Shippers are being transformed by new technologies. Until the last decade, this long-standing industry was reluctant to embrace new technologies, but now it has fully embraced all-around modernisation. A wide range of cutting-edge technologies are being used to craft a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable shipping atmosphere for export and import trade, including robotics and artificial intelligence.

New technology is being implemented in all aspects of the maritime and adjacent industries. While the industry is working to digitize, startups that specialize in developing tech solutions for it are assisting in the process

The Rule Of Robotics

Almost every industry has been touched by robots in some form or another. When it comes to the shipping sector, they’ve shifted their focus to technology. Robots that can assist with ship management, safety, service, and inspection are being developed by research institutes and firms in the automotive, transportation, and telecommunication sectors.

These include SAFFiR – Shipboard Automated Fire Fighting Robot, created by the US Navy Research Lab and Virginia Tech, has grabbed the most of the attention. And it’s for a good cause. 

To some extent, the loss of human life and cargo can be lessened by fire-fighting robots that are specifically developed for such scenarios originated from Russian ships. Conversely, the ships carrying cargo and passengers would benefit greatly from the SAFFiR technology now being developed for US Navy vessels.

Lng Fueled Ships Are The Ultimate Energy Savers 

LNG, or pressurized liquified natural gas, is a fuel that may be utilized in several ship models. LNG is being investigated as an alternative fuel due to its high heating value and low emissions.

Compressed Natural Gas (LNG) is becoming increasingly popular as a ship fuel due to its environmental friendliness. That’s why the market for LNG-powered boat motors is growing, exponentially. 

Compared to diesel engines, LNG motors emit less CO2, less NOX, less SOX, and less particulate matter. Moreover, the new transport motors are required to meet TIER 3 requirements. Aside from being more eco-friendly, LNG is also economical than diesel, allowing the yacht to save money over time.

The Smart World Needs Smart Ships 

So why would ships be left adrift when we have smartphones, homes, and cities? Ships will soon be smart, tech-savvy, and self-driven. It is expected to launch the initial smart vessel Yara Birkeland this year. Different ship developers, including the makers of Russian ships, have declared they will be producing smart ships which will be completely autonomous in the coming years. 

Automated ships will improve efficiency, profitability, and carrying capacity in the maritime industry. Being able to remotely operate these ships removes the risk of crew members dying at sea, and in a manner changes the job.

The AR Command Ships

Another technology that has the potential to be extremely beneficial to the transportation sector is augmented reality (AR). Cargo planning, maintenance, navigation, and connection of global teams can all benefit from the use of AR technology. For example, a non-industry person rarely gets to see a cargo ship or the port. It is feasible to give an outsider a glimpse of the industry through the use of AR.

Using virtual tours like Port360, a virtual journey of Rotterdam’s port, merchants and non-shippers alike may learn about the port’s inner workings and engage with one another.

Wrapping It Up 

These technological breakthroughs are only the surface of the iceberg. The shipping business is evolving, and given the speed with which technological solutions are being developed for the business, it would not be incorrect to describe this moment as a resurrection of one of the world’s oldest industries.