Shipping - into the future : regulatory, technology, and operation

Abstract

Automation is the use of integrated technology to develop intelligent solutions to improve operational efficiency and safety. Ship automation and drones automation enhances shipboard operations to be more efficiently performed. While on the other hand, port automation enables the control of vessel traffic and trade flow efficiently thereby increasing port’s productivity and efficiency.

In today’s world, cyber-attack and data theft is a real and imminent threat for organizations. With the recent Maersk Line cyber attack incident, it is important for organizations including their employees to instil a sense of cyber security awareness and know what are the precautionary measures to adopt. Furthermore, with particular emphasis on environmental sustainability nowadays, future approach on operations such as Just-In-Time Sailing and the use of electronic bills of lading will result in less usage of resources.

With the upcoming IMO 2020 Sulphur Cap Regulation, all ships will have to comply by adopting one of the compliant options such as changing over to low sulphur fuel oil or retrofitting of exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers). As these compliant options comes with different benefits and risks as well as costings, shipowners will have to know the approach in determining which is the most cheapest and feasible option to adopt in order to stay competitive.

The aim of this project is to highlight some of the main prevailing operational challenges faced by shipping industry. Following which, futuristic solutions and ideas to tackle the identified challenges will be proposed and introduced to this report. The impacts and challenges of implementing these futuristic approach will also be discussed. Lastly, the report will also provide insights and recommendations which will help the shipping community understand future market situation and make better decisions.