Cavotec has launched its next-generation automated vacuum mooring solution, MoorMaster NxG, which it says will revolutionise the way ships enter and leave ports, mooring in as little as 30 seconds
With the launch of its latest mooring system, Cavotec looks to overhaul the berthing of ships in port using ropes and chains, saving time and reducing turn-around times to allow more time cruising at lower speeds for lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Fast, hands-free mooring enables ports to increase productivity while also reducing emissions and keeping employees safe. The Cavotec system was part of the FinFerries battery-powered ferry system.
Cavotec chief executive Mikael Norin said, “As the inventors of vacuum mooring, we have used every minute of data from 20 years’ service to redesign MoorMaster from the ground up, to deliver faster, smarter installation, improved performance, continuous monitoring and easier maintenance. All in a unit with a smaller, more streamlined footprint and an aesthetically pleasing design.”
“These are qualities ASKO Maritime saw as crucial when they are planned the introduction of the world’s first autonomous, zero-emissions vessels. We are very proud of having been selected as a key partner to ASKO,” said Mr Norin.
ASKO Maritime, the shipping arm of Norway’s largest grocery chain, will benefit from MoorMaster NxG in its Oslo Fjord operations where the fully electric ships will sail autonomously from port to port replacing 2M km of truck transport, saving 5,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.
ASKO Maritime chief executive Kai Just Olsen said, “The MoorMaster system will save us huge amounts of energy and is a key enabler of autonomous operations. Since we will not need to use the powerful bow and side thrusters in port, our electric vessels will use less energy and also extend the battery lifetime. The MoorMaster technology is perfect to complement to our new ships – using modern technology for a futuristic fleet.”
Even with conventional vessels, MoorMaster can reduce the level of harmful emissions by as much as 98% during mooring, leading to a healthier environment for port employees and nearby communities. MoorMaster NxG comes with patented Active Control technology and uses a proprietary software algorithm to eliminate vessel motion while also drastically increasing system lifetime.
For ports, this leads to increased loading/offloading productivity and enables future use cases such as fully automated ship-to-shore cranes. With continuous recording of operational data, the advent of artificial intelligence is set to further improve MoorMaster NxG with every software update.
“In the next 10 years, with the introduction of smart shipping technology, we could finally see the end of the slow and dangerous use of ropes and chains at dockside. A modern shipping industry needs a mooring solution that meets and exceeds its high expectations of productivity and reduced environmental footprint at docks around the world,” concluded Mr Norin.
Riviera is producing a range of technical and operational webinars and virtual events with the industry’s foremost experts. Sign up to attend on our events page
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.