Blue economy

As part of the UK’s upcoming Carrier Strike Group tour, Rolls-Royce is all set to showcase to Indian Navy customers its capabilities to design, build and deliver customised power and propulsion solutions for India’s naval modernisation requirements. The company also expressed its keenness to explore opportunities for partnering the Navy with end-to-end solutions for the electrification of India’s future warships. Developing electric warships Speaking about the upcoming tour, Kishore Jayaraman, President – India and South Asia, Rolls-Royce said, “As India envisions the fleet of the future, our commitment to support the country’s defence modernisation and self-reliance goals remains as strong as ever." The Carrier Strike Group tour is a significant opportunity for Rolls-Royce to showcase the results of decades" "The Carrier Strike Group tour is a significant opportunity for Rolls-Royce to showcase the results of decades of innovation in naval power and propulsion. Our experience of supporting the electrification of the Royal Navy’s warships over many years is of particular significance, including the design and deployment of the world’s first hybrid-electric naval system. We believe that we can bring great learnings and value to any future program envisioned by the Indian Navy for developing electric warships.” Marine gas turbine Rolls-Royce is the only manufacturer in the world that has provided navalised marine gas turbine generators into front-line integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) powered destroyers and aircraft carriers. Being a key member of the Power and Propulsion Sub-Alliance, Rolls-Royce was responsible for the design, procurement, manufacture, integration, test and delivery of the Queen Elizabeth Carrier ships’ power and propulsion system, which includes the mighty MT30 marine gas turbine and a low voltage electrical distribution system. Abhishek Singh, Senior Vice President – Defence, India and South East Asia, Rolls-Royce said, “The HMS Queen Elizabeth visiting India is one of the finest examples of technological excellence in naval warfare. We are looking forward to familiarising our Indian customers with Rolls-Royce’s capabilities aboard this majestic warship and to explore areas for collaboration to further strengthen the might and range of the Indian Navy.” Customised naval systems Rolls-Royce is well-positioned to partner with India for the modernisation of its naval fleet" Richard Partridge, Chief of Naval Systems, Rolls-Royce added, “Rolls-Royce is well-positioned to partner India for the modernisation of its naval fleet with the right mix of products, experience and capabilities to design, build, deliver and support customised naval systems and solutions. Our technologically superior offerings and expertise provide the ideal solutions for developing integrated hybrid-electric and full-electric propulsion for naval vessels, including the integration of the MT30 that brings the most power dense gas turbine to these next generation warships.” The Royal Navy’s new Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers operate an IFEP system that is one of the most advanced propulsion systems offering increased power, flexibility and reliability – best suited for large warships. It provides two MT30 marine gas turbine alternators per ship, rated at 36MW, with the power to propel these vessels beyond 25knots. Advanced naval platforms The MT30 alone delivers huge design benefits through its power density, significantly reducing the number of gas turbines required to power advanced naval platforms. The MT30 also guarantees its power throughout the 50-year service life expectancy of the ship. Rolls-Royce provides solutions for both hybrid and all-electric naval vessels The QEC also features a complete Rolls-Royce low voltage (LV) electrical distribution system that distributes enough electricity to power the equivalent of 5,000 family homes. As electrical power system integrators, Rolls-Royce provides solutions for both hybrid and all-electric naval vessels, optimising performance to satisfy electrical load demands of the future such as advanced sensor, propulsion and combat systems. Innovative unmanned technologies It is also an experienced provider of low voltage (LV) electrical power distribution systems for a range of warship and submarine applications. With over 80 years of naval propulsion experience, Rolls-Royce has pioneered some of the most important technical advances in marine propulsion including the use of aero gas turbines for surface ship propulsion. The company offers a portfolio of marine products and systems ranging from gas turbines and diesel engines, propulsion, electrical & automation systems, deck handling and innovative unmanned technologies as well as comprehensive customer support for present and future fleets.

A.P. Moller - Maersk has announced the signing of a global end-to-end logistics agreement with Danish Crown from 2021. The three-year end-to-end agreement covers all Danish Crown’s business units, delivering solutions on ocean services, inland logistics and cold chain logistics.   Access to the digital supply chain platform, Tradelens, which is underpinned by blockchain technology, is also a core part of the agreement between A.P. Moller - Maersk and Danish Crown. A.P. Moller - Maersk - Danish Crown Agreement Vincent Clerc, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (Ocean and Logistics), A.P. Moller - Maersk, said "We are excited to be chosen as Danish Crown’s main logistics company. The food supply chain is highly demanding, but we will work hard to provide fast, reliable and dynamic supply chain solutions to Danish Crown, as a modern end-to-end logistics company with fully controlled assets." Danish Crown is one of the world's largest exporters and the number one supplier of pork in Europe. The Danish Crown Group is also the largest meat-processing company in Europe, and Danish Crown Beef is a key player in the European beef market, while the groups trading company ESS-FOOD sells and distributes fresh and frozen foods worldwide. The agreement finally includes DAT-Schaub, which is globally renowned in casings for sausage production. Flexible and resilient supply chain With a significant export to Asia and a growing business in both North America and South America, it is key for Danish Crown to ensure a flexible and resilient supply chain, to support their business needs and meet their sustainability targets. There is no doubt, that Maersk is leading the sustainability transition within container logistics" Jais Valeur, the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Danish Crown, said "There is no doubt, that Maersk is leading the sustainability transition within container logistics, which very much aligns with our own ambitions, to become the world´s most sustainable meat supplier in 2030. Maersk is a natural choice for Danish Crown, as our customers will expect that we are able to undertake the responsibility of all business activities, in the food supply chain, right from the Danish farmer to the dinner tables in Shanghai, Tokyo or New York." Key strategic partnership As one of the largest food exporters in the world, Danish Crown values an active partnership with a logistics major company, such as Maersk, that can accelerate their business and reduce complexity. Jais Valeur adds, "Through sheer business size and its extensive network, Maersk can offer a reliability in our supply chains, which our customers are increasingly demanding. At the same time, we will get a partner in Maersk, who understands and prioritises the importance of an active collaboration in our daily business. This close collaboration is key and will ultimately service our customer’s needs into account." The global agreement will enter into effect as of 1st October 2021.

Maersk Growth, the corporate venture arm of A.P. Moller - Maersk, invests in Vertoro – a Dutch start-up focused on developing liquid lignin technology which can be used as a marine fuel.   Maersk’s investment will be used to further develop and commercialise Vertoro’s patented liquid lignin technology, and it will enable Vertoro to build a demo plant, which will become operational in 2022. The output of this plant will be used to develop marine fuels in partnership with Maersk as well as other applications for the materials and chemicals markets. Decarbonising marine operations The minority investment supports A.P. Moller - Maersk’s work to decarbonise marine operations. Maersk expects several fuel types to exist alongside each other in the future and has identified four potential fuel pathways to decarbonisation: biodiesel, alcohols, ammonia, and lignin-enhanced alcohols. Lignin is a class of complex organic polymers which form key structural materials in the support tissues of most plants. Lignin fuels have a promising potential when it comes to decarbonising shipping. We consider Vertoro to be a leading start-up in the sustainable biomass-to-liquids space and we are excited to invest in the company and become part of the efforts to effectively scale up production of green fuels. Furthermore, we believe that we can offer value beyond capital through the expertise and scale of the broader Maersk organisation. Vertoro Vertoro, founded in 2017, produces liquid lignin exclusively from sustainably sourced forestry and agricultural residues by means of a patented thermochemical process. Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.   "Our goal is to offer competitive, sustainable products to cost and environmentally conscious customers worldwide; a model inspired by no-frills disrupters in other industries that today are among the most profitable in their sector. This investment will bring us closer to reaching this goal in close cooperation with our committed team, our investors, and our partners," says Michael Boot, Co-founder & CEO at Vertoro.   The investment in Vertoro is the third investment in the fuels of the future from Maersk Growth in less than two months. In September Maersk Growth invested in WasteFuel, a start-up focused on turning waste into sustainable aviation fuel, green bio-methanol, and renewable natural gas. Later followed the investment in Prometheus which is developing a direct air capture-technology to enable cost efficient, carbon neutral electro fuels. These investment activities underline how Maersk Growth has added green fuels as an additional sub-investment theme under their overall umbrella of supply chain investments. Furthermore, these investments are part of the A.P. Moller - Maersk journey to become carbon neutral by 2050. Maersk recently announced a total of nine vessels capable of running on green methanol.

The UK government has selected eight new freeports in England, as a means to boost trade, jobs and investment, across the country. The special taxation and customs rules for the freeports will help businesses develop new facilities and operations, to trade and manufacture goods more cost-effectively, countering the effects of other complications, such as Brexit and COVID-19 pandemic.  Early deliverability of opportunities for new businesses is the key, with Solent Gateway Ltd, at Marchwood Port, Southampton, leading the way with 64 hectares of new space, which will be available from as early as Autumn 2022. Freeport A freeport is an economic zone, such as a freight seaport or airport, where typical VAT and customs rules don’t apply A freeport is an economic zone, typically encompassing a freight seaport or airport, where typical VAT and customs rules don’t apply. This makes it cheaper and easier for raw materials or components to be imported to manufacturers, processed into manufactured goods and imported into the UK, or exported. They can also have simpler planning rules, helping businesses to quickly build or adapt premises in the area. The locations across England for the eight new freeports were announced by the Chancellor, for the budget in March 2021. These locations for freeports include: Solent East Midlands Airport Felixstowe and Harwich Humber region Liverpool City Region Plymouth Thames Teesside The eight freeports will create some 170,000 jobs, in the coming five to ten years. Within the Solent Freeport, Marchwood Port, operated by Solent Gateway Ltd, has been designated as both a customs site and a tax site. Tax incentives of freeports Freeports can help businesses to improve processing time, due to reduced transportation Within a freeport customs site, there are two principal benefits. Firstly, customs duty and import VAT are only charged on goods, if and when they are released from the freeport into the United Kingdom. This enables businesses to process, store and transport goods with greater flexibility, giving them a cash flow benefit. Secondly, duty paid can be on the final product, rather than component parts, if lower, also reducing the tax paid, as raw materials normally have a higher duty rate, in comparison to the manufactured or processed goods. Freeports can help businesses to improve processing time, due to reduced transportation. Freeport tax sites get higher capital allowances Freeport tax sites will benefit from greater capital allowances, when purchasing plant and machinery, or building new structures. Companies will be able to claim 100% enhanced capital allowances, on the purchase of new and unused plants, and machinery that is incurred for a trade being carried out at the freeport tax site. The purchase will need to be incurred before September 30, 2026, for the item to qualify for this benefit. Plus, qualifying expenditure on structures and buildings, within a freeport zone will qualify for Enhanced Structures and Buildings Allowance, at 10% per year, for 10 years on expenditure incurred before September 30, 2026. This is a significant increase on the current level of 3% per year, for 33 years for non-freeport areas. There are also very appealing benefits around national insurance relief, for up to 3 years per employee and business rates relief, with new or expanding business being able to claim up to 100% relief, for 5 years. UK freeports plan The UK freeports plan is an excellent initiative to incentivise new businesses, to set up new operations in freeports" Richard Parkinson, the Port Director at Solent Gateway Ltd, said “The UK freeports plan is an excellent initiative to incentivise new businesses, to set up new operations in freeports. It presents a truly golden opportunity for both UK and foreign businesses. Solent Gateway is unique in its offering, as it is both a customs and tax site, with high-quality logistic space, to be available to new businesses from Autumn 2022.” He adds, “In terms of who will benefit most from operating in a customs and tax site, such as ours, it is businesses that want to develop new facilities and operations, thereby benefiting from all the incentives to attract new business, import goods and components to the UK, store goods for as long as they want, without facing customs duties after 90 days, and manufacture or assemble products, as import duties are paid on the final product or component parts when they leave the freeport, whichever is cheaper.” Richard Parkinson continues, “If goods are exported after manufacture, inside a freeport, no customs duties will be paid, so I have no doubt that freeports are very attractive to manufacturers. Any organisation that wants to import, manufacture and export within a customs site, will avoid all duties, so that is a great incentive. Any business that wants to store items for more than 90 days will also benefit.” Solent Freeport Solent Gateway Ltd is part of the Solent Freeport. Establishing the Solent Freeport will create 52,000 new skilled and semi-skilled jobs, including 26,000 direct jobs in the Solent and 26,000 in the wider UK supply chain. COVID-19 has widened the opportunity gap for these communities and a Solent Freeport provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reverse these trends. The Solent Freeport will also support levelling up, across the United Kingdom, in particular, in the UK’s industrial heartlands of the Midlands and North. The potential of significant government investment in freight links between Southampton and the Midlands will be realised, through the connectivity to global markets that the Solent ports provide. Marchwood Port logistics hub Chris Anderson, Head of Business Development at Solent Gateway Ltd, stated “Solent Gateway Ltd, located at Marchwood Port, Southampton is one of a very few locations in the UK that is both, a tax site and customs site. We are, therefore, tailor-made for the development of new facilities for import, manufacturing, assembly, storage, export or delivery into the UK.” Chris Anderson adds, “Marchwood Port is a very high-quality port-centric logistics hub with the outstanding sea, rail and road connectivity, and will have 64.3 hectares of new space available for commercial use starting in Autumn 2022.” 

Backlogged ports, a shortage of shipping containers and not enough workers are among the factors contributing to supply chain disruptions that have led to shortages of various goods and are likely to impact availability of merchandise, during the upcoming holiday season. Demand is growing rapidly as the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic have diminished. However, lingering consequences of the pandemic are continuing to impact the container shipping market. With each element in the system tightly intertwined, any changes tend to ripple with additional repercussions. Slow circulatory movement of containers A direct upshot of the COVID-19 pandemic was to slow the circulatory movement of containers globally. To increase productivity and save time, some vessels began making their return journeys empty, in effect leaving more empty containers at the delivery destination and fewer at the source of shipments. The varied timing of the pandemic in Asia and the West compounded the problem At one point, Asian containers could not be sent back to Asia, because of COVID-19 restrictions in place. The varied timing of the pandemic in Asia and the West compounded the problem. With empty containers stacking up in the West and a shortage in the East, slower circulation of containers and higher demand have led to sharp increases in costs. Millions of TEU dry container units added A lack of new equipment is not the problem. Last year, the industry added about 2.8 million twenty-foot equivalent (TEU) units of dry containers, in line with the 10-year average. Congestion at ports has been going on for months and still continues. Recently, in the San Pedro Bay region, near the Port of Long Beach, in California, there were 144 ships, including 85 ships that were waiting to unload. In Savannah, Georgia, more than 20 container ships were waiting to dock. Ports in the US states of New Jersey, New York and Texas have also seen record backlogs. Majority of influential global ports face backlogs According to one report, 77% of the most influential ports in the world reported above-average wait times this year. The turn-around time for a container in ports has nearly doubled in 2021, in comparison to 2019. A worker shortage at the ports is aggravating the problem and container ships now carry about 30% more goods, which require more labour to unload. Ports are also doing the additional work with fewer people. There is also reduced labour productivity at warehouses and marine terminals. Investment in workforce training to counter bottlenecks Some port bosses expect the bottlenecks to last through the summer of 2022. To address the problem, some ports are investing in workforce training and scheduling night-time appointments to pick up goods. Although a lot of attention is focused on the ports, they are just one element in the troubled supply chain. Even if the ports could increase their capacity, downstream processes would also have to increase their labour force, to accommodate the higher volume. Difficult to absorb impact of global supply chain disruptions In the best of times, the global supply chain operates like a well-oiled machine In the best of times, the global supply chain operates like a well-oiled machine, despite its complexity and the inter-relatedness of various stakeholders. However, the sheer size of the system makes it difficult to absorb the impact of any disruptions. Turning the system around takes time, and a burgeoning global demand for goods, in the aftermath of a global pandemic, makes recovery even more difficult. The Biden Administration in the U.S. has established a Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, to monitor and address short-term supply issues. This task force is convening meetings of stakeholders in industries with urgent supply-chain problems, such as construction and semiconductors, to identify the immediate bottlenecks, as well as potential solutions. Role of global supply chain more critical now There have been supply chain disruption and staff shortages in several countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), Germany and New Zealand, according to business surveys. As the economy recovered and demand increased, businesses have not yet been able to bring inventories fully back to pre-pandemic levels, causing inventory-to-sales ratios to fall. The role of the global supply chain has never been more critical.

If the ocean were a national economy, it would be the seventh largest in the world. Contributions of the oceans to energy production, transport and sustainable food production are essential to the global economy. In the global ‘blue economy,’ environmental protection and economic growth are intrinsically linked, especially in the maritime industry. The European Union has detailed a realistic agenda for the blue economy to play a major role to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal, seeking to replace unchecked expansion with clean, climate-proof and sustainable activities that tread lightly on the marine environment. Preserving marine ecosystems “A sustainable blue economy will create tangible opportunities for new jobs and businesses,” says a European Commission report. “They will be created by work to mitigate the impacts on oceans and coasts to build a resilient economic model based on innovation, a circular economy and a respectful attitude to the ocean.” Businesses that use or generate renewable resources, preserve marine ecosystems, reduce pollution and increase resilience to climate change will be incentivised, while others will need to reduce their environmental footprint. A sustainable blue economy offers many solutions to achieve European Green Deal objectives A sustainable blue economy offers many solutions to achieve European Green Deal objectives. Many of the current activities need to reduce their carbon footprint, while new, carbon-neutral activities need to take centre stage. The blue economy can contribute to carbon neutrality by developing offshore renewable energy and by greening maritime transport and ports. Greenhouse gas emissions The European Green Deal calls for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from all modes of transport, and this includes maritime transport. The world’s sea lanes are a key link to the global trading system. Though it generates comparatively fewer emissions than transport by road or air, maritime transport generates both carbon and other polluting emissions due to the volumes and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. To support the decarbonisation and depollution of energy production, maritime transport and ports, the European Commission will create a Blue Forum for users of the sea to coordinate a dialogue among offshore operators, stakeholders and scientists engaged in fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, renewable energy and other activities. It will develop synergies between their activities and reconcile competing uses of the sea. Greening port services The blue economy can help alleviate pressure on the climate and on natural resources for food production It will also pursue the objective of zero-emission ports, including through its work with the sustainable ports sub-group of the European Ports Forum, to discuss with relevant stakeholders and share and promote best practices and bottom-up initiatives in greening port services. Biodiversity conservation and protection should be considered as foundational principles of maritime economic activity. By using marine resources better and by choosing alternative sources of food and feed, the blue economy can help alleviate pressure on the climate and on natural resources for food production. Better knowledge of the ocean and its ecosystems, together with free access to data, will enable industry, public authorities and civil society to make informed decisions. Sharing marine data Through common standards and open access principles, the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) collates the measurements of hundreds of institutions to make the EU a model of best practice in sharing marine data and ocean observations. The Copernicus marine environment service provides satellite data and forecasting services in the EU sea basins and in the world. Since 2018, the blue economy report has mapped the blue economy in the EU Work is ongoing to improve the digitalisation of the ocean, the resolution and usability of the data and to transform this data into knowledge and tools for the benefit of a range of stakeholders. Socio-economic data are important inputs for policymakers and for businesses, who have to make snap decisions in a rapidly evolving environment, especially in times of crisis. Since 2018, the blue economy report has mapped the blue economy in the EU. Marine biological resources A user-friendly blue economy indicators tool tracks economic progress. The European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Blue Bioeconomy Report have collected, curated and disseminated data on the fishery and aquaculture markets and on innovative uses of marine biological resources. The commission proposes a maritime policy for this decade that will make the transition envisioned in the European Green Deal a reality in the ocean economy. The Commission will work with the European Parliament, the Council and other EU Institutions, where appropriate. It will reach out to all maritime stakeholders to engage with them in shaping a sustainable blue economy in a fair and equitable way.

Danfoss Editron, part of Danfoss, has been chosen by Damen Shipyards to provide the electric drivetrain system, powering the shipyard’s newest Fast Crew Supply (FCS) vessel. Known as the FCS 7011, the vessel will represent a leap forward, in terms of speed, comfort and efficiency of FCS vessels. The FCS 7011 vessel, which recently completed sea trials in Turkey, will be used by the offshore energy market, for the high-speed transit of personnel and light cargo, to and from offshore locations. FCS 7011 vessel The FCS 7011 vessel is expected to become the first crew boat, which is capable of competing with helicopters, to transfer crew and materials, with minimum loss of time and increased comfort, and safety. The vessel’s first operational testing will take place, later in 2021, in the North Sea, as proof of principle, marking the first step towards global commercialisation. The team expects commercial testing to begin in the first quarter of 2022. Designed by Damen Shipyards, the 74 m, slender vessel will be able to carry 122 passengers, at speeds of up to 40 knots, servicing large platforms, which are located up to 150 nautical miles offshore. Comfort-enhancing features include a gyroscope, minimised rolling and a dedicated Ampelmann gangway that provides safe access to platforms, in a broad weather window. Hybrid-electric marine system Danfoss Editron’s hybrid-electric marine system comprises DC distribution boards Danfoss Editron’s hybrid-electric marine system comprises DC distribution boards, which run at a nominal voltage of 700 VDC, four shaft generators and an EDITRON load and control system. To further enhance passengers’ safety and comfort, and lower fuel consumption, the FCS vessel will be propelled by four main engines which, through a gearbox, will drive the Hamilton HT9000 water jets and the Danfoss’ Editron shaft generators. This vessel’s solution will increase propulsion efficiency while reducing vibrations and noise levels. When operating in a dynamic positioning, the system can optimise the power needed while performing load requests. It can also detect the amount of charge left in the electric system, so the amount of fuel used is kept to a minimum. EDITRON load and control system Erno Tenhunen, Marine Director at Danfoss Editron, said “Our compact and lightweight hybrid-electric technology is perfectly optimised for FCS vessels, which need to transport a high number of personnel and cargo, in a limited space. We’re delighted to see shipyards turning to hybrid-electric solutions, for vessels covering large distances. Our EDITRON system guarantees the highest efficiency, adding value to hybrid operations, by reducing costs and fuel consumption.” David Stibbe, Director of Business Development and Market Intelligence at Damen Shipyards, stated “We’re entering a new era of offshore personnel transportation, with an increased demand for safer vessels, with greater cost-efficiency. We were impressed by Danfoss Editron’s credentials, as well as its high-performance, light-weight electrical systems, two important benefits that enable our vessel to travel at high speeds. We’re looking forward to the first operational testing of the vessel, beginning in the North Sea, later this year.”

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group based in Yokohama, held a christening and launch ceremony on October 8th, for the second of two large ferries being built for Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (JRTT) and Meimon Taiyo Ferry Co., Ltd. The ceremony took place at the Enoura Plant at MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The handover is scheduled for March 2022 following the completion of interior work and sea trial. Maintenance of transport facilities The new vessel will replace the FERRY FUKUOKA II, in operation since 2002, and enter service from March 2022 on a regular route between Osaka and Shinmoji in Kitakyushu. The new vessel, built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and operated by Meimon Taiyo Ferry, is jointly owned by Meimon Taiyo Ferry and JRTT, an Incorporated Administrative Agency to support the provision and maintenance of transport facilities and other infrastructure based on Japan’s transport policy. Named FERRY FUKUOKA, the new ship is 195m long, 27.8m wide, and 20.3m deep, with gross tonnage of approximately 15,400. The largest ship ever operated by Meimon Taiyo Ferry, the vessel has passenger capacity for 675 persons, and vehicle capacity for approximately 162 12-meter trucks and 140 passenger cars. The interior design concept is 'sparkle of a bayside city,' evoking a modern waterfront. Providing improved service The propulsion plant utilises a hybrid-type azimuth propulsion assist method The broad public space taking advantage of the vessel’s large size, along with a spacious restaurant, bath, and lounge with sweeping views, allow for cruising in comfort. The space can also be efficiently utilised to provide improved service, such as converting vehicle storage space into a passenger deck and eliminating Japanese style passenger cabins to create cabins with beds. The propulsion plant utilises a hybrid-type azimuth propulsion assist method, which combined with an air lubrication system achieves considerable energy efficiency (approximately 35% reduction in fuel consumption for carrying a large truck compared to existing vessels), and improved ship steering capabilities. In addition, along with lower CO2 emissions realised from energy efficiency, the adoption of hybrid-type scrubber curbs atmospheric emissions of sulfur oxide (SOx), providing for environment-friendly operation. Contributing to reliable transport Currently, shipping in Japan is undergoing a modal shift to marine transport from the standpoint of reducing CO2 emissions in land transport, a shortage of long-haul drivers, and working style reforms. Accordingly, demand is rising for ferries and RORO ships, and larger vessels. Going forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to construct ferries and passenger/cargo ships that offer superlative fuel efficiency and environmental performance and contribute to reliable transport, in order to help resolve various issues together with its business partners, vitalise marine transport, and contribute to environmental protection.

Edge sensor technology developed by HENSOLDT will strengthen Frontex maritime surveillance in the Mediterranean Sea and contribute to the protection of Europe’s strategic south-eastern border. In the frame of a technology pilot programme, HENSOLDT’s ARGOS-II HD Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) system will be deployed on two tethered aerostats and deliver extensive security surveillance. Frontex maritime surveillance project The project is operated by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, which has the mandate to safeguard the external borders of the European Union and ensure the freedom, and territorial integrity of member states. Andreas Huelle, Head of HENSOLDT’s Optronics Division, said “This innovative technology offers Frontex the ability to monitor a very strategic maritime coastline and collect critical data. This is a capability that has been identified as a strategic priority by both the EU and the United Nations.” ARGOS-II HD electro-optical infra-red system The ARGOS-II HD EOIR system forms part of an integrated turnkey solution The ARGOS-II HD EOIR system forms part of an integrated turnkey solution, which consists of advanced sensors that are fitted on two aerostats, provided by CNIM Air Space, tethered on Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. Located at altitudes of several hundred metres above the host islands, the ARGOS-II HD electro-optical infra-red system covers a range of up to 40 kilometres and can detect both large and small vessels, and monitor activities with exceptional clarity and detail. High performance Maritime Surveillance sensor The ARGOS-II HD electro-optical infra-red system is in operation 24/7, day and night, even in inclement weather conditions. The continuous zoom thermal imaging camera records the images and transmits video, and data in real-time, to base stations on the ground. “Argos II is one of the best EOIR sensors in the market today and will provide Frontex with accurate, real-time information on activities in the maritime environment and enable it to analyse situations and initiate respective counter measures,” said Mischa Niedinger, Director of Airborne Systems - Sales at HENSOLDT. Fitted on fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and aerostats The ARGOS-II HD system can be fitted onto fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aerostats. It is used extensively in border protection, search and rescue operations, maritime patrols, law enforcement and asset protection. The system is already widely used in the security and surveillance environments, including by the German Federal Police where it is deployed in anti-smuggling, illegal trafficking, and border security operations.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northeast United States, in May 2020, Goltens received a call from Bayonne Drydock (Bayonne Drydock and Repair Corp.) to attend for inspection and to make a proposal to remove a damaged shaft seal liner on the USNS Red Cloud, one of the US Military Sealift Command’s nineteen large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships. In-Place Machining specialist Goltens deployed its In-Place Machining specialist to New Jersey, observing all of the special precautions required to stay safe. Goltens determined that the shaft seal liner could be removed from the shaft, but due to the short space between the shaft and shaft housing, special tooling and brackets would have to be fabricated at Goltens Miami, in order to carry out the on-site machining. Having all of the required measurements, Goltens’ specialist returned to Miami to fabricate the mounting brackets and re-purposed one of their milling machines, to mill across the outside liner surface to split the liner. Ensuring no damage to propeller shaft surface After preparations were complete, the team arrived on site, observing as many precautions as possible While Goltens is renowned for its ability to conduct high precision journal repairs, this project was not as delicate, but still required a high degree of care and control, so as to ensure the propeller shaft surface was not damaged during the machining of the liner. After preparations were complete, the team arrived on site, observing as many precautions as possible and then, proceeded with mounting the prefabricated brackets and milling machinery to begin the works. Shaft seal liner removal The liner removal was completed using two shifts of machinists, working around the clock. Goltens completed the repair successfully over an 11-day period onsite in Bayonne and the shaft was left in good condition with no damage from the removal process. Goltens’ front line workers continue to perform essential service for the world’s military and merchant fleets during these trying times. This was another successful job completed safely by Goltens during the COVID-19 pandemic.