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NEW VENUE | NEW FORMAT | NEW IDEAS | NEW OPPORTUNITIES | NEW ERA

Dear Santa:

I hope you have been well this year.  How is the automation of your workshop going?  I understand your connectivity has improved—has that resulted in more requests from kids wanting even more technology?  How is your home doing?  While we’ve been battling typhoons, hurricanes, floods and fires we understand that you are on thin ice.  In fact, it looks as though we are going to be able to deliver supplies directly to you year-round!

Well, I’ve been a VERY a SOMEWHAT an OCCASIONALLY good girl this year, so I’m hoping I’ll get EVERYTHING on my list!!!  Here goes:

• Safety at sea.  I’m wishing that all ships carry modern covered lifeboats and have a strong safety and compliance culture on board.  It all starts there!
• Wellness of mariners.  A lot has been written this year about their welfare, especially mental health.  I wish that the industry would embrace their needs as a top priority, as people are still our number one asset.
• Harmonization of regulations.  I wish for globalization of regulations AND enforcement!  You did a great job this year with the USCG ballast water regs.  What’s next?
• Compliance and enforcement.  I wish for a level playing field for those wishing to improve their operations through compliance with regulations and have the surety that these are being enforced across the globe.
• Strategy for 2023.  Santa, the industry which is already contending with the changes coming in 2020 need to also be focusing on decreasing GHG emissions.  My wish is that they aren’t surprised when regulation follows closely on the heels of the strategy.  Certainly the IMO’s mandatory Data Collection System (DCS) coming into force on January 1 will be a good reminder!
• Clarity on fuel supply.  I wish that we will be assured of a rationally priced supply of .5% Sulphur fuel going into 2020.  Shipowners have enough on their plates without either worrying if it will be available or concerned about being gouged!
• Improve fuel quality.  I wish the fuel supply chain would improve the quality of the fuel in their pipeline AND be held accountable for that quality.  Perhaps their examination of how blockchain could improve their business practices will help.
• And speaking of blockchain…  Santa, have you tried this transactional tool yet?  I’m guessing that the charterers and the shipowners you hear from are going to be asking you for blockchain applications more and more.  It will truly transform the way business is conducted!!
• Communicating the benefits of automation–  I’m concerned, Santa, that we are barreling along with automation in our industry without taking into account the public.  I don’t believe they will accept an UNMANNED vessel sailing into a port.  We can also learn some lessons from the Lion Air tragedy on the public’s confidence in automated systems—and adapt them for maritime.
• Greater efficiency due to digitalization.  Wow, Santa, your workshop has been busy this year creating digital tools to make the shipping industry more efficient!!!  From sensors to dashboards to savings for the owner!  Keep it up!!!
• Improved market rates.  So the industry can afford all these changes!

I hope that this list isn’t too long, Santa.  I did cut it in half from my original.  Our industry is going through a tough time and could use your help!

Thank you for your carbon-free logistics system and global connectivity!  Oh, and please don’t leave a lump of coal in my stocking—perhaps something renewable???

Keep optimizing,

Carleen

• Interview with Michael Sarisky, Chevron Marine Lubricants
• Fuels
• Sulphur 2020
• Blockchain
• Emissions
• Biofouling
• Digitalization
• SHIPPINGInsight Updates

India starts project to promote methanol as marine fuel

2018-12-11 – The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) decided to start a project to present the use of methanol as maritime fuel. This is an attempt to boost shipping on Indian waterways. Namely, orders have been placed to Cochin Shipyard to retrofit vessels to run on methanol. . . READ MORE

More on Methanol as a Marine Fuel

2018-12-12 – Methanol as Marine Fuel – For the maritime industry it is decision time on choosing a cost-effective and long-term solution to comply with the IMO 2020 sulfur cap deadline. There is just over a year until the IMO’s 0.5% global marine fuels sulfur limit goes into effect, and this is to be followed in the not too distant future with CO2 emissions compliance regulations. Methanol as marine fuel has the potential to address both the sulfur cap as well as CO2 emissions. . . VIEW VIDEO

World’s first LNG-fueled cruise ship delivered to AIDA Cruises

2018-12-13 – German cruise shipbuilder Meyer Werft announced that it has delivered the world’s first LNG-fueled cruise ship to AIDA Cruises, part of Carnival. ‘AIDANova’ is the largest cruise ship ever built in Germany, setting new standards in terms of environmental sustainability as the LNG technology is expected to significantly reduce emissions. . . READ MORE

IMO MSC 100 agrees to tackle sulphur cap safety implications

2018-12-12 – IMO MSC 100 completed its milestone 100th session on 7 December. MSC 100 had a busy agenda encompassing maritime autonomous surface ships, fatigue guidance for seafarers, polar shipping, goal-based standards and of course the 2020 sulphur cap. . . READ MORE

New WTO report analyses potential impact of blockchain on trade

2018-11-28 – Amid rising interest on blockchain, the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a new report seeking to demystify the technology and analyse its capacity to transform world trade. The publication explores how the technology could enhance areas related to WTO work and examines challenges that will have to be tackled to unlock the technology’s potential. . . READ MORE

Global Maritime Forum supports IMO’s decarbonization vision

2018-12-12 – The Global Maritime Forum supports the IMO’s vision to reduce GHG emissions in the future and calls to action CEOs and maritime industry leaders in favour of decarbonization. . . READ MORE

Understanding marine biofouling: How anti-fouling systems prevent growth

2018-12-13 – During a ship’s lifetime microorganisms, plants, algae, or animals will gather in its hull, during a process called biofouling. These organisms, known as invasive aquatic species, can negatively affect a ship’s operation, while they also present a threat to the marine environment. However, there is a solution and is called antifouling. Antifouling is the process of protecting a ship’s hull with specifically designed materials, such as special paints, that prevent these organisms from piling up in the hull. In this article, we provide an overview of how biofouling and antifouling work, as well as key issues to consider for the right antifouling system, considering that the growth of marine algae can significantly affect vessel’s fuel efficiency. . . READ MORE

Awakening Connectivity

2018-12-13 – Helsinki-based technology group Wärtsilä wants to lay the foundations for a future where connectivity – of systems, industry and stakeholders – drives greater efficiency, environmental performance and living standards. Roger Holm, president of Wärtsilä Marine Solutions, explains ‘An Oceanic Awakening’. . . READ MORE