How digitialisation is changing the shipping industry

DIGITAL REVOLUTION IN SHIPPING

From blockchain, communication and drones to twin technology, security and robotics, the digital revolution has influenced every aspect of our daily lives, both personally and professionally.

The complexities of the maritime industry mean that approximately only two-thirds of shipping companies have set sail on their digitalisation journey, with around 69% of them exploring digital solutions. Keeping up with the latest technology, and the changes to what is currently available, can be challenging but the advantages it brings to streamlining and improving operations cannot be ignored. The shipping community is no exception.

The implementation of new technologies in the maritime industry means that things are changing at a rapid pace, and this is good news. Optimising almost every aspect of a vessel’s sea voyage requires real-time and reliable data that can be accessed at any time. But it’s not only limited to watching the bottom-line. The demand for reducing harmful emissions from ports and governments around the world, of which the shipping industry is one of the biggest contributors, are increasing.

DIGITAL TOOLS IN SHIPPING

Digital tools that combine optimisation and a reduced carbon footprint require the development of intelligent maritime technology. GreenSteam, a provider of vessel optimisation solutions to save fuel and reduce emissions, recently launched a new mobile app designed to read and measure fuel consumption during a sea voyage. The app gives ship owners and charterers the means to access reliable, accurate and fully auditable methods to capture timed readings. Its design allows vessel operators to create their own schedule and task list by providing control of the frequency of readings, data feeds and alerts.

This type of technology is just one example of how our industry has evolved in recent years. It’s important to remember that even with the digital tools available today, maintenance of a vessel also plays a vital role in the journey toward green and fuel-efficient voyages.

VESSEL HULL CLEANING MAINTENANCE

The colonisation of marine biofouling on a vessel’s hull can lead to significant increases in fuel use and carbon emissions. Even the slightest layer of fouling adds water resistance, slowing a ship down and increasing fuel consumption by as much as 40%. HullWiper’s Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) provides a global hull cleaning solution that removes fouling from vessel hulls, resulting in improved vessel performance, fuel efficiency and reduction of harmful emissions.

The ROV is already making the shipping industry greener as it employs the use of eco-friendly technology to dislodge waste materials, remove biofouling and invasive marine species from vessel hulls. All removed fouling is collected into a unique onboard filter unit for safe disposal onshore.

HullWiper’s online fuel savings calculator gives ship owners and operators the ability to compare the financial benefits of hull cleaning with the HullWiper against traditional methods such as divers with brushes or karts - methods that inevitably lead to the discharge of removed biofouling back into the sea.

The HullWiper system does not employ the use of divers, aggressive scrubbing, harsh chemicals or abrasives – all of which culminates into optimal performance and energy-efficient savings, whilst avoiding the expense of recoating in case of damage.

To see what HullWiper can do for you and your fleet, visit us at www.hullwiper.co or email [email protected]