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Maritime Insights and Knowledge-hub How modern technologies are making ships smart

How modern technologies are making ships ‘smart’

Ship optimisation Nov. 28, 2024
How modern technologies are making ships ‘smart’

Smart ship technology plays an important role in decarbonising the shipping industry as it keeps ships up to date with increasing demands.

The shipping industry is currently in the midst of a green transition, which involves new regulations that aim to decarbonise. But keeping a fleet in line with these and future regulations does not have to mean replacing ships entirely.

Shipowners have options to retrofit their fleet and make their ships ‘smart’. Retrofitting is defined as the installation of state-of-the-art or innovative components or systems (TRIMIS). This means modifying equipment to bring the ship in line with the latest regulations and standards to extend a ship’s longevity. For instance, this could be retrofitting of the ship’s engines so the ship can sail on alternative fuels or the integration of systems or technologies to reduce fuel consumption.

Read more about ship optimisation in the below articles.

FAQ Ship Optimisation

  • What is retrofitting?

    Retrofitting is when innovative systems or components are installed on shops to optimise performance and help them comply with the latest regulations and standards.

  • What are some of the advantages of having a ‘smart’ ship?

    Making a ship ‘smart’ through retrofitting offers several advantages, such as increased energy efficiency and cost savings, the enhancement of safety measures, and compliance with regulatory demands.

  • Why choose retrofitting over new builds?

    The average lifespan of a ship is usually set at 25 years. Shipowners and operators thereby face the double challenge of getting the most out of their existing fleet while ensuring that it continues to comply with evolving requirements throughout its lifecycle.

  • What are some examples of advanced technologies used in smart ships?

    Examples include sophisticated navigation and routing software, IoT technology for real-time system monitoring, automated engine control, and advanced energy management systems. These technologies contribute to the operational efficiency and environmental performance of smart ships.

  • How do smart ships reduce fuel consumption?

    Smart ships utilise advanced navigation systems, real-time monitoring and maintenance, automated operations, energy management systems, and improvements in hull and propeller design. These innovations make ships more fuel-efficient and reduce the carbon footprint of the shipping industry.

  • What does the world fleet look like in the future?

    According to IHSMarkit and DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insights for the shipping industry, 26.2% of the ships in the order books right now will be able to operate on alternative fuels when completed. In comparison, only 1.8% of the current world fleet is capable of this. This signals that the future world fleet will increasingly consist of ships that can operate on alternative fuels.

  • What is the current situation regarding ships that can operate on alternative fuels?

    In the past two years, Maersk have ordered 25 ships to operate on green methanol, with 19 under in and expected on the sea by 2025. In the summer 2023, their first methanol container vessel, Laura Maersk, put to sea. Shipping companies such as Evergreen, CMA CGM, COSCO/OOCL, and Ocean Network Express (ONE) have placed orders for similar ships.

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