Digitalisation and electrification to shape the future of cargo handling

The pressure may be on for shipowners to modernise fleets and to adopt green technology but this need is being passed down the supply chain with equipment manufactures also taking steps in developing new solutions that will enable shipowners to meet with those challenges of the future.

Developments are seeing more electric solutions being developed in aid to help to phase out old hydraulic systems that use oil for moving parts. The shift in the market is mainly being spear headed by early adopters such as energy and military companies looking for sustainable solutions for the future.

Environmental impact

Norwegian-based VestDavit has seen trends in the market that companies are looking for modern and sustainable solutions for vessels. The technologies that are being developed have created a niche market that William Goodall, Area Sales Manager, VestDavit explains that “numbers at the top of the niche has grown”.

Goodall highlights a project that it is involved with in the US where it is working to provide “future proof systems”. The company has provided all electric davit systems for the project to the US Navy.

He adds that the demand for electric solutions has grown in recent years which has been driven by customers, but has been “expected” as new regulations have been coming into effect for ships to reduce their environmental impact.

Finnish-based Cargotec MacGregor has also been promoting its portfolio of electric solutions for the industry. The portfolio includes mooring systems through to simulation software for cargo optimisation.

Cargotec has also been setting its own environmental goals and by 2024, Cargotec aims to reduce the CO2e emissions of its value chain by 1,000,000 tonnes and highlights that 140+ containerships have been upgraded with its solutions since 2015.

Through its Cargotec Cargo Boost solution for cargo optimisation will reduce the environmental footprint of container transport by 10%, the company claims. MacGregor has already delivered Cargo Boost to some of the largest container shipping lines in the world, the company also highlights. Magnus Sjöberg, Senior Vice President Merchant Solutions, says a simulation of the impact of Cargo Boost on a fully laden 13,000 teu container ship operating on a transpacific route calculated 10% savings in CO2 emissions (460 tonnes).

The scope of a Cargo Boost upgrade can range from documentation updates and/or minor mechanical upgrades to changing lashing gaps, refining mixed stowage or more significant reconfigurations. Services also include cargo securing manual and loading computer updates, as well as crew and back-office training. Owners considering lengthening a vessel would also be able to use Cargo Boost service.

The main focus for equipment suppliers is to remove the polluting parts of the solution, i.e.: oil in the hydraulics to de-risk the potential contamination that it can have. However, with more solutions in the market becoming electric, there is also an increased demand for power for these solutions to work.

Goodall comments that this has something that they have noted and whilst newbuild vessels are less of a challenge, the existing vessels in the market due have concerns about power usage of solutions getting installed.

“It all depends on what starter you have. Having a direct online starter can draw a lot of power. We are recommending to customers the use of a soft starter for our solutions to reduce the power draw”, Goodall comments.

Vestdavit is also working on the development of variable frequency drives (VDF), “a bit like what you see in Tesla cars”, to address the power draw challenge of its solutions in the future.

Optimisation through digitalisation

Through its different packages MacGregor has stepped towards a more digital future with its solutions. The company is embracing a new way of thinking and sees that it part of the bigger supply chain with technologies now becoming more ‘connected’.

MacGregor’s contribution to the Alpha Lift foundation vessel will have a new motion-compensated pile gripper developed jointly with Kongsberg Maritime for integration with dynamic positioning and control. Dennis Mol, Vice President Digitalisation & Business Transformation, says that the inclusion of advanced automation technology has resulted in a capability that eliminates unnecessary mooring, offering time and cost savings. “Simulations have been a key part of this project, and part of the product development with our customer”. The Alfa Lift vessel is due to be delivered early in 2022.

VestDavit have also seen further advancements in digitalisation through its own MissionEase solution. Developed for military vessels that need flexibility in deploying craft from hangars, but has also further capabilities for other sectors. Instead of a traditional davit mounted on the upper deck of a ship, MissionEase uses a system of hydraulic cradles to move boats on a tracking system within a hangar inside the hull to positions for maintenance, preparation or launch using a telescopic davit.

One notable project from Vestdavit with its MissionEase system is on Ulstein’s Aurora. The system installed on the Aurora has a capacity to handle as many as 14 craft – including workboats and ROVs – that can be securely stored and mobilised in the enclosed ‘garage’ on the mission deck.

Mol also notes that it is not just the solutions that are being impacted through digitalisation but the whole service package, how companies and customers are communicating has also recently changed because of the COVID pandemic.

By accessing the right data it is possible to make more effective gains from both solutions and services. “Diagnostics, spare parts logistics and service visits – all of these steps speed up tremendously if you have the right information at your fingertips. Our customers estimate that this type of digital analysis can cut the time needed for evaluation alone by 50%”, comments Mol.

Aukra, a Norwegian-based cargo handling systems provider has also recently announced its latest development of its tailor-made automated loading and unloading cargo system for Aker Biomarine’s new supply vessel, Antarctic Provider. The project was for a special purpose design for a cargo handling solution, which would shorten the duration of offloading processed krill by up to 50%.

“The fact that Aker Biomarine uses Norwegian suppliers for their projects shows they want high quality equipment and their continued support of the Norwegian marine equipment suppliers. This strengthens our belief that our commitment to product quality and development is justified”, says Per Arne Rindarøy, Managing Director of Aukra Maritime.

The installation includes four cranes, installed in the roof of the cargo hold, for lifting of big bags. The installation included three ADK 100 cranes, each with 6t capacity with a lifting height of 16m, as well as a larger capacity ADK 150 crane, with a 9t lifting capacity with a lifting height of 16m. In addition, there are eight side port units. The scope of supply included four operators cabins for the larger capacity ‘big bag’ cranes, as well as separate operator positions to control the hold cranes.

Developments of autonomous solutions in the market is gaining pace, alongside the need for greener and more efficient ships. The supplier market has already upped the ante on this with solutions now ready for those shipping companies looking to modernise fleets. Offering more flexibility in operation is key for the shipping market going into the future. Having the right equipment onboard will be a key factor for this.