Fortnightly maritime news for the industry and PortXL community.
UN: Shipping Industry Needs a ‘New Propulsion Revolution’ for Zero-Emission Future
“If emissions from the maritime industry are not cut, we are headed for “an environmental disaster”, Isabelle Durant, the deputy head of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), told the Global Maritime Forum summit on October 30, 2019
New report claims slow steaming is ‘closest thing to a silver bullet’ for IMO
The report describes how a 20% reduction in ship speed would reduce underwater noise pollution by 66%, and the chance of a fatal collision between a ship and a whale by 78%. Both noise and whale strikes are having a serious impact on the health of the marine environment.
IMO Releases Harmonized Data Structure
The IMO has made its compendium of data structures available as a tool for software developers to create systems for exchanging data electronically. The aim is to facilitate the streamlining of the many administrative procedures necessary when ships enter or leave port.
Maersk Invests in Return Logistics Start-Up ZigZag
ZigZag helps retailers to reduce the cost and complexity of managing returns with its software and functionality. The SaaS platform provides granular visibility of returns and drives seamless coordination of service providers. This simplifies the complex process of returns from the business and consumer perspective.
Google For Startups Is Launching An Accelerator Focused On Sustainable Development Goals
“Technology can help address some of the world’s biggest challenges, from empowering others to use AI to address social challenges, to setting ambitious and long-term environmental sustainability goals. When businesses and investors work together with government, nonprofits, communities, and individuals, we can make real progress,” wrote Brandt in a blog post.
Oslo’s Ambitious Plan to Decarbonize Its Port
The Port of Oslo receives between 50 and 70 calls a week and 12,500 containers a month, and the ships and shore equipment help produce 55,000 metric tons of greenhouse-gas emissions a year. That last figure is what Oslo is trying to change. By 2030, the port aims to make an 85 percent reduction in its emissions of carbon dioxide, sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter, with the goal of becoming the world’s first zero-emissions port.
Breakthrought for automation project
Wärtsilä, in collaboration with PSA Marine, has commenced dynamic positioning (DP) trials under real-life conditions as part of its IntelliTug project, to meet the challenges of the evolving Tuas Port, which is expected to double Singapore’s port capacity by 2040. The DP system on board the harbour tug PSA Polaris is being trialled in the Port of Singapore. The project also supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Tracking Ship Emissions from Space
A new ground-breaking study by University College London (UCL) Energy Institute, Imperial College and the University of Oxford shows how satellite tracking could be used to monitor compliance with the upcoming IMO 0.5% sulfur emission regulations and Emission Control Areas (ECA).
