Fortnightly maritime news for the industry and PortXL community
Port of Rotterdam launches smart bollard pilot
The Port of Rotterdam Authority has launched a smart bollard trial at the Hutchison Ports ECT Delta, as part of efforts to make operations more efficient through digitalisation. The smart bollard was developed in collaboration with Straatman BV, Zwijndrecht. By measuring the strain on the mooring lines in real time, the bollard will allow the real-time monitoring of safety and provide a clearer picture of which vessels can moor at which quays.
Nel to slash cost of electrolysers by 75%, with green hydrogen at same price as fossil H2 by 2025
Norwegian electrolyser maker Nel has unveiled plans to cut the cost of its electrolysers by about 75% in a new 2GW factory — set to be the world’s largest — and to reduce the price of green hydrogen to $1.50 per kg by 2025, roughly the same cost as grey H2 derived from unabated fossil fuels. In his Nel Capital Markets Day presentation on Thursday, chief executive Jon André Løkke explained that the company will complete its first 500MW production line at its new fully automated alkaline-electrolyser factory in Herøya, Norway, in the second quarter of this year.
Joint Study to Explore the Potential for Ammonia as a Marine Fuel in Singapore
Ammonia is a fuel with significant potential for marine applications and ABS is leading the way in understanding challenges in the safe design and operation of ammonia-fueled vessels. It is also clear that Singapore has the potential to play a critical role as a strategic downstream location to receive, store, consume or bunker ammonia.
Major investment to make Norway a leader in offshore wind
The NorthWind Research Centre for Environment Friendly Energy (FME) has been awarded NOK 120 million for the next eight years by the Research Council of Norway. The goal is for a consortium of more than 40 industry, research and educational institutions to work together to make Norway a world leader in offshore wind and make offshore wind a competitive energy source in the next decade.
Wärtsilä participating in EU-funded project to decarbonise long-distance shipping
The project will design two concept vessels; a bulk carrier, which will utilise sails to capture wind energy, and a cruise ship that will operate with a Wärtsilä designed engine running on hydrogen fuel. It is estimated that by combining new and innovative technologies, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by 99 percent, energy savings of up to 50 percent can be achieved, while black carbon emissions can be cut by more than 95 percent. Several key enabling technologies will be demonstrated in practice on actual operational ships.
New report explores port cellular connectivity
The Small Cell Forum (SCF) has released the first in a series of reports exploring the development of technical blueprints to speed up the delivery of robust cellular connectivity for seaports. The SCF said the document sets out a framework of connectivity requirements from 12 European ports and ports organizations, including commercial drivers and perceived challenges to digital transformation.
Port of Rotterdam and STC International introduce management course about digitisation
Together with partners, the Port of Rotterdam offers port professionals a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of the port industry via different training programs. With STC International a new online programme is developed to offer in-depth insight on the digitisation topic. The COVID-19 crisis has shown to which extent we are dependent on technology and digital solutions to keep our industries operational. This will undoubtedly give the digital transition new momentum in the years ahead.
