OPINION: The Final Word
GAO: USCG Should Address 
Workforce)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 42

    OPINION: The Final Word GAO: USCG Should Address Workforce Recruitment and Retention Challenges By Heather MacLeod, Director, GAO’s Homeland Security and Justice team he Coast Guard has strug- Coast Guard established cyberspace as vessels to determine whether they meet gled for years to recruit an

  • MR Feb-24#40 Images Seaspan Corporation/Foreship
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 40

    Images Seaspan Corporation/Foreship With plans to have a full-scale test engine running on am- age it'll be similar to LNG.” Looking at the engine makers and monia in early 2024, the company said it expects to hold its de- their progress, Brindley is diplomatic in saying that there is no livery timeline

  • MR Feb-24#38  is the need 
 can be produced using renewable energy sources)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 38

    design or after treatment. • Renewable Production Potential: “Green” Ammonia While ammonia itself is without carbon, there is the need can be produced using renewable energy sources, for a pilot fuel to start the combustion process. “The engine such as wind or solar power, through electrolysis. manufacturers

  • MR Feb-24#37 PTI/PTO
"In a typical LNG carrier, permanent 
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 37

    PTI/PTO "In a typical LNG carrier, permanent magnet technology improves ef? ciency by 2-4% compared to synchronous machines." – Dr. Jussi Puranen, Head of Product Line, Electric Machines, at Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch The Switch’s shaft generators start from <1MW and range up to 12MW+.

  • MR Feb-24#36  electric motor (PTI) without using the 
diesel engine. If)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 36

    one whenever the propeller is rotating. “A secondary PTO/PTI is used if you want to run the propeller with only the electric motor (PTI) without using the diesel engine. If you only intend to use a PTO and want to use it in port without the propeller, then you select a primary PTO.” The Switch’s

  • MR Feb-24#35 PTI/PTO
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 35

    PTI/PTO 30 years ago shaft generators with PTI capability kept container ships sailing at top speed. That purpose gone, PTI/PTO is making a new comeback in more cargo shipping segments, this time for reducing emissions. By Wendy Laursen etro? tting a shaft generator is not an insigni? - the ef? ciency

  • MR Feb-24#33  inspection periods as those using oil lu-
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 33

    costly ? ve-yearly shaft withdrawal require- ments. They are now subject to the same extended 15 to 18- year shaft withdrawal inspection periods as those using oil lu- brication, subject to monitoring criteria. Thordon announced in December 2023 that it is forming the Blue Ocean Alliance with Wärtsilä to

  • MR Feb-24#31 EAL  AND STERN TUBE DAMAGES
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 31

    EAL AND STERN TUBE DAMAGES “Our recommendations “A good bearing are simple. Please design is have good control over important.” your oil quality in the primary barrier, the aft – Øystein Åsheim Alnes sealing system,” Head of section for Propulsion and Steering, – Arun Sethumadhavan DNV

  • MR Feb-24#25 MATTHEW HART, MANAGER & PLATFORM LEADER, MARINE & STATIONARY)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 25

    MATTHEW HART, MANAGER & PLATFORM LEADER, MARINE & STATIONARY POWER SYSTEMS, WABTEC fuel blends up to 100% are in operation maintenance intervals to make sure that What’s the biggest challenge today, running on both biodiesel and re- our engines don’t have to be touched in your job? newable diesel blends.

  • MR Feb-24#22 R&D
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 22

    R&D MATT HART Matt Hart, Manager & Platform Leader, Marine & Stationary Power Systems, Wabtec, offers insights on how the megatrends of decarbonization, energy transition and autonomy all inspire Image courtesy Wabtec and impact the marine power solutions from Wabtec. By Greg Trauthwein Matt, to start

  • MR Feb-24#20 MARKETS
FPSO technology dominates the region’s FPS demand.)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 20

    MARKETS FPSO technology dominates the region’s FPS demand. duction and storage of low and zero emission energy carriers, In all, 18 countries in West and East Africa are expected such as methanol and ammonia. One exciting development to receive new FPSOs, FLNGs and FPUs between 2024 and leverages

  • MR Feb-24#17  tanks can be constructed using the 
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 17

    it is for retro? ts. “The answer is an methanol fuel system from bunkering station to the engines,” emphatic yes: fuel storage tanks can be constructed using the said Alex Vainokivi, Innovation Manager, SRC Group. “AiP SPS sandwich panel system in lieu of cofferdams on both new is part of the risk assessment

  • MR Feb-24#16 THE PATH TO ZERO
Methanol’s Superstorage Solution  
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 16

    THE PATH TO ZERO Methanol’s Superstorage Solution Technical inquiries to SRC Group ramped up after it received Approval in Principle (AIP) for a concept which ‘reinvented methanol fuel storage’ on board ships. Delivering the answers has seen technical talk converting into project discussions

  • MR Feb-24#14 The Path to Zero – Sponsored
EverClean
The always clean)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 14

    The Path to Zero – Sponsored EverClean The always clean performance solution • • • • Save fuel Reduce carbon Minimize downtime Maintain biosecurity Improve performance T e Four E’s of Marine Sustainability: EverClean’s Solution to Biofouling t is a new year, but the age-old problem of biofouling per-

  • MR Feb-24#12 Maritime Risk 
Top Marine Business Risks in 2024
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 12

    Maritime Risk Top Marine Business Risks in 2024 By Rich Soja, North American Head Marine, Allianz Commercial yber incidents such as ransomware attacks, data linked to several large ? re incidents at sea in recent years. breaches, and IT disruptions are the biggest worry Regularly assessing and updating

  • MR Feb-24#11  
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 11

    in cially if NYC water can be crossed at higher speeds by avoid- those ? ve feet wide rolling cargo units?” Then NYC parking ing tunnels and bridges and using the water itself. garages realize they can ? t 30 percent more cars in their parking NYCEDC, and many others, realize that at a gut level, and facilities

  • MR Feb-24#9 Simulation is a great example. This  addressing the)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 9

    Simulation is a great example. This addressing the challenges of cultural novation, and a dedication to continuous technology offers a great avenue for and language barriers in training, the improvement, we can ensure a safer and improvement, providing realistic train- industry can not only improve

  • MR Feb-24#8 Training Tips for Ships
Tip #56
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 8

    Training Tips for Ships Tip #56 Addressing Cultural and Language Barriers in Maritime Training By Murray Goldberg, CEO, Marine Learning Systems n the maritime industry, our inherently diverse workforce ciency. So what, speci? cally, are the issues and what can we is both a great value and a source of

  • MR Feb-24#6 Editorial
MARITIME
REPORTER
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ENGINEERING NEWS
M A R I N)
    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 6

    Editorial MARITIME REPORTER AND ENGINEERING NEWS M A R I N E L I N K . C O M s the world increasingly HQ 118 E. 25th St., 2nd Floor becomes a geopolitical New York, NY 10010 USA T +1.212.477.6700 quagmire, with Russia’s Awar in the Ukraine soon CEO John C. O’Malley entering year three and disparate

  • MR Feb-24#2nd Cover By pairing our technical knowledge with the latest 
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    February 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 2nd Cover

    By pairing our technical knowledge with the latest digital technologies, ABS leads the maritime industry in providing customers with innovative, tailored sustainability solutions that deliver results. Learn more today at www.eagle.org/sustainability COV2, C3 &C4 MR Feb 2024.indd 1 2/5/2024 2:21:21

  • MN Feb-24#41 Vessels
WINDEA Intrepid & 
WINDEA Courageous
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    February 2024 - Marine News page: 41

    Vessels WINDEA Intrepid & WINDEA Courageous The ? rst two designed, BV-classed CTVs for WINDEA CTV. The third newbuild crew and fourth vessels are under construction at St Johns, and transfer vessels construction of the ? fth vessel is well underway at Breaux (CTV) for WIN- Brothers in Louisiana.

  • MN Feb-24#40 Vessels
HOS Warhorse & HOS Wild Horse 
shipyard construction)
    February 2024 - Marine News page: 40

    Vessels HOS Warhorse & HOS Wild Horse shipyard construction contracts were wrongfully termi- nated. Gulf Island and Hornbeck settled in October 2023, clearing way for the builds to be completed by another yard. Eastern secured the contract to complete the builds from Zurich American Insurance Company