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Digitalisation solutions enable electric-powered, semi-autonomous vessels
Artificial intelligence, cyber security, autonomous navigation and advanced simulators are increasingly important in the development of fully electric vessels
As more vessels are designed and built to operate fully emissions free, advances in digitalisation, autonomous operations, online security and simulator-based modelling will become increasingly important.
Vessels will operate using energy storage systems integrated with other power sources for back-up, or through electrical networks designed using 3D software, digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI).
A new generation of seafarers and remote-control operators will need to be trained to operate electric-powered vessels and maintain energy management systems.
In northern Europe, semi-autonomous vessels are being built and trialled for shortsea and coastal routes using battery power and connectivity for real-time monitoring.
These challenges and technologies will be debated at Riviera’s Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cell Conference 2024, which returns to Bergen, Norway, on 29-31 October 2024, bringing together vessel owners, energy companies, port authorities, regulators, class, technology and battery manufacturers.
The afternoon session on the third day of this international-focused conference will provide insight into digitalisation technologies enabling electric-powered vessels to be designed and operated, some of which will be semi-autonomous and operated remotely.
During the conference, Wärtsilä general manager for power and energy management systems (EMS), Bjørnar Skogseth, will explain how AI and data analytics are influencing the design and implementation of EMS on ships. He will cover how AI-driven EMS functions could provide load predictions and minimise energy and emissions from integrated systems including four-stroke engines, batteries, generators, motors, fuel cells and shaft drives.
Mr Skogseth will highlight the operational considerations for integrated hybrid systems for large vessels, and ways in which digitalisation can improve efficiency.
ComAp marine segment manager, Jaroslav Juriga, will provide an overview of the new generation of power and energy management systems being developed for marine applications and how efficiencies can be achieved from onboard DC and AC electrical systems.
As these power and energy management systems are further developed and deployed on vessels, they will be further connected to online services for diagnostics, software updates and regular maintenance.
This increases their vulnerability to cyber issues and requires enhanced security to prevent incidents and breakdowns.
Mr Juriga will explain how new cyber-security regulations and guidance from the European Union, US Administration and the International Association of Classification Societies has been introduced and updated in 2024 and will change in 2025. Vessel owners, builders, designers, developers and integrators will need to remain compliant.
When power and energy management systems are installed, seafarers will need to know how to operate and maintain them, which will require training in academies and simulator centres to acquire new knowledge and skills.
Csmart Carnival Corp operates one of the largest simulator centres in Europe for training its officers and engineers. It is developing and delivering professional training to ensure the corporation’s seafarers keep abreast of latest international rules and regulations and have the required skills.
Csmart Carnival instructor in specialist electrical systems, Andrea Macorini, will introduce the centre’s simulation suite and training courses. He will explain why simulation adds high value when improving seafarer skills as it provides a safe environment to practise manoeuvres and maintain power systems.
Mr Macorini will describe how Csmart analyses case studies and lessons learned from incidents, then tests seafarers in these scenarios to avoid them reoccurring.
Riviera’s fifth international-focused Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference returns to Bergen, Norway, on 29-31 October 2024 to bring together leading vessel owners, energy companies, port authorities, regulators, class, technology and battery manufacturers. Use this link to register and purchase tickets and for more information.
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