In today’s shipping industry, operational resilience relies heavily on robust digital infrastructure. Transitioning to cloud-based solutions enhances fleet management, integrating safety, maintenance, and procurement into unified platforms. BASSnet Web 3.0 exemplifies this evolution, modernizing ship management with advanced interfaces, while AI optimizes maintenance and procurement, boosting efficiency and safety.
Damen Shiprepair and Alfa Laval Benelux have signed a memorandum of understanding to boost energy efficiency in the maritime sector. This collaboration focuses on integrating Alfa Laval’s energy-saving technologies with Damen’s expertise during ship maintenance, aiming to streamline decarbonization upgrades and help shipowners meet sustainability targets efficiently.
The Kolkata port has initiated night navigation on the Hooghly River, significantly cutting vessel wait times and improving efficiency. The first successful night transit was the container ship MV Sinarpenida, enhancing operational flow. Modern navigation technologies and illuminated infrastructure support this advancement, promising increased daily ship throughput at the port.
Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd plans a ₹13,000 crore investment to expand the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the project, with the second phase set for completion by 2028. The expansion will increase capacity from 1 million to 5 million TEUs, enhancing India’s maritime capabilities significantly.
Fugro is enhancing its geotechnical survey operations by implementing electronic logbooks across its fleet. This initiative aims to improve data quality and streamline data collection, supporting the company’s digitalisation strategy. Automated logging reduces administrative burdens, allowing crews to focus on safety and operational tasks, ultimately aiding in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Bound4blue has successfully installed the world’s largest suction sails on the MV Atlantic Orchard, a specialized juice carrier chartered by Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and owned by Wisby Tankers AB. The four 26-meter high eSAILs® were fitted during the vessel’s 10-year survey at Astander Shipyard in Spain, ensuring optimal efficiency.
Bound4blue has successfully installed the world’s largest suction sails on the MV Atlantic Orchard, a juice carrier chartered by Louis Dreyfus Company. The eSAILs® were fitted during the vessel’s survey in Spain, ensuring compliance with FuelEU Maritime regulations and achieving fuel consumption savings of around 10%. This marks bound4blue’s third successful installation this year.
ABB and the CMA CGM Group have joined forces to develop a new parametric roll algorithm for enhanced ship safety. By integrating CMA CGM’s theoretical framework with ABB’s Octopus Marine Advisory System, the algorithm aims to reduce the risk of accidents and damage caused by parametric roll, benefiting container ships and RO-Pax vessels.
Orca AI and Seaspan Corporation have achieved a major milestone by integrating the SeaPod digital watchkeeper on all Seaspan vessels. This move has led to improved safety measures, operational cost savings, and enhanced fleet performance. By utilizing Orca AI’s advanced technology, Seaspan has seen significant benefits in fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and overall operational efficiency.
The ATLAS initiative seeks to modernize the fragmented regulatory framework for nuclear applications in the maritime industry, addressing gaps in SOLAS Chapter 8. By developing an international licensing model and collaborating with nuclear regulators, ATLAS aims to ensure safe and secure nuclear technology deployment in maritime settings, enhancing sustainability and efficiency.
Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG), a leader in energy transportation, has expanded its use of GIT Coatings’ graphene-based propeller coating, XGIT-PROP, to seven additional crude oil tankers. OSG experienced performance gains and fuel savings beyond expectations, confirming the coating’s effectiveness as the vessel traveled across the Pacific Ocean.
This week (09-15 Dec. 2024), the maritime sector experienced pivotal developments, including the Mumbai Port Trust’s heritage tours, advancements in ship recycling legislation, and innovations in autonomous shipping technology. Furthermore, the need for improved seafarer welfare and environmental regulations highlights the industry’s commitment to navigating a sustainable and equitable future.
India’s maritime sector is on the rise, with initiatives aimed at enhancing cargo capacity and sustainability. Key developments include a subsidy program for inland transport and significant reductions in ship turnaround times. Globally, innovations like hydrogen-powered vessels and new guidelines for seafarers’ treatment further illustrate the industry’s evolution towards a greener, more equitable future.
A Japanese consortium led by Imoto Lines and Marindows is developing a next-generation containership to operate emissions-free and address the shortage of seafarers in Japan. The vessel will use containerized batteries and a hybrid powertrain, with plans to incorporate low-environment impact technologies in the future. Scheduled for completion in January 2027.
