Connect with us

Technology

SMW 2021: Maritime Drone Estate launched as Test Bed for Drone Technologies

MDE provides a conducive space to test bed and develop drone technologies for maritime applications such as shore-to-ship deliveries and remote ship inspections.

Admin

Published

on

MDE drone 1

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (20 April) officially launched Singapore’s first Maritime Drone Estate (MDE) today, in conjunction with the 15th Singapore Maritime Week.

Located near Marina South Pier with close proximity to the anchorages, the MDE provides a conducive space to test bed and develop drone technologies for maritime applications such as shore-to-ship deliveries and remote ship inspections.

At the launch event this afternoon, Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Transport, loaded a 3D-printed part into a drone carriage and witnessed the drone deliver its package from the MDE to a vessel at the nearby anchorage.

“Technology has played a pivotal role in helping the maritime sector remain resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic. The launch of the Maritime Drone Estate marks an important milestone in advancing Singapore’s journey towards the use of emerging technologies in the maritime sector,” said Senior Minister Chee.

“As we embark on this exciting future, we look forward to supporting our industry partners and growing more start-ups to build a thriving maritime innovation ecosystem.”

As part of the launch event, 11 industry players showcased their cutting-edge drone technologies, engineering systems, additive manufacturing, and communication services that can provide innovative drone solutions for the maritime sector.

The companies present at the event were Airbus, Avetics Global, F-drones, Garuda Robotics, M1, Nova Systems Asia, Skyports, ST Engineering, ThyssenKrupp, Wilhelmsen Ships Service, and Volocopter.

Drone technologies have the potential to transform traditional maritime operations such as shore-ship deliveries and remote inspections of ships and container cranes. Innovative applications of drone technologies can bring benefits such as increased productivity, reduced need for manpower and lower costs.-

The MDE supports the development of drone applications in the maritime context, through the provision of a sandbox for the test-bedding of technologies and operations.

This sandbox is part of the Sea Transport Industry Transformation Map to invest in new port capabilities through harnessing emerging technologies, to build a thriving maritime innovation ecosystem and strengthen Singapore’s position as an international maritime centre.

Nine companies have conducted trials at the drone estate. These included shore-to-ship use-cases by companies such as Wilhelmsen and Airbus, Foodpanda and ST Engineering, and F-drones.

CWT Aerospace conducted trials using drones for surveillance while Avetics Global trialled beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drones for surveillance and remote ship inspection.

In other innovative applications, Airbus and M1 with the support of Infocomm Media Development Authority, are conducting 5G network and technology trials to enable safe and robust maritime drone operations, while Nova Systems Asia tested the use of an unmanned aircraft traffic management system to enable large-scale drone operations.

Companies interested in conducting trials at the MDE can contact MPA.

MDE drone 2

Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Transport, and Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

MDE drone 3

SMS Chee interacting with industry players who showcased their cutting-edge drone technologies, engineering systems, additive manufacturing, and communication services, that can provide innovative drone solutions for the maritime sector.

MDE drone 4

The drone carrying the 3D-printed part to a vessel at a nearby anchorage.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 21 April, 2021

Continue Reading

Digital platform

General Index and XMAR to integrate marine fuel pricing data into trading platform

General Index said the partnership aims to provide XMAR’s users with accurate and timely bunker pricing information, enhancing their decision-making processes in the maritime industry.

Admin

Published

on

By

General Index and XMAR to integrate marine fuel pricing data into trading platform

Commodity pricing provider General Index recently announced its partnership with online bunker trading platform XMAR to integrate its marine fuel pricing data into their platform.

General Index said the partnership aims to provide XMAR's users with accurate and timely bunker pricing information, enhancing their decision-making processes in the maritime industry.

“Our comprehensive bunker pricing data covers various fuel types and global ports, ensuring that XMAR's users have access to the most relevant and up-to-date information,” it added. 

By incorporating its data into XMAR's platform, users can benefit from:

  • Real-time Pricing: Stay informed with the latest bunker prices across key ports worldwide.
  • Market Transparency: Gain insights into market trends and price fluctuations to make informed purchasing decisions.
  • Customised Data Feeds: Access tailored data solutions that meet specific operational needs.

This integration will empower maritime professionals to optimise their operations and fuel procurement strategies.

“At General Index, we are committed to delivering high-quality, transparent, and independent pricing data to support the maritime industry's evolving needs.

 

Photo credit: General Index
Published: 7 February, 2025

Continue Reading

Technology

StormGeo voyage optimisation solution to be deployed across G2 Ocean fleet

StormGeo’s Voyage Optimisation solution for G2 Ocean combines features such as onboard voyage planning, routing advisory, speed optimisation, and emissions monitoring and reporting.

Admin

Published

on

By

StormGeo voyage optimisation solution to be deployed across G2 Ocean fleet

Voyage optimisation and weather intelligence solutions provider StormGeo on Thursday (6 February) announced the expansion of its partnership with G2 Ocean, as its voyage optimisation solution will be deployed across the company’s fleet of 120 vessels. 

The new agreement builds on the success of a long-term collaboration between the two maritime companies, further solidifying G2 Ocean’s confidence in StormGeo’s ability to support their goals of operational efficiency and decarbonisation.

G2 Ocean has selected StormGeo’s Voyage Optimisation solution, which empowers both shoreside and onboard teams to plan and execute optimised, safe voyages. 

By integrating AI-driven insights, advanced technology, weather analytics, and the expertise of StormGeo’s route analysts and operational support professionals, this solution provides comprehensive, data-driven support at every stage of the voyage. 

As a recognised leader in maritime innovation, G2 Ocean is committed to accelerating their digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts in the coming years, with StormGeo as a trusted partner in driving sustainable growth.

Phil Curran, Director Fleet Operations, at G2 Ocean, said: “The foundation for optimising a sea passage is accurate weather prediction coupled with best-in-class routing advice.”

“StormGeo has been the industry leader in providing weather routing service for 25 years and has added to their expertise a suite of innovative tools to ensure we have the most accurate data and decision-making capability.”

“We are confident that their applications are the right combination to enable significant cost and emissions reductions on every voyage.”

Petter Andersen, Senior Vice President, Shipping, at StormGeo, said: “The expansion of our partnership with G2 Ocean is a testament to the strong trust and collaboration we've built over the years.”

“G2 Ocean’s confidence in our Voyage Optimisation solution underscores the value we bring to their fleet in supporting both operational efficiency and sustainability goals.”

StormGeo’s Voyage Optimisation solution for G2 Ocean combines features such as onboard voyage planning, routing advisory, speed optimisation, emissions monitoring and reporting, commercial and technical performance optimisation based on High-Frequency sensor data, and advanced APIs.

Related: Resorts World Cruises selects StormGeo bunker planning and procurement solution
Related: StormGeo markets Bunker Management module at Singapore event
Related: StormGeo and FuelBoss in new partnership to support digitalisation of bunker workflow

 

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 7 February, 2025

Continue Reading

Alternative Fuels

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Fuel cells with methanol reformer tech can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard, producing energy from methanol 30% more efficiently than internal combustion engines, says Dr. Andreas Bodén.

Admin

Published

on

By

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Dr. Andreas Bodén, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of fuel cell systems developer PowerCell shares with Manifold Times the potential of hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer technology as a solution in maritime industry’s transition towards net-zero-emission: 

 As the maritime industry transitions towards net-zero emissions, renewable fuels have been at the forefront in advancing sustainable shipping. According to Hydrogen Europe’s “Long-term outlook on zero-emission mobility” survey, e-fuels hold the most promise for various ship types, including ferries, cruise ships, and container vessels. 

Among these e-fuel options, methanol reformer technology is emerging as a potential solution in this transition. This technology can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard through steam reforming, enabling proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells with 30% greater efficiency than internal combustion engines, paving the way for compact, high-power, and net-zero energy solutions without relying on pure hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen, often dubbed the building block of the energy transition, emerges as a viable option for certain vessels with fixed or shorter routes, such as passenger ferries and service vessels. However, its practicality for wider-scale use in deep-sea shipping has significant challenges related to supply of green molecules and energy density, as well as storage, transport, and handling.

Methanol addresses these challenges by serving as an easy and efficient liquid hydrogen carrier. It is easy to handle, store, and transport at ambient temperature and pressure. By serving as a hydrogen carrier, methanol overcomes the logistical obstacles of hydrogen fuel while still enabling the use of high-efficiency fuel cells. This symbiosis positions methanol and fuel cells as key players in scaling renewable fuels for the maritime industry. 

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Dr. Andreas Bodén, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of PowerCell

Efficient use of scarce resources

Green fuels like renewable methanol face significant hurdles, from scaling production to securing offtake agreements. Marine economist Dr. Martin Stopford warns that shipping might lag behind other sectors, such as road transport and chemicals, in accessing renewable fuels. At the same time, the Methanol Institute tracks nearly 90 green methanol projects aiming to produce 9 million tons annually by 2027, some of which will benefit the marine industry.

Despite the level of optimism, renewable methanol will be a scarce and a costly resource for the foreseeable future. Lloyd’s Register estimates its initial cost at around $1,000 per ton, which is significantly higher than conventional fuels. Shipowners must therefore maximise efficiency, reducing the volume of renewable fuel required and mitigating operating expenses.

Methanol’s energy density surpasses hydrogen and ammonia but falls short of hydrocarbon fuels. Lloyd’s Register highlights that ship operators would require two and a half times more methanol than traditional fuel oil for equivalent energy output. This disparity underscores the necessity of adopting more efficient propulsion systems.

Fuel cells: A pathway to efficiency

Fuel cells with methanol reformer technology offer a solution. These systems can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard through steam reforming, producing energy from methanol 30% more efficiently than internal combustion engines. PEM fuel cells which can use this technology stand out for their compact size, efficiency, and high-power density. These technologies enable net-zero energy generation without the need for pure hydrogen infrastructure.

For smaller vessels like ferries and towboats, fuel cells can serve as the primary propulsion system, reducing renewable methanol consumption by up to 30%. Larger ships, such as container vessels, can use fuel cells to power auxiliary engines, eliminating emissions from fossil-fuel generators during port operations. Renewable methanol further curbs nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 80%, while eliminating sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. These benefits can be enhanced when using an internal combustion engine (ICE) or a fuel cell with reformer technology specifically designed to reduce local pollutants. 

Beyond methanol, fuel cell reformer technology can be developed for ammonia. This adaptability offers a pathway to the efficient use of ammonia as a future zero-carbon solution. This flexibility also allows shipowners to adopt renewable methanol now and transition to other fuels as they become viable.

Balancing sustainability and efficiency

The IMO’s revised GHG strategy targets net-zero emissions for international shipping by 2050, with interim milestones for 2030 and 2040. Achieving these goals requires efficient use of renewable fuels and innovative propulsion systems. PowerCell’s Methanol to Power Solution, M2Power 250, exemplifies the potential to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce operational costs. 

As the maritime industry is responsible for 3% of global GHG emissions, fuel cells with methanol reformers represent a practical solution. Whether powering smaller vessels or auxiliary systems on deep-sea ships, this technology bridges the gap between the current fuel limitations and the future of sustainable shipping. 

The marine industry must embrace innovative solutions to achieve net-zero emissions. Fuel cell technology, with its unparalleled efficiency and fuel optionality, positions many shipowners best to navigate the challenges of the energy transition. 

 

Photo credit: PowerCell
Published: 6 February, 2025

Continue Reading
Advertisement
  • Zhoushan Bunker
  • v4Helmsman Gif Banner 01
  • Sea Trader & Sea Splendor
  • SBF2
  • RE 05 Lighthouse GIF
  • Aderco advert 400x330 1
  • EMF banner 400x330 slogan
  • Consort advertisement v2

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS

  • E MARINE LOGO
  • SEAOIL 3+5 GIF
  • Singfar advertisement final
  • Triton Bunkering advertisement v2
  • HL 2022 adv v1


  • Mokara Final
  • endress
  • Synergy Asia Bunkering logo MT
  • PSP Marine logo
  • MFA logo v2
  • Auramarine 01
  • 300 300
  • Victory Logo
  • intrasea
  • pro liquid
  • LabTechnic
  • Advert Shipping Manifold resized1
  • VPS 2021 advertisement
  • 400x330 v2 copy
  • Headway Manifold

Trending