Elevators and related systems have their role to play in making vessel operations smarter, more energy efficient and improving passenger flow
Elevators and related systems have their role to play in making vessel operations smarter, more energy efficient and improving passenger flow
Digitalisation is bringing efficiencies to maintaining and operating elevators and passenger traffic. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Horizon provides an example, featuring elevators that use an innovative technology to optimise passenger traffic flow.
Passengers select their destination from a touch-panel in the lobby and are then directed to an elevator that is programmed to take them to their destination in the quickest possible time. This results in fewer stops, shorter travel time and reduced energy consumption.
Known as PORT Technology, the system is provided by elevator company Schindler. The company estimates the PORT Technology system can cut passenger embarkation and disembarkation time by up to 40%.
Schindler supplied 33 elevators and four escalators for Carnival Horizon. Sixteen of the vessel’s main elevators incorporate the PORT Technology system.
Carnival Horizon was built by Fincantieri and carried out its maiden trans-Atlantic crossing in 2018. The vessel is the second of Carnival’s Vista-class ships and operates six and eight-night sailings from Miami to the western, eastern and southern Caribbean.
Finland-based Kone is also applying digital technologies to make elevator operations more efficient. The TrafCal traffic calculator provides analysis of passenger flow during embarkation, disembarkation and at-sea operations, while the E-link equipment monitoring system allows crew and maintenance personnel to see transport demand, performance, availability and quickly respond to malfunctions. Traffic flow is optimised by the Hybrid Destination Control System (DCS), which combines the function of a traditional DCS with a collective control system. This groups passengers travelling to the same destinations into the same elevators, improving flow of foot traffic.
MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia is the lead ship in the Vista Project series of vessels, launched in 2017 and joined in service by sister vessel MSC Bellissima in 2019. With capacity for more than 7,000 passengers and crew members, efficient flow of foot traffic is vital.
“We have 7,000 people on board, moving around 24 hours – this is like a small town,” said MSC Meraviglia’s hotel director Andrea Spezie in a feature on Kone’s website detailing their supply of equipment for the vessel. “If the elevator stops, everything will stop,” he added.
Kone is providing 24 MiniSpace elevators, six MonoSpace elevators, four TravelMaster escalators, two MiniSpace scenic elevators and two platform elevators. The MiniSpace elevators are designed to make optimal use of available space by housing the compact machine room in an extension of the elevator shaft, with just a small additional space needed for the control panel. The MonoSpace elevator, meanwhile, uses a single shaft and eliminates the need for a machine room, allowing it to serve all decks in a vessel including the topmost. Mr Spezie added that KONE provides continuous supervision of the equipment, allowing servicing and maintenance to be carried out at the earliest convenient time when the vessel makes a port call.
Innovative side-loading elevators save time when taking on supplies
Lift Emotion owner Mike Brandt speaks to PST about the latest developments in elevator technology and operations.
A Ritz-Carlton cruise vessel currently under construction at Spanish shipyard Hijos de J Barreras is to be fitted with the first two of Lift Emotion’s innovative side loaders, which have been successfully tested in the company’s factory. These make loading cargoes up to 3,000 kg simpler – a large shell door in the side of the vessel’s hull, constructed by project partner SPConsulto, allows the platforms to extend and take on loads before retracting back into the vessel and being lowered to the required deck level. This saves time when docking and taking on supplies, Mr Brandt explains.
Lift Emotion is continuing to develop its robotic arm project for cruise vessels. Mr Brandt explains that the system, which is also described as a 4D lift and amusement ride, is in the first stage of concept engineering. It will allow passengers on a vessel to be transported to different positions between decks. The system would be best placed inside a large atrium area to allow “more playful” travel between decks on a cruise ship, Mr Brandt adds.
As in other areas of maritime, digitalisation and the internet of things is improving elevator operations too. Mr Brandt explains that the company’s elevator controls and inverter drive are internet-enabled, meaning Lift Emotion’s engineers and service staff can remotely assist with troubleshooting without being physically on board the vessel, saving time and money.
The company has recently seen demand for its products and services in the ferry and mini cruise sector, Mr Brand says, naming Lindblad and Ritz-Carlton as two clients. As well as newbuild projects, Mr Brand has seen several conversion projects on older vessels where refurbishment or complete replacement of elevator systems has been carried out.
“When lifting heights are around two to six levels our system gives a much better solution for the vessel and end-user,” Mr Brandt says, explaining that through using inverter drives on these lower-rise elevators a greater level of comfort and a more silent ride can be achieved, as the equipment and machinery is housed inside the lift trunk. The system is simpler and so easier for onboard engineers to maintain, as there is no machine room at the top of the shaft or heavy counterweights moving through the vessel. In addition, energy efficiency savings are made as power is only consumed when the elevator is moving vertically upwards rather than downwards.
Mr Brandt notes that owners of existing hydraulic drive systems could see benefits from converting to an inverter-driven system, giving an estimated 30%-50% reduction in heat generation and energy usage, and an approximately 30% reduction in noise.
Doors are biggest culprit for marine elevator breakdowns
Nearly 75% of service calls for marine elevators are for malfunctioning door operators, MR Marine Group says.
In a blog post outlining how to avoid breakdowns, the company explained that as door operators undergo large amounts of wear and tear, being activated at least twice whenever the elevator stops, they more readily go out of adjustment and can either shut the system down or interfere with operations.
The human factor also plays a part. Using the control buttons rather than manually holding doors open with hands and feet and avoiding slamming hand-moved hinged doors can also reduce wear and tear.
All errors should be recorded to enable technicians to identify patterns and problems, and if repeated service calls are required, it makes sense to replace the operators, MR Marine Group adds.
Other tips include ensuring routine tasks are carried out. One example is regularly cleaning door tracks and sills to remove dust, dirt and debris that can prevent doors from opening smoothly, prevent them from closing or fully opening. Another is ensuring oilers that dispense lubricant are topped up to avoid dry friction and wear of guide shoes, which can damage safety gears. Likewise, oil spoons and trays that collect excess oil should be emptied to reduce slip hazards in the elevator pit.
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