Efficiency

Raloy Lubricantes, one of the top four lubricant manufacturers and main suppliers for automotive OEMs in Mexico, has selected the new mtu Series 500 generator set from the Power Systems business unit of Rolls-Royce to provide combined heat and power for its manufacturing operations in Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico. The electricity will be used to power operations, while the heat from the exhaust will be used to warm up thermal oil for mixing processes. Thermal energy from jacket heat will be recaptured and run through an absorption chiller to produce chilled water for cooling plastic bottles manufactured in Raloy’s sister company, Thermfluidos. Features The new mtu Series 500 is the successor of the mtu Series 400 and offers 3.1% more efficiency and 30% more available power than its predecessor. It is available to run on both natural gas and biogas, and is H2-ready, allowing for a blending of up to 10% hydrogen. The family of generator sets cover the 250-550 kWe power range and peak efficiencies of up to 42.6 percent in this power class. mtu Series 500 offer a climate-friendly and economical solution for the industrial and utility sector  They offer a climate-friendly and economical solution for the industrial and utility sector in addition to other applications. Available in 50 Hz and 60 Hz versions, these highly efficient units feature an optimized engine designed to greatly lower fuel costs and come equipped with a mtu Module Control automation system that monitors all genset activities and enables easy integration with other systems. About Raloy Lubricantes Raloy is a 100% Mexican company with more than 40 years of experience in the manufacture and commercialization of lubricants and fluids for automotive and industrial applications. Several of its products are authorised for use in mtu diesel generator sets and are under consideration for use in mtu gas engines. The mtu Series 500 was selected through an extensive bid process on the basis of total lifecycle cost, product efficiency and factory support. Authority comment Raloy Group CEO, Ing. Jorge H. Loya Ramirez, expressed, “Our company found in the new mtu Series 500 the perfect solution to accomplish the objectives of sustainability, power savings and reliability in order to strengthen our manufacturing processes for our client’s needs. The Rolls-Royce team has been a great partner on this project helping us understand how we can apply the state-of-the-art technology they develop. We look forward to work out more projects together in the future.” “It is not common to work with a customer that is ready to embrace new technology and lead an industry, as it has been with Raloy,” said Javier Gonzalez, Senior Manager of Gas System Sales, Americas, at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “Raloy knows and trusts the high quality of our products and this added with their genuine interest of developing sustainable processes, is why they decided to put them to work in their operations.” The new 12V 500 generator set at Raloy is expected to be commissioned in April 2022.

DanFish International is one of the most important exhibitions in the world for equipment and services for the fishing industry. The event – which is being held for the 27th time in 2021 – is an international forum where manufacturers and other suppliers to the fishery sector have a peerless opportunity to interact with customers from all parts of the world. The exhibition is a meeting point, where both exhibitors and visitors can engage in active networking. The exhibition takes place from 13th to 15th October at Aalborg Kongres & Kultur Center in Denmark, and find Teknotherm at stand no. 930 in Hall H.

Rolls-Royce’s Pearl® 700 engine programme has successfully achieved further important test milestones on its way to certification and entry into service in 2022, reaching more than 8,000 test cycles and more than 3,000 testing hours.   During the test campaigns, the Pearl 700 has proved its reliability and performance under extreme conditions, experiencing cold start temperatures, where fuel viscosity is comparable to honey. The engine has performed equally well in hot conditions, successfully completing long, high power endurance runs and high-cycle tests, and has successfully demonstrated that it can run on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).   Not even the global pandemic could stop the rigorous test regime – the medium bird strike test was performed with a novel remote set-up allowing key members of the team to join the test virtually. Test programme Pearl 700 engines have already powered Gulfstream’s new flagship aircraft G700 beyond its maximum operating speed The flight test programme started in February 2020 and is progressing very well with a fleet of five dedicated flight-test aircraft and one production-test aircraft. The advanced Pearl 700 engines are performing exceptionally well and have already powered Gulfstream’s new flagship aircraft G700 beyond its maximum operating speed and cruise altitude, flying nearly as fast as the speed of sound (Mach 0.99/1,220 kilometres per hour) while reaching an altitude of 54,000 ft/16,459 m. In typical operations, the G700 has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925 and a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 ft/15,545 m, which allows it to fly above commercial air traffic and the weather in the troposphere. During its first international visits to the Middle East and Europe, the aircraft set two city-pair speed records and a third speed record on its return trip to the United States. New technology and notable performance Dr. Dirk Geisinger, Director of Business Aviation, Rolls-Royce, said: “Seeing the Pearl 700 programme running at such a fast pace makes me really proud of the team behind it. In addition to the extensive ground testing, the flight test campaign is progressing exceptionally well." "Today, it stands at more than 3,000 engine flying hours from more than 2,000 engine flights and with the G700 test aircraft fleet in the air these numbers are increasing daily. The pioneering technology and the outstanding performance of the Pearl 700 support Gulfstream’s business aircraft in reaching new standards for the top end of the ultra-long-range corporate jet market.”

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.” 

Rolls-Royce has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy Brandenburg (MWAE) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) to advance the research and development of hybrid-electric propulsion systems for the next generation of aviation in Brandenburg.   The partners agreed on the establishment of development, testing and production facilities, creating an industrial eco-system for hybrid-electric aviation propulsion systems in Dahlewitz and the Lusatia region that’s globally unique. The project will be supported by funding from the Structural Strengthening Act, the federal government's aeronautics research programme and other state funds. Operating facility to expand research Within the new programme Rolls-Royce Deutschland opens an operating facility in Cottbus and plans to expand its research and development capabilities in Dahlewitz. The company is leading the way on one of the world’s most comprehensive hybrid-electric aerospace development and integration programmes for a wide range of applications, including technologies for small gas turbines. Investment Rolls-Royce Deutschland aims to make significant investments for the development project in Brandenburg With a horizon until 2027 and accompanied by positive funding decisions, Rolls-Royce Deutschland aims to make significant investments for the development project in Brandenburg, securing about 50 highly skilled jobs in the region already in 2021. The corresponding work will be split between the Dahlewitz site and the new facility, which will be based at the Center for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus (CHESCO) of Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg. The technical management of the projects will be in Dahlewitz, while a high proportion of work for the development project will be carried out in Cottbus with support from Dahlewitz and from our world class electrical design teams based in Bavaria. Net zero by 2050 Rob Watson, Director Rolls-Royce Electrical, said, “The race to net zero in aviation is both vitally important and one of the most extreme technological challenges there is. The long term and increasing support of the German Government for aerospace technology is a crucial enabler for Rolls-Royce to meet our commitments to sustainable power and net zero by 2050." "Building on the advanced capabilities of our electrical team in Bavaria, the establishment of development, testing and production facilities in Dahlewitz and the Lusatia region will enable Rolls-Royce to deliver hybrid-electric propulsion systems for the next generation of aviation.” Industrial ecosystem Dr. Joerg Au, Engineering Director Rolls-Royce Deutschland, said, "We are looking forward to working with other partners to build a globally unique industrial ecosystem for low-emission, hybrid-electric aviation propulsion systems here in Brandenburg. The work done by our team in Germany will enable a new class of quieter and cleaner air transport and our Dahlewitz site - one of the centres for the further development of hybrid propulsion systems in our company - will thus be further strengthened." Expand R&D of hybrid-electric systems Rolls‑Royce wants to expand the research and development of hybrid-electric systems in Brandenburg "Rolls-Royce is not only one of the most important players in the aviation industry, but the company also sets the pace for the transformation process of the industry. It makes us proud that Rolls‑Royce wants to expand the research and development of hybrid-electric systems for the next generation of aviation here in Brandenburg. This is once again an impressive commitment to Brandenburg as a business location," explained Hendrik Fischer, State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy of Brandenburg, at the signing of the memorandum of understanding. Fischer continued, "I am particularly pleased that Rolls-Royce, in addition to expanding its research & development capacities in Dahlewitz, also opens a presence in Cottbus and work closely with partners from the region. This is an important contribution to the structural development in Lusatia. At the same time, Rolls-Royce's commitment will help Brandenburg to further raise its profile as an important region for the mobility of the future. The state government is therefore happy to support the company with all the means at its disposal." Technology of the future Thomas Jarzombek, Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy, on the occasion of the signing said, "I am delighted that research and development for the aviation of the future is being expanded here in Lusatia. Hybrid-electric propulsion systems are the technology of the future for environmentally friendly aviation and the Federal Government has provided significant support for this settlement." "In a joint effort by industry, the DLR and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, a supra-regional research cluster is being created in Cottbus, which will take the developed technical principles of hybrid-electric flight and apply them consistently. This benefits not only Lusatia, but Germany as a whole as an aviation location.” Adding news partners Rolls-Royce Deutschland will involve existing and new partners from the Lusatia region to a large extent in the work for the development project and continue the ongoing search for industrial partners. The Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU), the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are scientific partners of the project. Electrification of flight is an important part of Rolls-Royce’s sustainability strategy and supports the aim to contribute to a net zero carbon future by 2050. The Rolls-Royce Electrical teams in the UK, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Singapore and the US are working on several projects to develop sustainable, efficient and quieter technology for aviation, marine, land and industrial applications.

Rolls-Royce’s Pearl® 700 engines have been selected by Gulfstream to power the company’s latest ultra-long-range business jet, the G800. The engine type was purpose-designed for Gulfstream and is on track to receive its certification next year. It is the most powerful product in the Rolls-Royce business jet propulsion portfolio flying and the exclusive powerplant for the all-new Gulfstream G700 and Gulfstream G800. With more than 3,600 business jets in service today powered by Rolls-Royce, the company is the Number one engine supplier in this market. Delivering outstanding efficiency Dr. Dirk Geisinger, Director of Business Aviation, Rolls-Royce, said, “Our whole business aviation team is very excited about this latest success for our market-leading Pearl engine family and I would like to congratulate Gulfstream on this special occasion. The Pearl 700 is a pioneering product, that brings together our latest technology to deliver outstanding efficiency." "It is part of our commitment to reach net zero operations and has already proved its ability to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. We are now in the final phase of the engine certification programme and everybody at our team is fully committed to support a smooth entry into service of the Pearl 700 next year.” Enhancing customer purchase experience “Gulfstream is pleased with the performance capabilities of the Pearl 700 engine and excited to partner with Rolls-Royce for the longest-range aircraft we have produced,” said Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream. Rolls‑Royce’s after-market support also dovetails excellently with Gulfstream Customer Support “Gulfstream and Rolls-Royce have been doing business together since the Gulfstream I, introduced more than 60 years ago, and we know our customers will greatly benefit from the performance capabilities and efficiencies of these engines. Rolls‑Royce’s after-market support also dovetails excellently with Gulfstream Customer Support, further enhancing our customers’ ownership experience.” Features The Pearl 700 combines the Advance2 engine core, the most efficient core available across the business aviation sector, with a brand-new low-pressure system, resulting in an eight per cent increase in take-off thrust at 18,250lb compared to the BR725 engine. The engine offers a five percent higher efficiency while maintaining its class-leading low noise and emissions performance. The result is an engine that is highly efficient, but also able to propel customers nearly as fast as the speed of sound (Mach 0.925). The engine’s pioneering technology, combined with outstanding performance, supports Gulfstream’s business aircraft in reaching new standards for the top end of the ultra-long-range corporate jet market. The engine has been developed at the Rolls-Royce Centre of Excellence for Business Aviation Engines in Dahlewitz, Germany, and is currently finalizing a comprehensive test and certification programme. Design Pearl family is supported by Rolls‑Royce CorporateCare Enhanced, the overall service programme Designed for outstanding reliability, the Pearl family is supported by industry-leading Rolls‑Royce CorporateCare® Enhanced, the most comprehensive service programme in business aviation. CorporateCare Enhanced offers substantial financial and operational benefits to customers, increasing asset value and liquidity, mitigating maintenance cost risk and protecting against the unforeseen costs of unscheduled events anywhere in the world. Increased aircraft availability, reduced management burden, full risk transfer, direct priority access to the Rolls-Royce services infrastructure and remote site assistance are further customer benefits. The Pearl engine family is part of the Rolls-Royce IntelligentEngine vision of a future where product and service become indistinguishable thanks to advancements in digital capability. As well as a new-generation Engine Health Monitoring System that introduces advanced vibration detection, the family benefits from the incorporation of advanced remote engine diagnostics. It is also enabled for bi-directional communications, allowing for easy remote reconfiguration of engine-monitoring features from the ground. Cloud-based analytics, smart algorithms and Artificial Intelligence continue to play an increasing role in delivering exceptional levels of availability and greater peace of mind for the customers.

The maritime industry is not covered by the Paris climate agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. However, carbon emissions from maritime activities account for 2 to 3% of total global warming potential (GWP) worldwide, and the share is likely to increase in coming years, approaching 17% of CO2 emissions by 2050. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and its Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is tasked with regulating carbon usage in the maritime industry and has established aggressive goals – both near-term and long-term – to ensure carbon emissions from the maritime market decrease by at least 40% in 2030 (compared to 2008 levels), and by at least 50% by 2050. MEPC has new emissions reduction and efficiency requirements taking effect in 2023. Measures to reduce carbon emissions Binding across its 170 member states, IMO has adopted mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases under its pollution prevention treaty (MARPOL). The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) is mandatory for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) is required for all ships. The Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) is a multi-stakeholder initiative to improve the sustainability of the shipping industry in terms of social, environmental, and economic impacts. Founded in September 2010, SSI has 15 members spanning the shipping value chain, from charterers, shipowners and operators, to shipyards, banks, classification societies, and technology companies. Poseidon Principles Poseidon Principles are consistent with efforts of the IMO to reduce shipping’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions The Poseidon Principles establish a framework for banks and financial institutions to assess and disclose the climate alignment of ships to provide guidance and promote responsible environmental stewardship. The Poseidon Principles, signed by 20 financial institutions representing over $150 billion in loans to the shipping industry, are consistent with efforts of the IMO, seeking to reduce shipping’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least half by 2050. Decarbonisation goals Some shipping companies are already setting individual decarbonisation goals beyond the IMO’s target, driven by their customers’ desire to reduce their global carbon footprint. The intensity of emissions has decreased somewhat in recent years because of larger ship sizes and slower traveling speeds. Interim solutions to lower carbon emissions include the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a shipping fuel, which produces less carbon than the oil commonly used. LNG can also be less expensive but is not seen as a permanent solution because it still emits carbon. FuelEU Maritime initiative Global maritime technology networks promote the adoption of low-carbon technologies The European Commission has launched the FuelEU Maritime initiative, seeking to increase the use of sustainable alternative fuels in European shipping and ports. The European Union also seeks to include the shipping industry in a mandatory cap-and-trade carbon market, a so-called emissions trading scheme, as early as 2022. Also, the global maritime technology network (GMN), funded by the European Union, is a network of Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCCs) in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific. They seek to develop national maritime energy-efficiency policies, promote the adoption of low-carbon technologies and establish voluntary pilot data collection and reporting. Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings Scope ESG Analysis, a German credit rating, and analysis firm has launched a database to display Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings for the world’s commercial maritime fleet. Including 70,000 vessels, the Ship Review database provides transparency into each ship’s environmental, sustainability, and reliability/safety performance.  The CII rating system seeks to assist the maritime industry in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, measuring a ship’s operational efficiency in grams of CO2 emitted per deadweight tonnage and nautical miles travelled. Based on 2020 data, more than a third of the world’s fleet could fail to meet upcoming restrictions. GreenVoyage2050 Project The International Maritime Organisation is executing the GreenVoyage2050 Project through the Project Coordination Unit (PCU). The project seeks to help developing countries in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. Longer-term fixes to lower greenhouse gases include a need for zero-carbon fuels and technologies Phase one of the project, signed with Norway in 2019, is currently underway. Phase one of the GreenVoyage2050 Project is scheduled to run until May 2022. Longer-term fixes to lower greenhouse gases include a need for zero-carbon fuels and technologies; however, they are not currently available at the size, scale, or price the industry needs for broad adoption. New fuels will need to be developed, along with new propulsion systems, upgraded vessels, and a new global refueling network. Need for zero-emissions technologies New zero-emissions fuels and technologies on the horizon include batteries, sustainable biofuels, green or blue hydrogen, and their derivatives such as ammonia and methanol. Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas by splitting molecules into hydrogen and carbon dioxide and capturing and storing the CO2. Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water through electrolysis and powering the process using renewable electricity sources such as wind and solar.  However, zero-carbon technologies are far more expensive than current bunker fuel oil. A wide variety of global stakeholders are involved in trying to lower the impact of maritime’s carbon emissions on climate change. The maritime industry’s 2 to 3% impact may seem small, but the share could increase over time unless the industry continues to take action.

The cruise industry has received a vital lifeline in its bid to safely set sail once again. Several pioneering Finnish businesses and organisations have developed new, innovative safety approaches for the sector to adopt, in response to new post-pandemic measures. These new initiatives and research projects are set to bring the industry back from the brink and ensure a safer and successful cruise experience for all. Undertaking health and safety measures Expectations surrounding cruises today have changed beyond all recognition in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst the safety and wellbeing of passengers and staff has always been a top priority for the industry, its recovery depends on taking health and safety measures to a new level, to drive stability and sustainability in the challenging years ahead. Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, Finnish research organisations and companies have led the charge in responding to the industry’s call for new solutions to support its resurgence. With viable options showing what is possible, the future of the industry looks bright and secure. Healthy Travel project Researchers collaborated with cruise companies to find ways of improving health and safety on cruise ships The Healthy Travel project[i] is one such initiative: researchers collaborated with cruise companies, shipyards, and subcontractors to find ways of improving health and safety on cruise ships and in terminal buildings. Researchers in cell biology and industrial management created models to analyse passenger flows on vessels of different sizes and developed processes and procedures to minimize infection risks. To further understand the role of breathing, coughing, and sneezing in spreading COVID-19, researchers from Tampere University, VTT Technology Research Centre of Finland, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare created a robot head [ii] prototype as part of the AIRCO research project. Air purification techniques The initial aim of the robot was to support the design and planning of all kinds of indoor spaces, including ships and terminals, and to measure the effectiveness of masks, ventilation, and air filtration and purification solutions in preventing the spread of viruses. Ensuring indoor air quality (IAQ) is also a crucial factor for minimising infections among passengers and crew. To support the need for better air purification techniques, interior accommodation provider ALMACO partnered with Genano [iii] to provide the marine and offshore industry with advanced air decontamination technology that removes airborne impurities of all sizes, including microbes and the novel coronavirus. Developing solutions for material flow on ships KONE researched with several cruise line companies to develop solutions for people and material flows on ships In addition to air quality, the flow of people and material can have a huge impact on the transmission of airborne viruses. KONE [iv], a global pioneer for marine elevators and escalators, conducted intensive research in partnership with several cruise line companies to develop new solutions for people and material flows on ships while improving health and safety on board and in the terminals. This involved collecting data with sensors installed on ships, timing activities, and conducting interviews with passengers and crew members. In the same vein, an IoT platform from Hypercell[v] uses Bluetooth signal sensors to collect data on people volumes, dwell times, and flows in indoor and outdoor locations. Innovation is key Innovative approaches are the way forward for the industry to get back on its feet, but with so much at stake, these next steps are crucial to get right. Accurate data, insight, and new techniques will play a key role in moving forward, as Timo Pakarinen, managing director for KONE’s marine business explains, “Any changes on cruise ships must be fact-based and commercially viable solutions because the investments required are so large.” Supporting cruise industry recovery “Collaborative research projects such as these, which have been initiated and funded by Business Finland, will continue to produce innovations and technologies to support the recovery and future viability of the cruise industry for many years to come.” “Finland now offers leading technologies and solutions focusing on indoor air quality, passenger flows, safety protocols, and touchless solutions. The insights gained from this vital research are also contributing to the design of new cruise ships,” says Ulla Lainio, Head of Marine & Ports Global Industry Team at Business Finland.

In recent months, COVID-19 has put incredible pressure on global supply chains. But it’s not just the pandemic that is causing unforeseen pressure on the UK supply chain. We have an ageing infrastructure, a chronic HGV driver shortage, record-high prices and record low space availability on sea freight options, new rules in trading with the EU, and in addition, a UK-wide shortage of warehousing capacity. While we have had to stay at home, online shopping has peaked and an increasing amount of goods have been transported across the globe. According to UNCTAD, maritime logistics represents 90 percent of the world supply chain. Therefore, ports are an integral part of global trade. Ensuring uninterrupted supply The global freight market is under extreme pressure at the moment, and port congestion results in container vessel delays which might lead to demurrage charges for cargo owners. These are genuinely unprecedented times, requiring decision makers across a wide variety of sectors to think hard and think differently when it comes to ensuring uninterrupted supply throughout peak season and beyond. A multi-modal approach can meet the client’s needs in the best way allowing them to react to change A multi-modal approach can meet the client’s needs in the best way allowing them to react to change and automatically make amends to the plan, in accordance with the issues being faced. However, end-to-end supply chains rely on assets and you’re only as robust as the amount of ships and/or operators involved. The industry has faced many challenges with Brexit, Christmas, COVID-19 and the Suez Canal and although some can be seen as isolated incidents, they have happened and they will again. Improving any breakdowns It’s difficult to prepare for the unknown and when it might happen but I think operators have a great way of gathering the data following these events and use it to improve any breakdowns in the chain in preparation for if there’s a next time. As a result of the pandemic, shipping companies took ships out of the sea due to reduced demand but it’s interesting that demand is now increasing and yet the numbers of ships back out at sea hasn’t increased alongside. The cost of using ships has rocketed - one customer importing from Japan used to pay £900 per container, now it’s £7,000 and even £14,000 from China. Port-centric warehousing We really need everyone working together to benefit all parties - it’s very one-sided at the moment So, we’re seeing prices remaining high with fewer ships operating - what incentive do operators have to get more ships back out onto the water and get back to where they were, when their income is healthy with reduced numbers? We really need everyone working together to benefit all parties - it’s very one-sided at the moment but I understand that companies could be remaining cautious with a fast return to pre-COVID while the pandemic is still impacting life. Looking ahead, I think autonomy is going to be huge and we’ll see the reliance on trained operatives being removed. Autonomous shipping is already being trialled and of course, the capabilities of drones is only going to improve in the future. Whilst there is no silver bullet for the combination of complex challenges we face, one suggested approach is to put port-centric warehousing at the heart of your UK distribution strategy. National rail infrastructure The port-centric model is very simple. Rather than transporting your goods hundreds of miles inland to primary distribution centres, the storage facilities are located close to, or within key ports. By doing so, you take costly, time-consuming links out of the supply chain, replacing them with seamless, simple solutions from ship to doorstep. Another option to consider, which again takes links out of the supply chain, is to utilise the rail network within the port for onward transportation. We’re fortunate at Solent Gateway to offer a dedicated rail link which is connected to the national rail infrastructure and can provide a direct route for freight whilst reducing traffic on the roads. At Solent Gateway, we are committed to solving customers’ supply chain challenges and support businesses that seek facilitation of logistics hubs, business parks, storage, sea to rail, sea to road, automobile, project cargo, general cargo, dry bulk and break bulk.

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.”

Scientific research showing that the COVID-19 virus spreads mainly through aerosols and particles has focused attention on indoor air quality as a crucial factor for minimising infections among passengers and crew on cruise ships and other vessels. In response, ALMACO and Genano are partnering to provide the marine and offshore industry with advanced air decontamination technology that removes airborne impurities of all sizes, including microbes and the novel coronavirus. About ALAMCO Founded in 1998, ALMACO serves the marine and offshore industries with turnkey solutions for interior accommodation, catering, laundry, public and technical areas. The company has a long track record of new-build and modernization projects for the world’s leading shipyards and cruise lines. ALMACO’s networks enable Genano to bring its unique electric filtration technology to this market" “Finland is a forerunner in air purification and Genano is the most trusted actor in this field, with more than 20 years experience in the most demanding settings, such as hospital operating theatres. ALMACO’s extensive networks across the maritime industry enable Genano to bring its unique electric filtration technology to this market,” says Erik Schobesberger, VP Modernisation & Newbuilding Support, ALMACO. Improving indoor air quality Genano’s patented electrical filtration technology removes even the smallest microbes. It effectively protects against the COVID-19 virus and also decontaminates indoor air from bacteria, mould spores, ozone, pollen, odours, and harmful gases. “We recommend Genano’s proven technology to our customers because it is cost-effective, flexible, and can be conveniently deployed on existing vessels. Compared to disposable HEPA filter systems, Genano’s air purification devices do not clog up and are easier to maintain.” “With health precautions now at the core of the cruise experience, we are confident that Genano’s solutions will set the standard for indoor air quality in the maritime industry of the future.”

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.

The hybrid-electric exploration cruise vessel Le Commandant Charcot became the first vessel of its kind to reach the geographic North Pole on September 6, 2021, as it was completing the sea trials in preparation for welcoming guests for the maiden voyage later this year. Equipped with Azipod® propulsion technology, the luxury cruise ship produces minimal noise and vibrations to provide a comfortable passenger experience. Moreover, the ship’s energy storage system, supplied and integrated by ABB, is the largest ever delivered to a vessel of its kind at almost five megawatt hours, allowing the engines to be switched off for silent, emissions-free cruising. Energy storage system Le Commandant Charcot will also be available to the scientific community contributing to the global efforts in the study and preservation of the Poles and oceans. The vessel is equipped with measurement instruments, and features science labs as well as a moon pool for taking samples, with all of the equipment designed to meet the requirements of academic research. Le Commandant Charcot offers a platform for observation, research and analysis to scientists With that, Le Commandant Charcot offers a platform for observation, research and analysis to scientists around the world, enabling them to study remote areas by regularly collecting data in these zones. “ABB designed both the Azipod® propulsion units and the energy storage system to meet the precise operational requirements of Le Commandant Charcot,” said Mathieu Petiteau, Director, Newbuilding and R&D, PONANT. Zero-emissions mode “As well as ensuring a high level of passenger comfort, the vessel is capable of cruising in zero-emissions mode while exploring remote locations. Thanks to the Azipod® system’s maneuverability, the ship will also be able to navigate smoothly and safely through icy waters.” “Azipod® propulsion has become the preferred solution for exploration cruise vessels operating in highly sensitive and demanding marine environments. We are proud to have been chosen by PONANT and look forward to seeing Le Commandant Charcot in action for the years to come,” said Dick Björkqvist, Global Segment Manager, Cruise, ABB Marine & Ports. With the electric drive motor situated in a submerged pod outside the ship hull, the Azipod® system can rotate 360 degrees, significantly increasing maneuverability and operating efficiency of a vessel and cutting fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared to conventional shaftline systems. Passenger cruise segment Le Commandant Charcot is the first cruise ship with the ability to sail in ‘double-acting mode’ Since its launch 30 years ago, Azipod® propulsion has saved a total of over 1,000,000 tons of fuel in the passenger cruise segment alone. Options for Azipod® propulsion range from 1 to 22 megawatts, and its technology plays a key role in ABB’s strong position for environmentally-friendly electric propulsion. Le Commandant Charcot is the first cruise ship with the ability to sail in ‘double-acting mode’, meaning it can navigate stern-first in ice conditions to improve safety and complete cruises in a timely and efficient manner. In addition, the Azipod® system allows the vessel to be brought to a complete stop in 50 percent less time than a ship with a traditional shaftline set-up. Remote equipment monitoring The vessel’s emphasis on safety is further reflected in its connectivity to the ABB Ability™ Collaborative Operations infrastructure. ABB’s scope of supply for this pioneering vessel also includes power generation and distribution technology With round-the-clock access to a worldwide network of ABB experts, Le Commandant Charcot will benefit from remote equipment monitoring and diagnostics for enhanced passenger and ship safety – services that are particularly important for vessels operating in the farthest reaches of the globe. ABB’s scope of supply for this pioneering vessel also includes power generation and distribution technology, propulsion-control and remote-control systems and a Power and Energy Management System (PEMS™). Reduced fuel consumption Through the PEMS™, Le Commandant Charcot will optimise the use of its hybrid power supply – comprising the main power source, liquefied natural gas, and the energy storage system – to ensure optimal engine load with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The ship also features ABB’s Power2 two-stage turbocharging solution, further increasing fuel savings by up to five percent. “With yet another high-spec passenger vessel delivered to its owner featuring ABB integrated power and propulsion technology, we are rapidly expanding our portfolio in this segment,” says Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports. “Le Commandant Charcot perfectly demonstrates the benefits of our electric, digital and connected solutions for this kind of ship, offering a blueprint for other expedition vessels to follow.”

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.

Managing large amounts of documentation, data and paperwork can take a toll on the supply chain operations of any business. It can end up being a drain on resources, without providing accurate results.   In order to improve their relationship with their customers and offer cargo journey visibility, Drac Logistics (Drac), a supply chain solutions provider based in the United Kingdom, turned to TradeLens for a solution. The Customer Established in 2009, with their head office in Staffordshire and their Scottish regional office in Falkirk, Drac currently generates a turnover of GBP 23 million per annum, providing their logistical services primarily to the East Asian, African, North American, and Middle Eastern markets. Drac had been seeking ways to improve the cargo journey visibility for their customers Over 80% of Drac’s customer base is comprised of food producers with big names such as Kellogg’s. However, they also facilitate a wide range of other industries, including general cargo, vehicles and chemicals. With a focus on customer-centricity, Drac is able to cater to businesses of all sizes across the supply chain spectrum by offering them a personal relationship where others might not. They utilise the industry experience of their staff and invest the appropriate time to fully understand the requirements for each customer. Designing their service around those requirements, and setting up dedicated teams with the right expertise, ensures they provide the precise services their customers need. "Service on top of visibility are key factors for all of our customers," said Andy Hopkin, Business Development Direct at Drac Logistics. The Challenge Drac had been seeking ways to improve the cargo journey visibility for their customers but struggled to find a supply chain software that could add value to their existing systems. Unable to find a digital twin solution that could scale down to their needs, the team at Drac were often required to interpret notification emails that were up to 20 pages long. Each staff member had to spend 2 hours each morning preparing reports on the shipment schedules and delays to ensure their customers were kept up to date on the status of their cargo. The Solution With Maersk already being Drac’s global logistics partner for over 12 years, their account manager understood the pain points their business was facing and recommended they use TradeLens to streamline their processes. Using TradeLens Core, Drac can streamline the process to keep up to date with the location and status of all their containers TradeLens is an open and neutral supply chain ecosystem developed by Maersk, underpinned by IBM blockchain technology, and now supported by 5 of the top 6 global ocean carriers. Eager to find out more about how they could begin working with an all-in-one data interchange that could provide them with information updated in real-time, an online demo of the supply chain software was arranged for Drac. Following the demonstration, the team at Drac felt that the solution ticked all the boxes and would enable them to easily gather information on the status of the cargo at each stage of the journey. The ability to have visibility over the previous blind spots in their journey was the dominant factor that led to their decision to opt for TradeLens as their supply chain software. Within 2 weeks of the demonstration, Drac signed the contract with IBM and was ready to go. "Having worked closely with Drac at all levels, understanding the customers' business priorities and barriers was key in matching that to our solutions. The team at Drac have always been big advocates of continuous improvement and on the lookout for streamlining, optimising, and increasing efficiencies of processes, therefore, it made perfect sense to discuss and propose TradeLens as a solution," said Liston Pinto, Account Manager at Maersk. The Results Using TradeLens Core, Drac will now save significant amounts of staff time when creating KPI reports, as well as streamline the process to keep up to date with the location and status of all their containers. They are now able to enhance their systems, forgoing the pain of change management in deploying new client-facing interfaces, and instead enhance their existing software to now become the best in class in terms of data speed and accuracy. This enables Drac to provide full visibility to their customers whilst delivering a higher level of service, as their customers will now be updated in real-time when any breaks in the supply chain arise in the journey of their goods. As TradeLens allows them to inform their customers of every detail in the journey and how long goods are spent at each stage, Drac now has a direct advantage over competitors who still rely on traditional track-and-trace systems. With TradeLens freeing up our staff from manual processes, it gives us the freedom to be proactive rather than reactive and continue our growth aspirations and service offerings to our customer base. We see this as a game-changer for how we market ourselves and the way we handle the customer, said Alex Hayes, Director at Drac Logistics Innovating with TradeLens The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all industries has increased focus on the need to innovate and create a streamlined supply chain setup. Pioneering innovation in the industry, TradeLens, underpinned by IBM blockchain technology, provides businesses true end-to-end visibility and unprecedented collaboration.