EV harbor tugboat development project launched in Japan. Source: Marindows Inc.
Tokyo Kisen Co., Ltd. and Marindows Inc. have officially launched Japan’s first pure battery-powered EV harbor tugboat development project.
The EV harbor tugboat will operate in the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki and aims to contribute to “zero GHG emissions from the ports” in accordance with the Carbon Neutral Port (CNP) policy.
Carrying electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries at sea and the fire risks
In its Shipping and Safety Review 2023, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty reported that the second top cause of loss of vessels in 2022 was fire or explosion. There were 209 ship fires reported during 2022, the highest in a decade and 17% more than in 2021. Of those fires, 13 occurred on car carriers. Fire was also reportedly the most expensive cause of marine insurance claims furthering the point that electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries at sea at potent fire risks. Continue reading “Carrying electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries at sea and the fire risks”
The risks and benefits of AI translations in safety critical industries
In safety-critical industries, clear communication is essential. At Mintra, client interest for multilingual training has increased significantly, reflecting the need for accessible training in workers’ native languages, says Moana Ewald, Quality Assurance & Impact Analysis Coordinator at Mintra as she analyses the risks and benefits of AI translations.
Several factors are at play, primarily fuelled by the availability of AI translation engines to make multilingual training more accessible and affordable. The emerging conversation acknowledges that training undertaken in the mother tongue is not just about convenience, it helps learners ‘feel safer’. There is an increased confidence, a sense of value and a positive learning outcome that directly impacts safety. However, it’s not all plain sailing, relying on AI- powered translation engines without adequate quality review processes can lead to critical errors. There are lessons to be learnt. Continue reading “The risks and benefits of AI translations in safety critical industries”
ACUA Ocean. Pioneer becomes the first certified ROUV in the UK
The hydrogen-powered Pioneer, a remotely operated and unmanned vessel (ROUV), has received the UK’s first certification under Workboat Code 3 ahead of its upcoming trials. Lloyd’s Register (LR), which issued the certification under authorisation from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, reports it represents a significant development in the evolution of regulatory pathways for uncrewed and autonomous vessels operating in UK waters.
The maritime sector is experiencing a transformative shift as Artificial Intelligence redefines how ships are operated, maintained, and navigated. Maritime is embracing AI with open arms, driven by the need for increased efficiency, safety, and sustainability. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data and make real-time decisions is helping optimise voyages, reduce fuel consumption, improve navigational safety, and ensure better reliability across the board. Let’s take a closer look at AI in the maritime industry.
New regulations from January 2026 mandate electronic inclinometers on new bulk carriers and container ships
To enhance seafarer safety and prevent the loss and damage of bulk cargo due to strong movements at sea, the IMO is introducing amendments to SOLAS Chapter V. Through Resolution MSC.532(107), it has adopted a new requirement (SOLAS Reg. V/19.2.12) that mandates the carriage of electronic inclinometers for new container ships and bulk carriers of 3,000gt and above. This will enable the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) to determine, display and record the ship’s roll motion and provide critical information about operational stability. Continue reading “Electronic inclinometers for new bulk carriers and container ships”
The benefits and challenges of electric propulsion for recreational boats – recreational boat using electric propulsions
Electric propulsion systems are making waves in the world of recreational boating. As technology evolves, these systems bring plenty of perks compared to traditional internal combustion engines. At the same time, they also come with their own set of challenges. Let’s dive into the benefits and hurdles of electric propulsion for recreational boats, giving boating enthusiasts and industry folks a clear picture of what’s on the horizon. Continue reading “The benefits and challenges of electric propulsion for recreational boats”
The international transportation industry has been looking carefully at the hazards inherent in transporting lithium- ion (Li-ion) batteries and goods powered by them. As has been highlighted recently in the industry press, while Li-ion battery fires are not a common occurrence, their consequences can be devastating.
German government authorises trial of remote-controlled inland vessel
Shipping company HGK Shipping has been authorised to conduct the first remote-controlled inland waterway vessel on the German canal network for six months.
After the push barge combination consisting of “Niedersachsen 2” and “Hannover” had completed test operations on one part of the route without any problems at the beginning of May, Europe’s largest inland waterway shipping company has now been given the green light for Continue reading “German government authorises trial of remote-controlled inland vessel”
A transformative new platform called the Global Restricted Cargo Database has been launched by NCB
The National Cargo Bureau (NCB) has announced the launch of the Global Restricted Cargo Database, a transformative new platform designed to improve safety, transparency, and compliance across the maritime supply chain.
AMSA publishes domestic New Build Trends 2023-2024 Report on the Australian domestic fleet
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has released its report, “New build trends in Australia’s domestic fleet 2023-2024”, featuring the latest innovations in vessel design, materials and certification shaping the industry and highlighting the six leading trends influencing the Australian domestic fleet. Continue reading “Six leading trends influencing the Australian domestic fleet”
A review of SAR systems is underway. Photo credit: IMFR
The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation has launched the first-ever Global Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) Systems Review in order to understand, evaluate and help strengthen maritime SAR systems worldwide.
