Safe & Smart Shipping: safe shipping
Digital and autonomous ships are becoming increasingly important for safe and sustainable shipping, because the number of ships is increasing.
On the one hand, this is due to an increase in global freight flows by sea. On the other hand, because freight transport is shifting from the road to the rivers. This tackles traffic congestion on our roads and reduces emissions in relative terms.
At the same time, the number of qualified skippers is lagging behind. This means that in the future, more ships will have to be steered by fewer people. This can only be done safely if far-reaching digitalisation and automation are used. This reduces “operator error”, which reduces the number of incidents. Digitalisation also contributes to more efficient sailing, which reduces energy consumption and saves costs.
Intended effect
The intended effect of this sub-programme is to maintain the safety level at least at the same level and to improve it where possible, with increasing maritime and inland shipping and increasing spatial developments in the North Sea, in the ports and on inland waterways. By applying smart and digital techniques to manned ships and unmanned systems, tasks at sea and inland waters are performed more efficiently, sustainably and safely.
Intended results
- Collision risks and effect analyses between ships and ships versus fixed structures have been investigated, in particular in the North Sea. This forms a basis for regulations and for technical and operational measures that must guarantee safety.
- An approach for preventing collisions and groundings in restricted waters has been developed, based on an improved digital environmental image and data communication between shore and shipping.
- Methods for measuring and limiting physical loads in sea conditions on people, ships and cargo have been developed. This includes methods for monitoring the condition of the cargo.
- Analyses to substantiate regulations for the application of autonomous technology have been performed. This includes the optimization of human-machine interaction for shore control centers for individual ships and shipping.
- Unmanned drones are increasingly being used for autonomous operations on and under water, such as monitoring. There is a need for demonstrations of the possibilities and application of autonomous technology.
- Methods for demonstrating system safety with reduced crew based on autonomous technology have been tested. This technology is demonstrated on a seagoing and an inland vessel
- Harmonization of data exchange is a prerequisite for implementing digital solutions. Standards for exchanging data and information are being developed and made available.
Dutch Forum Smart Shipping (SMASH!)
To give the digitalization and automation of shipping an extra boost, the Dutch Forum Smart Shipping, SMASH!, was established. Within this forum, the TKI Maritiem works closely with chain partners to put smart shipping on the map in the Netherlands. SMASH! offers a central point of contact, works on a joint roadmap and knowledge agenda and initiates projects.