Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design

Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design
Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design

Automation presents a set of unique challenges to designers, insurers and operators of ships. In this article, reprinted from the Shipowners P&I Club website Keir Gravil, a naval architect at Frazer-Nash Consultancy in Bristol, UK discusses some of the key issues that could face automated ships of the future from a design perspective.

It is a truth recognised by many industries that the future of transportation lies with greater automation. Over the last 50 years we have seen huge changes not only in shipping, but in every form of transportation and vehicle. Aircraft now incorporate automation routinely on flights around the world, cars are being developed to drive themselves and many railways have been totally automated for some time. As each step in the evolution of transportation progresses, the human element of control is reduced or eliminated altogether. But what of shipping? Surely an industry the size and scope of international shipping faces unique challenges in the realm of automation?

The background

It is often the job of ship designers, especially those in the naval defence industry, to think ahead and anticipate future technological changes. One could argue that Continue reading “Autonomous vessels – the challenges and opportunities in design”

Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports

Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports
Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports

To address the evolving safety and security needs of modern ports, Vancouver based naval architects and marine engineers Robert Allan Ltd., and international marine technology specialist Kongsberg Maritime are collaborating on the development of a radically new remotely-operated fireboat that will allow first responders to attack dangerous port fires more aggressively and safer than ever before.

The un-crewed RALamander fireboat will offer in-close firefighting and ‘eye in the fire’ capability that keeps marine firefighting professionals out of harm’s way. Fires involving containers, petrochemicals, shore-side structures or vessels can be attacked more quickly Continue reading “Remotely operated fireboat set to tackle fires in ports”

North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di

North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di
North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di

North Sails has ceased production of laminated sails reliant on mylar and has committed to spread filament, prepreg, 3D composite structures, introducing 3Di NORDAC for smaller cruising boats and 3Di RAW 760S for smaller race boats. It has also converted its manufacturing facilities in Minden, Nevada, US and Sri Lanka to increase production capacity.

“The expansion of the Sri Lanka factory is in response to the successful launch of 3Di RAW 760S sails for smaller race boats and 3Di NORDAC for smaller cruising boats,” North Sails CEO Dan Neri stated. “3Di sails continue to meet the requirements of sailors in all classes from the Continue reading “North Sails completes its transformation from 3DL to 3Di”

The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready

The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready
The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready

Preparations for the 23rd China (Shanghai) International Boat Show 2018 are well underway for April 2018, with organisers announcing more exhibitors, conferences and initiatives than ever before.

As Asia’s biggest boat show, organisers are expecting over 40,000 visitors to explore all aspects of the boating industry, from yachting culture and maritime lifestyles to water sports, water tourism, accessories, equipment and entertainment.

This year, the show will present more than 550 exhibitors in three key sectors, including Continue reading “The largest ever China (Shanghai) International Boat Show gets ready”

Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat soon to be constructed

Japan's first certified LNG-fueled tugboat soon to be constructed
Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat soon to be constructed

Japanese carrier Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), the ninth largest container shipping company in the world, has signed a deal for the construction of what will be Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat.

The vessel is Japan’s first LNG-fueled tugboat with the LNG fuel tank mounted on the exposed deck at the stern of the ship and conforming to the IGF code, which regulates safety requirements for vessels that run on gas and low-flashpoint fuels.

This enhances convenience in bunkering, maintenance, and inspection.

The construction, carried out by with Kanagawa Dockyard Co starts in Continue reading “Japan’s first certified LNG-fueled tugboat soon to be constructed”

boot Düsseldorf sets new attendance records

The Show floor at Dusseldorf
Photo credit: Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann

boot Düsseldorf has set new records with 247,000 visitors and 1,923 exhibitors across 16 exhibition halls.

Figures for the Beach World were up by 10% where visitors were able to try out a variety of activities alongside professional athletes representing different water sports.

“These figures are unique in the industry,” said Messe Düsseldorf CEO Werner Dornscheidt. “No other water sports trade fair reflects the entire world market in all its diversity as completely as boot.”

Large sailing yachts over 60ft long and sailing catamarans were Continue reading “boot Düsseldorf sets new attendance records”

Lifecord – a kill cord you will never forget – launched by Landau

Lifecord - a kill cord you will never forget - launched by Landau
Lifecord – a kill cord you will never forget – launched by Landau

Lifecord is a newly designed kill cord providing the certainty and reliability of a tethered connection between a boat’s engine ignition kill switch and pilot, ensuring the vessel’s engine stops should the pilot be inadvertently thrown from the helm. However, unlike the typical passive kill cords commonly seen, Lifecord is a ‘smart’ kill cord incorporating detection technology designed to trigger an audible and visual warning alarm should Lifecord be connected to the boat’s kill switch but not the pilot, similar to the seat belt warning in your car.

Lifecord’s uniquely designed Key and Clasp connector is comfortable to wear and can be operated easily even while wearing gloves. It also offers a secondary method of pilot connection using Continue reading “Lifecord – a kill cord you will never forget – launched by Landau”

Electric hybrid superyacht range launched at boot Düsseldorf by Sanlorenzo

Electric hybrid superyacht range launched at boot Düsseldorf by Sanlorenzo
Electric hybrid superyacht range launched at boot Düsseldorf by Sanlorenzo

Italian yard Sanlorenzo has announced a new range of hybrid and diesel electric yachts called E Motion at boot Düsseldorf 2018.

The first models to launch will be a pair of 27-metre (89-foot) Sanlorenzo SL86 E Motion yachts, which are due to hit the water in May 2018 and December 2018 respectively. However, the yard plans to introduce this technology to its entire collection, culminating in 2020 with the launch of the Sanlorenzo 62 Steel E Motion (pictured).

Tilli Antonelli, who played an integral part in the development of the E Motion range, commented Continue reading “Electric hybrid superyacht range launched at boot Düsseldorf by Sanlorenzo”

Just four minutes to recharge C-Job’s Amsterdam ferries’ batteries

Just four minutes to recharge the Amsterdam ferries' batteries
Just four minutes to recharge the Amsterdam ferries’ batteries

C-Job Naval Architects has delivered the concept design of a series of five sustainable car and passenger ferries to the City of Amsterdam. In order to maintain efficiency of service and a quick turnaround, this charging process will take place during a timeframe of a maximum of four minutes.

The vessels will operate 100% on electricity, thus providing an emission-free urban transport solution.

C-Job has designed the fully electric ferries to recharge their batteries during the unloading and loading of passengers and vehicles. This notably short charging period will be enough for the vessels to operate a 24/7 service with no overnight charging required.

The new 41-metre long Ro-Ro ferries will replace existing vessels that currently Continue reading “Just four minutes to recharge C-Job’s Amsterdam ferries’ batteries”

First electrically powered inland container vessel is on the horizon

First electrically powered inland cntainer vessel is on the horizon
First electrically powered inland cntainer vessel is on the horizon

Dutch electrical firm Werkina, Lloyd’s Register, Asto Shipyard and inland barge operator Port-Liner are working on Europe’s first electrically powered inland container vessel. The first five small ships in the series will be completed this year, and six larger vessels are in the works.

The novel barges will use containerized battery packs for power, which can either be recharged or exchanged at the terminal, allowing for rapid turn times. The smaller barge will carry 24 TEU and use one battery pack, and the larger model will carry 224 TEU with four battery packs.

Werkina says that Continue reading “First electrically powered inland container vessel is on the horizon”

Princess Yachts and BAR Technologies collaborate on revolutionary carbon yacht

Princess Yachts and BAR Technologies collaborate on revolutionary carbon yacht
Princess Yachts and BAR Technologies collaborate on revolutionary carbon yacht

Plymouth, UK yard, Princess Yachts, has announced that it is working Portsmouth based BAR Technologies on a joint carbon fibre project which has been billed as an entirely new class of yacht.

The project is shrouded in secrecy to prevent any details being released before its official unveiling. Currently the only known fact is that its length is mid-30 foot (approximately 10.6 metres). BAR Technologies covered the new-build in a camouflage hull wrap as it was recently transported out of its yard in Portsmouth.

BAR Technologies was established to Continue reading “Princess Yachts and BAR Technologies collaborate on revolutionary carbon yacht”

Rolls-Royce has announced a strategic review of its marine business

Container ship on the sea - Image Courtesy: Rolls Royce
Image courtesy Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce has announced it is considering the sale of its loss-making commercial marine business, on the context of embarking on simplifying its complex business simplification of business. This may result in a reduction from five operating businesses to three core units based around Civil Aerospace, Defence and Power Systems.

As part of this exercise, the company plans to consolidate Naval Marine and Nuclear Submarines operations within the existing Defence business, and Civil Nuclear operations within the Power Systems business, to facilitate a more fundamental restructuring of support and management functions in particular.

“Building on our actions over the past two years, this further simplification of our business means Continue reading “Rolls-Royce has announced a strategic review of its marine business”

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