Latest news with #maritimeinnovation
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Autonomous ships to be reality long before industry is ready, says expert
For years, shipping's relationship with autonomy has been one of cautious optimism, mixed with deep scepticism. We've talked about autonomous ships as if they were distant sci-fi, something for the 2040s – after the technology matures, after the IMO agrees on every word of the autonomy rulebook, after shipowners cautiously test the waters with small-scale pilots... This mindset is dangerously outdated, according to Yarden Gross, the Orca AI CEO and Co-founder. The reality is this: autonomous ships are not coming – they're already here. The first generation of AI-powered autonomous capabilities is already operational on commercial vessels today. Classification societies are certifying autonomous operational support systems. Regulators, rather than holding the industry back, are actively asking operators and technology developers to push faster, provide real-world evidence and help draft regulations on the fly, stated Gross. The safe, comfortable consensus – that autonomy is a distant future – is no longer fit for purpose. Ships will sail autonomously long before the industry feels ready. And that's exactly what needs to happen if shipping wants to remain competitive, safe and sustainable in a world that expects faster results than ever before, he added. The industry's biggest myth This is it: 'We'll wait until it's perfect.' One of the most dangerous assumptions in the maritime tech community is that autonomy will arrive fully formed, tied up in a neat regulatory package and only when every risk has been meticulously solved. That's not how technological revolutions work. And it's certainly not how autonomy will take hold in shipping, stated Gross. Autonomy will not arrive because the IMO declares it so. It will force its way in, driven by the real-world economics of crew shortages, safety demands and tigthtening emissions targets that no human-operated fleet can meet at scale, he added. Autonomy is already financially viable. The first incremental systems – like digital watchkeeping and AI-powered collision avoidance – are onboard today, reducing fatigue, improving safety and providing immediate ROI. I acknowledge the technology isn't perfect – but waiting for perfection in an industry built on tight margins and relentless schedules is simply unrealistic. That is nothing new in shipping! Autonomy already outpacing regulators We all love to complain that regulation is the great bottleneck. The truth is that the regulatory process can't keep up with technology anymore — and it shouldn't even try, observed Gross. He pointed out that autonomous systems were improving with every single voyage, feeding real-time operational data back into smarter algorithms. Meanwhile, the IMO is still debating voluntary guidelines, and the full MASS code won't be mandatory until 2032. If shipping waits for regulatory certainty, it will hand over the future to technology-first disruptors who are willing to move faster. Autonomy is becoming a competitive differentiator, and waiting for global consensus is a luxury that agile players simply won't entertain, he stated. Let's face a hard truth: the status quo is unsafe. Fatigued crews, complex navigation environments and over-reliance on human lookouts combined with aging fleets operating with outdated technology – this is not a system worth defending. Autonomous systems don't need to achieve some fictional benchmark of flawless performance. They only need to outperform human crews in specific scenarios on their worst day – and that is a low bar in today's risk-laden shipping environment. We've already reached the point where AI-enhanced watchkeeping is demonstrably safer and more reliable than a distracted, sleep-deprived OOW or in extreme weather and low visibility conditions. Why would we wait to deploy technology that can save lives and prevent accidents today? Hybrid intelligence - the real future The obsession with 'fully unmanned ships' has also been a distraction. The real future is hybrid intelligence - human and AI systems working together, each doing what they do best. Humans bring creativity, flexibility and ethical judgment. AI brings tireless vigilance, data analysis at scale and real-time predictive insights. The phased approach – where ships dynamically shift between different levels of autonomy based on context – is the real revolution, and it's happening already. Ships today are gathering data, learning from every near-miss and self-improving at fleet scale. If there's one message the industry needs to hear, it's this: autonomy is not coming to replace seafarers – it's coming to complement them and to give a brighter future to our industry. I truly believe this. No young budding talents want to join an industry defined by exhaustion, isolation and outdated technology. Autonomy can transform shipping into a high-tech career, where seafarers become data analysts, systems supervisors and AI partners, rather than lookouts staring at the horizon for hours on end. Countries like Japan already see this — their MEGURI2040 initiative is using autonomy as a talent magnet to attract the next generation of digitally native seafarers. If we fail to follow that lead, shipping will not just lose the race for autonomy – it will lose an entire generation of enthusiastic youngsters. Is the industry ready for autonomous ships The safe conversation – that autonomy is decades away, and we'll adopt it when we're ready – is a lie shipping can no longer afford, said Gross. Autonomy is not waiting for consensus. It's happening now, driven by economic necessity, technological readiness and regulatory pragmatism. The ships equipped with autonomous capabilities today are not pilots or experiments – they are the early majority and they are already delivering value. The only real question is whether shipping's leaders will seize the advantage – or cling to a status quo that is already sinking beneath them.-TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Sustainability Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'This Giant Ship Runs on Sunlight!': World's Largest Solar Car Vessel Launches Maiden Journey With 4,000 Cars, Shocking the Global Shipping Industry
IN A NUTSHELL 🌿 The Yuanhai Kou is the largest solar-powered vehicle carrier, promoting sustainable maritime transport. is the largest solar-powered vehicle carrier, promoting sustainable maritime transport. 🔋 Equipped with a photovoltaic system , the vessel generates significant clean energy, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. , the vessel generates significant clean energy, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. 🚢 The ship features a dual-fuel engine , combining LNG and fuel oil, which lowers energy consumption by 20% and cuts carbon emissions by 24%. , combining LNG and fuel oil, which lowers energy consumption by 20% and cuts carbon emissions by 24%. 🌊 Longi's Sea-Shield solar modules ensure reliable energy production under harsh sea conditions, powering essential ship systems. In a world increasingly concerned with environmental sustainability, the launch of the Yuanhai Kou stands as a beacon of innovation. This vessel, heralded as the world's largest solar-powered vehicle carrier, recently completed its maiden voyage, transporting 4,000 vehicles to Greece. Built by the China COSCO Shipping Corporation, the Yuanhai Kou is not just a triumph of engineering but a significant leap towards greener shipping. Its design includes the largest shipborne photovoltaic system of its kind, generating substantial power and reducing carbon intensity by approximately 35 percent. This is not just a ship; it's a statement on the future of maritime transport. Revolutionary Green Voyage Across Continents The journey of the Yuanhai Kou from Guangzhou to Piraeus is more than just a logistical feat; it's a testament to innovative green technology in maritime transport. Loaded predominantly with new energy vehicles (NEVs), it showcases China's commitment to reducing emissions on a global scale. The ship utilizes a unique dual-fuel engine that operates on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel oil, significantly lowering its environmental footprint. This combination, along with smart loading software, enables a reduction in energy consumption by about 20 percent, cutting carbon emissions by over 24 percent compared to traditional vessels. Emphasizing safety and efficiency, the vessel's advanced monitoring systems ensure precise location tracking of onboard vehicles, providing early warnings for potential hazards. Such technology is crucial for the secure transport of NEVs over long distances, enhancing both cargo safety and operational efficiency. With each round-trip between China and Europe, the vessel avoids approximately 2,100 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, a clear indicator of its environmental impact. '56,000 Homes Become a Power Plant': California Firm Creates Largest Virtual Energy Source in US With Revolutionary Grid-Sharing Tech Harnessing Solar Power: A New Era in Maritime Energy The Yuanhai Kou's solar capabilities are powered by over 500 high-efficiency Sea-Shield solar modules from Longi, a global leader in solar technology. Positioned strategically across the vessel's upper decks, these modules contribute to an annual production of around 410,000 kWh of electricity. This renewable energy source is critical for reducing the ship's reliance on traditional fuels, saving approximately 111 tons of fuel annually and slashing CO₂ emissions by nearly 346 tons. This reduction is equivalent to planting about 38,000 trees, underscoring the ship's environmental credentials. Longi's modules are engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of the sea, from high humidity to salt spray. The robust design, featuring corrosion-resistant materials and reinforced seals, ensures consistent energy production even in challenging maritime environments. This clean electricity powers essential ship functions, from lighting to communication systems, throughout its voyage, marking a significant step forward in the integration of solar power in maritime operations. Swiss Startup Stuns the World by Powering Trains With the First-Ever PV Solar Plant Built Directly on Active Railway Tracks Technical Marvel: Design and Specifications Measuring nearly 656 feet in length, the Yuanhai Kou is a colossal presence on the water, boasting a gross tonnage of 68,252 tons and a displacement of 39,069 tons. Its 12 vehicle decks, which include eight fixed and four movable decks, can accommodate up to 7,000 vehicles, ranging from passenger cars to buses and engineering equipment. The ship's design is not only about size but also about efficiency and versatility. The vessel's photovoltaic system delivers a peak power output of 302.8 kilowatts, reflecting its cutting-edge technology. This capability, combined with its dual-fuel engine, places the Yuanhai Kou at the forefront of eco-friendly maritime transport. The ship's lifecycle carbon intensity is significantly lower than that of traditional vessels, showcasing a future where large-scale shipping aligns with environmental stewardship. World's Largest Solar Telescope Unleashes 5.6-Ton Tech Beast to Capture Unprecedented Images of Massive Sunspot Activity Future Prospects in Green Maritime Transport As the Yuanhai Kou sets a new standard in shipping, its success paves the way for future advancements in green maritime technology. Longi, the solar module provider, is already expanding its product offerings to support diverse applications both on land and at sea. Collaborative efforts with partners worldwide aim to further the transition to clean energy, highlighting the role of reliable and innovative technologies in this shift. The vessel's journey is not just about transporting goods but also about transporting ideas—ideas that challenge the status quo and push for a future where economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment. As the world watches, the Yuanhai Kou invites us to consider: how can we integrate such transformative technologies into broader logistical frameworks to achieve a sustainable future? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (25)
Globe and Mail
27-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Ocean Power Technologies Earns 'Trusted Operator' Status in New AUVSI Maritime Certification Program
MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: OPTT) ('OPT' or the 'Company'), a leader in innovative, cost-effective, low-carbon and artificial intelligence maritime services that enable safer and more productive ocean operations and related power, data, and service solutions, today announced its recognition as one of the initial certified operators under the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Trusted UMS Operator Program. The program, launched by AUVSI in collaboration with leading industry stakeholders, is designed to establish a high standard for training, proficiency, and safety in the operation of uncrewed maritime systems (UMS). OPT's inclusion as a certified operator highlights the Company's commitment to excellence in autonomous maritime operations and its leadership in delivering practical, field-ready uncrewed systems. 'Being recognized by AUVSI as a Trusted UMS Operator underscores our dedication to safety, operational rigor, and workforce training as we deploy uncrewed technologies in demanding maritime environments,' said Philipp Stratmann, President and CEO of Ocean Power Technologies. 'This certification reinforces the confidence our customers have in OPT as a reliable partner for persistent maritime domain awareness and mission-critical operations.' The Trusted Operator designation provides a framework for standardizing skills and practices across the industry, helping customers and stakeholders identify operators who meet high standards of performance and accountability. It complements OPT's broader commitment to quality, safety, and innovation across its buoy and autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) solutions. For additional details on Ocean Power Technologies and its services and solutions for the defense, security and ocean energy industries, please visit For more information on the AUVSI Trusted Operator Program, visit ABOUT OCEAN POWER TECHNOLOGIES OPT provides intelligent maritime solutions and services that enable safer, cleaner, and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and research, and offshore wind markets, including Merrows™, which provides AI capable seamless integration of Maritime Domain Awareness Systems across platforms. Our PowerBuoy® platforms provide clean and reliable electric power and real-time data communications for remote maritime and subsea applications. We also provide WAM-V® autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and marine robotics services. The Company's headquarters is in Monroe Township, New Jersey and has an additional office in Richmond, California. To learn more, visit FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release may contain forward-looking statements that are within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by certain words or phrases such as "may", "will", "aim", "will likely result", "believe", "expect", "will continue", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "contemplate", "seek to", "future", "objective", "goal", "project", "should", "will pursue" and similar expressions or variations of such expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations about its future plans and performance. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates that could be inaccurate and subject to risks and uncertainties, including the potential continuing success with the delivery of customer products and services over extended timeframes, the conversion of potential customers to contracts and the realization of the potential revenue thereunder. Actual results could vary materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statement made by the Company. Please refer to the Company's most recent Forms 10-Q and 10-K and subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. The Company disclaims any obligation or intent to update the forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
