Fortnightly maritime news for the industry and PortXL community
SPEED shortlisted for “Resilient Digital Infrastructure” award
SPEED is a collaborative project funded under Interreg 2 Seas with the aim to build an open community to drive innovation in the smart ports market, in Europe, and beyond. PortXL is proud to be part of this project that has been shortlisted for the World Port Sustainability Awards, as the only European contender in the category ‘Resilient Digital Infrastructure’.
Ampelmann CEO Jan van der Tempel named European Inventor Award 2021 finalist
Jan van der Tempel, founder and CEO of Ampelmann, has been chosen as a finalist in the Industry category for this year’s European Inventor Award. He has been nominated for inventing the motion compensated gangway systems that Ampelmann is known for, and for his contribution to the safety of the offshore access industry. “Van der Tempel has not only developed innovative technical solutions for the offshore industry. He has increased safety for the people who work in this sector, improved efficiency and reduced costs for operators,” said António Campinos, President of the European Patent Office (EPO) in a press release, announcing the names of European Inventor Award 2021 finalists. The winners will be announced by the EPO during a virtual ceremony on 17 June.
Atlantic Smart Port Acceleration Network (AspBAN) formally kicks off
Atlantic Smart Ports Acceleration Network has formally kicked off and started its innovation journey towards connecting ports in a web ecosystem that will catalyse a new generation of blue ESG start-ups. PortXL is part of the star ensamble that makes up the AspBAN network.
PIONEERS consortium coordinated by Port of Antwerp takes lead in greening of European ports
An international consortium of 46 partners led by the Port of Antwerp will receive a €25 million grant from the European Horizon 2020 programme. The PIONEERS consortium representing leading ports, terminal- and transport operators, forwarders, knowledge institutes, technology developers, innovators and public entities will showcase concrete solutions reducing GHG emissions in ports while safeguarding their competitiveness. The project has a timeframe of 5 years starting at the end of 2021.
Supply Chain podcast featuring Wind & Wing Technologies
While competing against larger companies with longer histories and bigger gas tanks, Wind & Wing Technologies edged out the field by suggesting a hybrid solution with an eye to efficient routes, passenger satisfaction and low environmental impact. The approach piqued the interest of local legislators and ferry operators who praised an affordable and low-carbon answer to moving commuters across the bay.
Canadian researchers tout nuclear-renewable hybrid solution for shipping
A team of researchers from Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, Canada, claims that a small-scale nuclear reactor used in combination with renewable energy sources could be the best energy system for the marine industry to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve economic performance.
EU urged to rethink policies on supporting shipbuilding
The German Shipbuilders Association has called for a fundamental restructuring of the framework conditions for European shipbuilding, as Asian yards and suppliers continue to take custom away from Europe. The situation in Germany – and elsewhere in Europe – has become more acutely felt during the pandemic with the sudden drop in demand for new cruise vessels – a last bastion for European shipbuilders.
