Full steam ahead in defining the concept(s) of Port of the Future

by & filed under Project news.

In May 2018, DocksTheFuture, COREALIS, PIXEL and PortForward have engaged in collaborative work to take the challenges and opportunities of the Port of The Future to a wider audience.

The Horizon 2020 call (Topic: MG-7-3-2017) retained four proposals for funding to respond to the need for research “to implement new port concepts, new management models, and innovative design, engineering, construction and operation technologies solutions for full customer, stakeholder and citizen satisfaction”.  The four proposals retained for funding were DocksTheFuture, COREALIS, PIXEL and PortForward.

Following the expectations of the European Commission, to reach the expected foreseen impacts, namely “reduction of impact on climate change and the environment of port activities, their operational and infrastructural costs, improvement of logistics efficiency and better integration of the port in the surrounding socio-economic area, including city-port relations and the smart urban development of Port Cities (..) ” the four projects, referred to as Ports of The Future Projects, engaged in collaborative work.

The pursuance of a collaborative and integrated approach in relation to both their technical outputs and communication/dissemination strategy aims at capitalising on the synergies between the projects with a view to be as impactful as possible. Thus, by implementing a collaborative approach, the Ports of The Future Projects Clustering of Activities is guided by the following objectives:

  • To maximise the impact of the communication/dissemination of results amongst the relevant stakeholders;
  • To exchange technical information to contribute for a cross-fertilisation of results leading to a stronger, more accurate vision of the Ports of The Future in 2030;
  • To highlight the importance of EU funding programmes in supporting European Research and Innovation able to stand out in an ever-changing world, where top-notch R&D has become the standard;
  • To fulfil the European Commission’s expectation of an integrated collaborative approach between the projects, with regards to the tight-knight relation between them.

The strategy for communication and dissemination for the Ports of The Future Projects addresses matters such as but not limited to: communication/dissemination integrated strategy, social media and cross-promotion, participation in events, interaction with European Technology Platforms with the goal contributing to reach the aforesaid objectives.

Baleària to invest €60 million in converting ferries to natural gas

by & filed under Accessibility and Standards, Relation with Med & Neighbouring Countries.

Spanish shipping company Baleària plans to invest €60 million ($70.1 million) to convert five ferries from its fleet to the use of natural gas as propulsion fuel.

 

The intervention will be carried out over the next two years on the ships Nápoles, Abel Matutes, Sicilia, Bahama Mama e Martín and Soler. The five units will flank the two new ferries that are also powered by gas that the Iberian company has ordered to the Italian shipyard Visentini, of which the first will become operational in February 2019.

With the use of natural gas as a fuel for ships, Baleària plans to cut annual polluting emissions produced by ferries by 45,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 4,400 tonnes of nitrogen oxide.

Baleària Eurolínias Marítimas S.A. is a leading Spanish shipping line in passenger and cargo services to the Balearics, providing daily connections between the islands and the mainland (via the ports of Barcelona, Valencia and Denia), and the only company in the sector to operate inter-island sailings to all four islands of the archipelago. It is also one of the largest operators in the Straits of Gibraltar linking Ceuta and Melilla to mainland ports.

Source: Portseurope

Five countries sign convention on Caspian legal status

by & filed under Governance, Relation with Med & Neighbouring Countries.

 The leaders of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan have signed a new convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea, an issue that has been disputed between the five countries for over 20 years.

Risultati immagini per caspian sea

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the agreement, “creates conditions for bringing cooperation between the countries to a qualitatively new level of partnership, for the development of close cooperation on different trajectories.”

Hassan Rohani, president of Iran, said that the delimitation of oil- and gas-rich Caspian seabed will require further discussion and agreements between the littoral states.

Rohani also hailed a clause in the convention that prevents non-Caspian countries from deploying military forces on the Caspian Sea, saying, “The Caspian Sea only belongs to the Caspian states.”

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev said the agreement allows for the construction of underwater oil and gas pipelines, as well as setting national quotas for fishing.

The parties agreed to set up a special mechanism of regular five-party consultations under the auspices of the Foreign Ministries to implement the provisions of the convention, Nazarbaev also said.

The five countries also signed agreements on trade and economic relations, transportation, and the fight against terrorism.

The future of the Caspian Sea is key because of natural resources including trillions of dollars’ worth of hydrocarbons in the seabed, which holds about 50 billion barrels of oil and nearly 9 trillion m³ of natural gas in proven or probable reserves.

Also, the sea hosts a number of ports which are being developed to be key staging posts in China’s new Silk Road.

 

Source: Portseuroupe

PORTABLE BALLAST MONITORING VERIFICATION

by & filed under Digitalization, Environment, Port-city relations.

Independent benchmark testing on behalf of the Chinese government has identified one method as an accurate methodology for portable ballast water sampling.

The Single Turnover One Pulse (STOP) methodology used by Chelsea Technologies’ FastBallast Sensor, was independently verified by researchers from the Environmental Protection & Energy-saving Technique Research Centre of China.

“It is essential that compliance can be accurately assessed by both shipowners and port authorities, providing assurance that the BWTS is operating correctly,” said Dr Brian Phillips, managing director, Chelsea Technologies Group.

 

 

 

FastBallast uses the Single Turnover One Pulse (STOP) method as an accurate methodology for portable ballast water sampling Photo: CTG
FastBallast uses the Single Turnover One Pulse (STOP) method as an accurate methodology for portable ballast water sampling Photo: CTG

Independent benchmark testing on behalf of the Chinese government has identified one method as an accurate methodology for portable ballast water sampling.

The Single Turnover One Pulse (STOP) methodology used by Chelsea Technologies’ FastBallast Sensor, was independently verified by researchers from the Environmental Protection & Energy-saving Technique Research Centre of China.

“It is essential that compliance can be accurately assessed by both shipowners and port authorities, providing assurance that the BWTS is operating correctly,” said Dr Brian Phillips, managing director, Chelsea Technologies Group.

“Accurate portable ballast monitoring eliminates the risk of any ambiguity over testing results, protecting shipowners from potentially significant fines, delays in port, and the reputational damage that would result from non-compliance.”

High accuracy

During the verification process, rigorous benchmark testing compared FastBallast-generated cell densities with microscopy-based cell counts using the FDA/CMFDA staining method and included algal species from freshwater, brackish and seawater environments.

FastBallast was found to provide a correct assessment of ballast water compliance with a 99% accuracy rate, with turbidity and high baseline fluorescence having a negligible impact on the reported cell density.

Recently Saudi Aramco’s in-house marine biology experts also identified FastBallast as an accurate solution in the market for the sampling and testing of ballast water.

The technology is now being used to conduct spot checks undertaken by third-party sampling companies.

As well as its extensive experience in Saudi Arabia, CTG is in discussion with leading port authorities worldwide and work is underway with regulators and third-party protocol testing institutions to ultimately agree and publish robust, portable ballast water testing standards.

 

Source: Greenport

CALIFORNIAN PORT RETAINS HIGH GREEN STANDARDS

by & filed under Bridging R&D and implementation, Environment, Sustainability.

A Californian port is pushing full speed ahead with environmental initiatives and projects having completed the annual recertification process to maintain its Green Marine certification.

Risultati immagini per california port

The Port of Hueneme made history as the first port in the state to earn Green Marine certification one year ago and remains the only port in California to have achieved the certification.

“Since becoming Green Marine certified last year, we have been successful in implementing new technologies and best practices at the port including a new zero-waste policy, phasing in high mast LED lighting, overhauling a harbour patrol boat to reduce emissions, switching to compostable supplies and hosting zero waste events,” said Kristin Decas, CEO & port director.

Eco-friendly

One of the port’s recent projects involves eco-friendly pilings being brought in to be used in the upcoming port deepening project.

The pilings are made from composite recycled plastic as opposed to the traditional wood pilings and do not emit any chemicals into the water helping to protect marine life.

In August, the port welcomed its second train delivery of five railcars of eco-friendly pilings for its upcoming harbour deepening project.

Over the past year, the port has continued to make strides in its waste reduction programme which included the Board of Harbor Commissioners adopting a new zero waste policy.

This action was rewarded with a higher score by Green Marine in the waste management category this year. The port also improved its internal coordination for spill prevention which led to even higher marks for that category in which it already had five stars. In addition, it also maintained its five-star rating in community impacts and environmental leadership.

Established in 2007, Green Marine is a North American environmental certification programme for the maritime transportation industry.

Source: Greenport

Shipping Industry Launches New Security Resources for World Fleet

by & filed under Safety & security.

International shipping industry organisations, with military support, have launched a new website dedicated to providing comprehensive maritime security guidance to companies and mariners. Launched today, the new website www.maritimeglobalsecurity.orgprovides security-related guidance produced by the industry as well as links to other useful maritime and military security resources.

“In a world of increasingly complex security risks, it is essential that mariners and ships are protected. The new website will be a freely available facility where companies and mariners can access essential guidance and information to help them comprehensively prepare for voyages through areas of security risk,” the authors said.

The aim is to ease access for companies and seafarers to maritime security-related information and guidance. Central to the website are new best practice guides to help companies and mariners risk assess voyages and mitigate against external threats to their safety. These are covered in three publications:

  • Global Counter Piracy Guidance for Companies, Masters and Seafarers is a new publication containing guidance on piracy and armed robbery that can be used by mariners around the world.

 

  • BMP5: Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Safety in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea contains guidance for region-specific threats.

 

  • The third edition of the Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Masters for protection against piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea region is also provided.

All three publications are free to download and free printed copies of Global Counter Piracy Guidance and BMP5 will be available soon.

 

Source: ICS

Italy’s AssArmatori suggest measures to cope with Morandi bridge crisis

by & filed under Port-city relations.

Italian shipowning association AssArmatori has suggested four extraordinary measures that the state should adopt to deal with the impact on port and road traffic and on the local and national economy of the collapse of the Morandi bridge in Genoa.

According to Assarmatori, it is necessary to implement four measures to address the crisis. First of all, the construction in the shortest possible time of a new bridge, recreating the east-west route cut off by the collapse of the Morandi Bridge. And this regardless of the execution of the strategic works on the Genoa-Rotterdam European connection axis, named Terzo Valico, the Genoa Railway Hub and the Gronda motorway.

The association also called for “the launch of an ad hoc operation that would allow the railway service to be speeded up and made less expensive to and from the port. The action on the Campasso line goes in the right direction, but specific measures are needed for the establishment of shuttle services, and preferential rates for manoeuvres”.

Furthermore, AssArmatori asks for “the acceleration in the establishment of the Marebonus at European level, which will allow for the incentive and further development of the Motorways of the Sea” as well as “the timely application of the regulatory framework for project cargo transport”.

AssArmatori also recommended the appointment of an extraordinary commissioner to put in place special procedures regarding Genoa port.

Source: Portseurope

Port authorities willingness to cooperate: effects of objective orientation & service differentiation

by & filed under Governance, Relation with Med & Neighbouring Countries.
Port authorities willingness to cooperate: effects of objective orientation & service differentiation

The effects of the objective orientation of port authorities and the level of service differentiation on the capacity, service price, profits, and welfare among competing or cooperating ports are analyzed in the latest port study of PortEconomics co-director Theo Notteboom co-authored with Han Cui (University of Antwerp).

Theo and Han examined feasible combinations of these two factors (private objective level and service differentiation) to promote port co-operation. They applied the model starting from a mixed duopoly where a landlord port (a port authority with mixed public and private objectives) competes with a profit-seeking port (a port authority with a fully private objective) with differentiated services. The results show that both the private objective level of the port authority and the service differentiation level have a significant influence on various port competition and co-operation settings. Certain combinations of these factors prove to be useful in view of co-operation among port authorities which previously competed. The study not only contributes to existing literature on port competition/co-operation and the use of game theory in a port setting. It also provides valuable inputs to port devolution and co-operation discussions at the policy level.

Theo’s and Han’s study has been published in the 22nd special volume of Research in Transport Business and Management journal (RTBM) edited by PortEconomics members Theo Notteboom, Geraldine Knatz, and Francesco Parola and can be freely downloaded.

Source: Port economics

VARD TO BUILD ZERO EMISSION TRENDSETTER

by & filed under Bridging R&D and implementation, Digitalization, Human element.

Vessel owner Yara has signed a deal with Norwegian shipyard Vard worth appr NOK 250 million to build the world’s first autonomous electric container ship.

Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg was present for the signing at the ship yard in Brevik, Norway

Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg was present for the signing at the shipyard in Brevik, Norway

 

Vard will deliver Yara Birkeland for launch in early 2020, and the vessel will gradually move from manned operation to fully autonomous operation by 2022.

In May 2017, Yara and technology company Kongsberg announced a partnership to build the vessel. Replacing 40,000 truck journeys a year, Yara Birkeland will reduce NOx and CO2 emissions and improve road safety in a densely populated urban area. Now the shipyard has been selected and construction will begin.

Vard is a leading global shipbuilder of specialized vessels. Yara Birkeland is scheduled to be delivered from Vard Brevik in Norway in Q1 2020. The hull will be delivered from Vard Braila in Romania.

The project has received NOK 133.6 million in support from the Norwegian government enterprise ENOVA. Prime Minister Erna Solberg was present for the signing at the shipyard in Brevik, Norway.

“This is a good example of how Norwegian industry can collaborate to create new solutions and green jobs. Yara, Kongsberg and Vard have built on their knowledge about technology, logistics and shipbuilding with an ambition to create sustainable innovation together. The result is exciting pioneer projects like this one. I am proud that the Government has supported the development of Yara Birkelandthrough ENOVA and send my best wishes for the construction,” said Prime Minister Solberg.

Technology company Kongsberg is a key partner in the project, responsible for the enabling technologies including the sensors and integration required for remote and autonomous operations. The company is leading the way in an industry transformation which at first will impact short sea and inland waterway operations and holds potential for further segments.

The project was initiated in an effort to improve the logistics at Yara’s Porsgrunn fertilizer plant. Every day, more than 100 diesel truck journeys are needed to transport products from Yara’s Porsgrunn plant to ports in Brevik and Larvik where the company ships products to customers around the world. With this new autonomous battery-driven container vessel YARA moves transport from road to sea and thereby reduces noise and dust emissions, improves the safety of local roads, and reduces NOx and CO2 emissions.

Source: Maritime Journal

Container Shipping Continues Progress in Reducing CO2 Emissions but Major Innovation Needed to Meet Ambitious Global Climate Goals

by & filed under Environment, Sustainability.

Report from Clean Cargo Working GroupTM, representing 85 percent of ocean containerized shipping and industry customers, shows a drop in CO2 emissions in 2017

 

San Francisco, August 16, 2018—Carbon dioxide emissions from 22 of the world’s leading ocean container carriers, representing 85 percent of global containerized shipping, continued to fall in 2017, but more innovation and collaboration across the value chain is needed to achieve ambitious global climate goals, reports BSR’s Clean Cargo Working GroupTM.

The Clean Cargo Working Group’s annual aggregate average Trade Lane CO2 Emissions Factors are compiled from the carbon dioxide emissions data reported by over 3,200 ships from 22 of the world’s leading ocean container carriers. Since 2009, when the group first publicly reported the aggregate averages, emissions per container move have dropped by 37.1 percent. This year’s report shows that average CO2 emissions per container per kilometre for global ocean transportation routes fell 1 percent from 2016 to 2017.

“The progress on climate and air quality we are seeing in container shipping—one of the highest emitting industries—is absolutely critical for achieving global environmental goals,” said Nate Springer, Manager at BSR. “We need more innovation in low-emission technology, as well as continued collaboration, to meet the ambitious goal of halving CO2 emissions from shipping by 2050, recently announced by the International Maritime Organization.”

Several years ago, Clean Cargo developed a standardized methodology and reporting system that was adopted globally by the industry, with carriers submitting operational data from the entire fleet to BSR on an annual basis for trade lane emission factors aggregation. The results produce environmental performance scorecards for each carrier, which are used to meet corporate supply chain sustainability goals by 95 percent of shipping customers who participate in the group.

Clean Cargo members also work to accelerate progress by sharing best practices, discussing trends and innovations across the full logistics value chain, and designing tools and pilot projects that address challenges to progress.

Source: Hellenicshippingnews