Innovating for a better maritime future

Exoskeletons are wearable devices that can support and amplify the physical abilities of the wearer, reducing the strain on their muscles and joints. They come in two main types: passive exoskeletons, which use mechanical means like springs and cable systems to support the wearer, and active exoskeletons, which provide additional support through motors or pneumatic systems. In both cases, the exoskeleton is a kind of “armour” that is either used to strengthen all muscle parts or only some of them (it can, for example, strengthen only the arm as a so-called artificial arm).

In the context of shipboard usage, exoskeletons can be particularly useful for tasks that require heavy lifting, bending, or repetitive movements. The use of exoskeletons in the maritime industry is not new, noting that Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering has already equipped shipyard workers with exoskeletons, allowing them to manipulate loads weighing up to 30 kg freely.

The benefits of exoskeletons onboard ships are numerous, such as a) by reducing the physical strain on crew members, exoskeletons can help prevent injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, b) they can enable crew members to work for longer periods without fatigue, improving overall productivity and efficiency, c) can provide additional support and stability, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries and thus overall improve the well-being of crew members.

While the use of exoskeletons onboard ships is still in its infancy, we can expect to see more advanced exoskeletons specifically designed for the maritime industry.

Battery systems also provide a range of other benefits, including peak shaving, immediate power, and back-up power. Peak shaving eliminates engine load transients, ensuring a steady engine base load and covering additional transient loads through the energy storage device. This results in fuel savings, reduced engine wear, and lower maintenance costs. Immediate power, on the other hand, provides a temporary boost to support the main and/or auxiliary engines in situations where high power output is required. Back-up power prevents black-outs and ensures that there is always power available on the main power system. If a genset fails, the batteries can supply the needed power until a standby genset is up and running.

In addition to these benefits, battery systems can also enable cold ironing, also known as onshore power supply. This involves using shore power connections while the ship is in port to allow for zero-emission operation. By switching off auxiliary engines and using shore power, vessels can reduce noise and emissions at berth, while increasing energy efficiency. As the industry continues to evolve and prioritise sustainability, battery systems are poised to play a key role in reducing waste and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment.

ConnectPOB leverages ScanReach’s cutting-edge wireless technology to deliver real-time monitoring of personnel on board (POB). This system enables both crew and management to accurately track the location of all individuals on the vessel, thereby enhancing overall safety. In the event of an emergency, ConnectPOB has proved to be indispensable for coordinating swift and effective responses and evacuations, drastically increasing the chances of safeguarding lives.

Traditional safety procedures on vessels typically rely on manual headcounts, often recorded on paper, which are not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. Such inaccuracies can lead to confusion and significantly increase the risk of loss of life during emergencies. In contrast, ScanReach’s solution automates the process of tracking crew embarking and disembarking, streamlining operations at gangways and other access points.

Regarding the matter of malodorous garbage areas on ships, traditionally, the best solution has been the use of deep freezers for storing food waste; unfortunately, they end up being inadequate, especially for long voyages.

The “Food Waste Decomposer” offers a prime advantage by reducing more than 80% of food waste volume, which significantly minimises the space required for waste storage. Additionally, this technology ensures that garbage storage is maintained in a hygienic manner.

Another significant benefit of the Food Waste Decomposer is eliminating the need for garbage deep freezers onboard. This not only frees up valuable space but also reduces energy consumption, which is critical for enhancing the environmental sustainability of maritime operations.