In this column, Swapnodeep Mondal, group director of operations, looks at some of the latest innovations in use or being considered for use across our managed fleet to foster continuous improvement
13 Mari – Energy Saving Device
The 13 Mari is an innovative energy-saving device designed to reduce the overall drag coefficient of a vessel by utilising a phenomenon known in fluid dynamics as “drag crisis.” This device works by attaching appendages to the vessel’s hull, causing a change that produces counter-rotating vortices that counteract the naturally occurring turbulence caused by the vessel’s movement through the water.
This approach not only improves the vessel’s propulsive efficiency but also contributes to fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions.
HoloLens – Mixed Reality device for remote maintenance
The HoloLens is a mixed reality device that offers benefits for remote maintenance and support on ships.
One of the primary advantages of using HoloLens on ships is its ability to facilitate remote maintenance and support. Engineers and technicians can use the device to visualise and interact with complex systems in a mixed-reality environment. This capability allows them to diagnose and resolve issues without needing to be physically present on the vessel. Remote experts can see exactly what the on-site crew is seeing and provide step-by-step instructions to address any issues. This not only improves the accuracy of repairs but also enhances the overall safety and effectiveness of maintenance tasks.
RAYVN – Emergency Management Tool
RAYVN is a comprehensive, cloud-based tool designed to enhance emergency preparedness and crisis management. As a unified platform for incident management and emergency preparedness, RAYVN automates various aspects of crisis management, enabling organisations to respond quickly and effectively to critical events. The tool allows teams to be notified rapidly through customised messages via text, email, app, and automatic voice calls, ensuring that everyone is informed and aligned in real time.
With RAYVN, organisations can share important information through a real-time updated feed, monitor response status using an easy-to-understand visualiser tool, and automatically plan tasks according to predefined templates. This ensures that procedures and protocols are followed during a crisis, and all activities are documented with automatic time stamps for post-incident evaluation and training.
By streamlining emergency response processes, RAYVN significantly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of crisis management.
DENBAMARINE – Food Preservation System
DENBAMARINE, is a food preservation system designed to keep vegetables fresh for longer and reduce food wastage. It uses a unique mechanism that generates a very low-frequency electromagnetic field with weak electricity to resonate water molecules in food items. This process suppresses water spoilage and inhibits the generation of fungi. By installing this system in fresh provision storage areas, crew members can enjoy fresh and nutritious vegetables for a longer duration.
The system has been awarded the Innovation Endorsement of Class NK as a food freshness preservation device as a result of its innovative approach.
Hydroponic Installations
Hydroponics is a highly efficient method of growing plants that offers an alternative to soil. The system uses LED grow lights and a nutrient-rich solution to grow a wide variety of produce, from lettuce to cucumbers. It is also compact and energy-efficient, making it ideal for use on ships.
Additionally, hydroponics allows for precise control over the growing solution’s nutrient levels, pH, and temperature, resulting in faster growth rates and higher yields. This means that crew members can enjoy a wide variety of fresh produce, from leafy greens to juicy tomatoes, even in the middle of the ocean.
The benefits of hydroponics on ships extend beyond the crew’s health and well-being. By growing produce on board, ships have some control over obtaining fresh produce on board. Additionally, hydroponics can help reduce food waste, as produce can be harvested and consumed immediately, eliminating the need for long-term storage.