Conference Programme: Day 2 | Wednesday 22 May

Registration sponsored by:

08:00 - 17:00

Exhibition open

Edwin Lampert, Executive Editor & Head of Business Relations, Riviera Maritime Media

09:00

Learning from the headlines: Ever Given, Golden Ray, Freemantle Highway and other casualties

Using recent high-profile casualties as case studies, this session distils key lessons for salvors and operators.

• Ever Given grounding - factors in successful response
• Golden Ray wreck removal - cutting edge methods
• Freemantle Highway - tackling burning EVs
• Post-analysis technology like digital twins
• Importance of cooperation between stakeholders
• Balancing speed, cost and environmental impact

Richard Janssen,

Managing Director,

SMIT Salvage 

09:20

Boosting emergency preparedness: Insights for tug operators and salvors
 
This presentation will focus on lessons learned and strategies to improve coordination and communication between tug operators, salvors, and authorities during maritime emergencies.
 
It will cover:

• Implementing lessons from recent emergency response operations involving tugs and salvors, with a focus on communications with authorities based on experiences in the UK
• Fostering clearer communication protocols between tug crews, salvage teams and government authorities during incidents
• Conducting joint exercises between tugs and salvors for different incident scenarios
• Evaluating equipment and capabilities required for future casualties involving new fuel types like hydrogen and ammonia

Stephan Hennig,

The Secretary of State’s Representative Maritime Salvage and Intervention

UK Government

09:40

Lawful trading, lawful operations

This paper provides an in-depth review of towage contracts and laws shaping tug and salvage operations worldwide

• Towage, salvage and supply forms - updates and comparisons
• Importance of clear, equitable contracts and clauses
• Regional towage contracts/legal quirks - USA, Australia, Europe, Middle East
• Mitigating liability and insolvency risks through legal terms
• Port state towage requirements and regulations globally
• Balancing owner and charterer interests in negotiations
• Impact of automation and decarbonisation on contracts

Damayanti Sen,
Of counsel,
Fichte & Co 

Q&A

Networking coffee break in the VIP Hospitality area and visit the exhibition

Sponsored by:

11:30

The path to autonomous tugboats: integrating key technologies for lifecycle digitalisation

The seamless integration of VDMS, PMS, big data and AI is revolutionising the tug industry, paving the way for fully autonomous operations. By harnessing these cutting-edge technologies and digitalising the entire vessel lifecycle, it is possible to set new standards in safety, reliability and performance.

• Seamless integration of Vessel Data Management Systems (VDMS) and Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS)
• Generation and utilisation of extensive data on tugboat operations and performance
• Implementation of artificial intelligence algorithms in predictive maintenance systems
• Complete transition to autonomous tugboats through digitalisation of the entire vessel lifecycle 

Arif Volga Kaya,
Budget & Strategic Projects Manager,
Uzmar Shipyard

View paper here

11:50

Digitalisation and cybersecurity in tug operations

Connectivity, data analytics and automation can boost safety, efficiency and decision-making for tug operators. However, this can also bring risks, in a world where there are more and more cyber incidents and attacks.

• Cybersecurity in the maritime transport sector
• Developments at the International Maritime Organisation on cybersecurity
• Steps to take to make your operations more cyber-secure
• Digitalisation of tug operations and associated risks
• Risks linked to technology supply chains 

Edward Banks,

Policy Officer,

European Commission DG MOVE

Mobility & Transport Unit A5 – Security

12:20

Overcoming electrical system integration challenges for tugs

As tugs transition to advanced propulsion systems like diesel-electric and hybrid solutions, owners and operators face unfamiliar integration challenges. This paper discusses practical experiences and recommendations to streamline integration of these complex systems, considering performance, efficiency, safety and ease of use.

• Typical operational profiles and modes to properly configure new electrical systems
• Real-world case studies of successful tug projects using automated, user-friendly systems
• How to avoid overspecification and reduce costs while meeting requirements
• Best practices for crew utilisation and maintenance to optimise system usage
• How proper configuration cuts CAPEX; efficient utilisation controls OPEX
• Efficient propulsion as a way of mitigating the rising cost of new fuels

Mattias Dombrowe,
Business Manager,
Electrical System Integration,
Berg Propulsion

12:40

Q&A

13:00

Buffet lunch & networking in the VIP Hospitality area and visit the exhibition

14:40

Smooth Sailing: Pilot-Tug cooperation

In this joint presentation, views from both the Port authority and the towage provider on the current trends in the towage industry will be presented on overcoming strains and pain points at the port interface using enhanced technology, training and communication.
 
Topics that will be covered are:

• Remote controlled and autonomous tug operations
• Alternative fuel implementation and modular power systems
• Software and drones for augmented tug processes
• Crew training, development, and human factors

Patrick Everts,

General Manager, 

KOTUG INTERNATIONAL B.V.

and

Capt. Justin Adams, 
Marine Services Manager
RAK Ports, Ras Al Khaimah

14:55

Readying tugboat operators and crew for next-generation vessels and technology

• Risk management for alternate fuel/energy storage systems – battery, LNG, hydrogen, methanol, ammonia
• Automation and autonomous technology familiarisation
• Balancing automation and the need for human intervention and improvisation
• Crew training regulatory requirements  

Tamer Geçkin,

R&D Director,

Sanmar Shipyards

View paper here

15:10

Changing attitudes for sustainable port operations

The European Tug Association is participating in an EU-funded project that aims to reduce emissions in port services, including tugs and towage, by focusing on behavioural change. While technologies like alternative fuels and electric engines are being explored, they are not yet ready for large scale commercial use or able to provide adequate power for larger ships and towage operations. This paper will update attendees on the progress being made in the following areas:

• Emissions, awareness and training data
• Sharing sustainable practices
• Data to develop an energy efficiency curriculum
• Modular curriculum for integration into courses and train-the-trainer
• Piloting learning streams
• Implementing a comprehensive evaluation framework
• Raising awareness on the need for sustainable behavioural change
• Establishing a cross-sectoral working group to promote sustainability

Anna Maria Darmanin,

Secretary General,

European Tugowners Association

15:25

Q&A

16:00 - 17:00

Networking coffee break in the VIP Hospitality area and visit the exhibition