Advanced Technologies That Ship Operators Can Use For Enhanced Security

Waterways are a vital transportation mode for any economic sector or even an entire nation’s economy. A country with well-built ports can easily keep up with international trade through imports and exports.

Italy, home to world-class automobile manufacturers such as Ferrari and Lamborghini, generates approximately $30 billion in revenue annually from the export of automobiles and their components, accounting for a sizable portion of its GDP. Japan, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, China, and Singapore rely heavily on the maritime sector.

International trade experts have estimated that the Ocean economy has a $2.5 trillion export potential, which might help countries recover from the pandemic-driven crisis.

However, the safety of ships has always been a matter of concern. In port, a vessel is just as vulnerable as it is at sea.

Existing Safety and Security Measures

The following measures lead to enhanced ship security-

• All the crew members must be alert at all times. An observant member can detect and solve a problem before it causes distress to the ship.
• The ship personnel should lock all the gates, and visitors should be allowed to enter only after proper checking.
• Each crew member must fulfil their duty to uphold the security level.
• The crew should monitor restricted areas of the ship at regular intervals.
• Monitoring the smooth functioning of the equipment is crucial. Communication equipment should be sufficient and adequately working during the voyage, even during the loading and unloading, for tracking cargo movement.
• All the trained crew members should be able to analyse the problem and act readily in an emergency.

Problems Faced by the Marine Industry

There are both natural and artificial influences that affect the maritime industry. As ships sail across the oceans, the crew’s lives are jeopardised by harsh climatic conditions. Hence, keeping a check on meteorological conditions such as sea state, wind direction, and tidal level is essential.

Oil spills and ship accidents are other concerns that might endanger ship security. Oil spills jeopardise the lives of marine animals and plants, threatening the aquatic ecosystem.

There has been an upsurge in marine hijacking and piracy in recent years. Illicit trading, unlicensed fishing, human trafficking, and drug smuggling are standard along the global supply chain. Every day, we hear reports of large-scale drug seizures involving cocaine, heroin, LSD, and other hard drugs.

Combatting Problems Using Technology

Battling these concerns requires the implementation of cutting-edge technology. These problems should be tackled as they threaten security and cause economic loss.

Cargo ships are, without a question, the most sought-after targets for pirates. The shipping sector needs to emphasise cybersecurity as hackers increasingly attempt to access the whole cargo aboard ships. Modern innovations like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) can benefit.

Automated technologies in ships are similar to self-driving vehicles like Tesla. A self-driving car has built-in software capable of controlling and managing the vehicle to make critical decisions.

For example, suppose the Tesla Autopilot mode is activated. In that case, the vehicle will use artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision to ensure safety and avoid accidents.

The advanced technology in the e-vehicle can also identify whether or not the vehicle is being monitored, which is essential for safety reasons. We can build autonomous ships using similar technologies for reducing safety risks, increasing efficiency, and predict potential dangers.

Smart Technologies in the Shipping Industry

1. Smart Ports and Harbour

Ports are invaluable assets for a nation’s shipping industry. More than 80 per cent of goods are shipped via waterways and Solid works trade. Most ports are not modern facilities and are unable to handle congestion. Innovative technologies are a solution to the problem.

smart port has automated operations with the use of high-end technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, big data and values obtained from sensors, IoT, and blockchain technology, which aids in efficiently managing and accelerating tasks.

Popular Smart ports

The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is creating a digital twin of the port to track ship movements, cargo load, climate, and other geographic and oceanic conditions. This digital twin of the Rotterdam port will increase the efficiency to a large extent by tackling port congestion.

The Port of Busan in South Korea is also transforming into a smart port. Blockchain technology is being implemented for tracking transit cargo to prevent smuggling.

How do Smart Ports Work?

Smart ports are well-equipped with sensors, cameras, and other related devices, fully connected to a server network, creating a wholly integrated communication system. This secured chain of communication allows remote control of heavy machinery and automated port elements, enabling the users to track cargo.

Advantages and Future Developments

Smart Ports contain a chain of efficient machines to carry out the entire task of unloading the cargo from the ships to measuring it and loading it in the carrier trucks and vice versa. Remote-controlled quay trains also carry cargo from one side to another. This process is fully automated and increases productivity by 25 per cent while reducing processing time.

Considerable efforts have been made to develop smart clothing for port personnel and seafarers to ensure safety and allow them to move in AI-driven vehicles.