As a leading marine industry service provider in UAE, Maritronics is discussing the future of the shipping industry with the changing times.
Maritronics, the flagship company of the reputed Centena Group, specialises in Comprehensive Marine Solutions in the sphere of Navigation, Communication, Automation, Calibration, Electrical and Electronics Systems.
Established in the year 1980 in Dubai, Maritronics is an ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certified company that provides services in multiple ports from Suez Canal, Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, Sri Lanka and Singapore.
Maritronics has become a leading supplier of comprehensive service solutions in the UAE for marine navigation, communication and automation control systems. Leading Maritronics engineer briefly explains about the future of the shipping industry and what to expect in 2021.
Evolution of the Maritime Industry
Just like in every industry, the maritime industry is constantly evolving. Big data, technological progress and environmental concerns are a few deciding factors on the future of the maritime industry. It’s not easy to predict ‘the next big thing’ in the industry.
The Role of Big Data
The future of the industry will be with data and there would be extensive use of Big Data. The digital evolution has been shaping the maritime industry for a while now and it will certainly continue in the coming years. Both onshore and offshore, shipping companies will have to digitize their operations.
Studies show that it can boost the business and enhance the performance of resources and people related to the marine industry. Last year, the 16th edition of Asia Pacific Maritime conference emphasised the use of digital technology in the maritime industry for the next 10 years.
Preparing for a Digitized Future
Marine engineers and seafarers agree that the industry needs to prepare the next generation for a more digitized future due to the automation of the maritime industry.
The digital seafarers will be able to take ships to sea and bring them back safely while carrying out all the conventional functions of seafarers automatically and securely.
The Impact of 5G on Shipping
With the introduction of 5G, the possibilities would be infinite. Smart drones can be employed in the industry for:
Real-time monitoring
Ship-shore-ship communication for traffic management
Internet-of-things sensors during search-and-rescue operations
Accurate positioning of ships at sea
Without doubt, 5G is going to play an important role in the remote control of autonomous ships in the future.
Towards Autonomous Vessels
Technological progress brings us closer to the date when unmanned vessels will be traversing across continents. Ships will be able to spend much more time at sea than human-controlled ones.
Such innovation will enable:
Increased productivity
Reduced reliance on human resources
Fewer risks of human error
Environmental Concerns in Shipping
The damage caused to the oceans due to the marine industry is a big concern. On January 1, 2020, International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states fully implemented the new global marine fuel sulfur cap.
The rule limits the sulphur content in the fuel used on board ships operating outside the designated emission level. IMO’s main strategy is to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions from ships by at least 50% by mid-century.
This means that environmental concerns will continue to shape the industry as well.
Adapting to New Regulations
Maritime business owners and operators are adapting to new strategies such as:
Installing scrubbers
Switching to liquefied natural gas (LNG)
Using other low-sulphur fuels
The new set of regulations is forcing shipbuilders to find better solutions for ships to voyage into the future.
Maritronics, leading marine services company in UAE, is shifting and developing new methods of service and products to help the world maritime industry move forward.
When VSAT Is the Right Fit