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”

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”

The World LPG Association puts the focus on marine in a new report

The World LPG Association puts the focus on marine in a new report
The World LPG Association puts the focus on marine in a new report

The World LPG Association (WLPGA), with its continued commitment to cleaner environment, has issued a report “LPG for Marine Engines – The Marine Alternative Fuel”, dedicated to the use of LPG in the marine sector.

With upcoming stricter IMO emission rules, the global 0.5 sulphur cup, ECAS and SECAs emission limits and the requirements for higher quality fuel, it is inevitable that there will be a radical change in shipping fuel options from HFO to cleaner alternatives. Amongst the options, LPG is one of the promising solutions for the reduction of exhaust emissions from marine vessels. LPG as a clean and immediately available energy source, is characterised by low particle emissions, low NOx (nitrogen oxide) and nearly zero SOx (sulphur oxide) emissions, offering significant environmental advantages while meeting all energy and environmental challenges.

The WLPGA report aims to open the doors for LPG as the next marine alternative fuel. The report contains a wealth of information, data and compelling arguments in support of using LPG as the fuel of choice in marine vessels. It also promotes the understanding of Continue reading “The World LPG Association puts the focus on marine in a new report”

Maritime UK has established a Taskforce to increase the number of women within the UK maritime sector

Maritime UK has established a Taskforce increase the number of women within the UK maritime sector
Maritime UK has established a Taskforce increase the number of women within the UK maritime sector

The Taskforce brings together leaders from across the maritime sector to identify practical steps to increase the number of women in maritime, and crucially within senior roles across its shipping, ports, marine and business services industries.

Achieving a balanced workforce at all levels in the maritime sector will undoubtedly improve culture, behaviour, outcomes, profitability and productivity.

During London International Shipping Week, then Maritime Minister Rt Hon John Hayes MP called for industry to address gender imbalance in the sector. Government are represented on the Taskforce.

The Taskforce will make a series of recommendations and utilise Continue reading “Maritime UK has established a Taskforce to increase the number of women within the UK maritime sector”

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”

Fairline Yachts taking over Hythe coastal complex

Aerial shot of Hythe Coastal ComplexBritish yard Fairline Yachts has announced its intention to begin building larger yachts after acquiring the Hythe coastal complex in Hampshire. The five-acre site was left vacant after its previous incumbents, Green Marine, went into liquidation in October 2017.

The Hythe coastal complex, which covers an area of 20,000 square metres, is scheduled to open in mid-2018 and will be used to build models over 18.29 metres in length. The construction of models under 18 metres will continue at Fairline Yacht’s current base in Oundle, Northamptonshire.

Russell Currie, managing director of Fairline Yachts, explained, “As the global yachting market evolves, clients from across the world are increasingly demanding larger yachts than we’ve been able to create. Our new site will boast state-of-the-art facilities, giving us room to expand and create bigger boats whilst making the most of the existing boatbuilding skills in the location. Continue reading “Fairline Yachts taking over Hythe coastal complex”

Marketing drive to bring more superyachts to Scotland launched

Superyachts in harbourA new marketing drive has been launched to attract superyachts to the west coast of Scotland, where the shoreline has been added to a European-funded project called Cool Route, which is developing a new yacht cruising route.

It includes the coasts of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Norway. Part of the strategy aims to help remote businesses share in Scotland’s £3.7bn marine tourism industry.

Continue reading “Marketing drive to bring more superyachts to Scotland launched”

Conrad Shipyard announces that the largest superyacht ever built in Poland is nearing completion

Conrad Shipyard has released a statement to say that Poland's largest every superyacht new build project is nearing completion
Conrad Shipyard has released a statement to say that Poland’s largest every superyacht new build project is nearing completion

When one thinks of superyacht hubs, perhaps Poland is not the first country that springs to mind? But Conrad Shipyard has said that its largest ever new build, the Conrad C133, is finally nearing completion at its yard in Gdańsk, Poland. At 40m LOA, the C133 is not only Conrad’s largest project, but also the largest motor yacht ever built in Poland.

With construction currently running on schedule, her build has taken almost three years to complete. Her launch is planned for December 2017.

Continue reading “Conrad Shipyard announces that the largest superyacht ever built in Poland is nearing completion”

UK’s superyacht industry posts fifth consecutive year of growth with highest ever revenue figures

Superyacht in waterNew figures, released in a report by Superyacht UK came as UK businesses headed to Monaco Yacht Show to showcase the best of British.

Despite continued uncertainty that followed the EU referendum and recent General Election, the UK’s superyacht industry remains buoyant, posting its fifth consecutive year of growth, contributing £450m in Gross Value Added to UK GDP, while generating an estimated £186m in taxes for the UK exchequer.

Continue reading “UK’s superyacht industry posts fifth consecutive year of growth with highest ever revenue figures”

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