Trends in Ship Technology

Shipping and shipbuilding are an integral part of world trade. To keep up with the demands of the world’s markets, ship technology is increasing all the time.  Every aspect of water-based commerce---shipbuilding, shipyard equipment, painting material, welding, and steel—are being subjected to improvements by firms and government-backed initiatives around the world.

Ship Production: Integration is the Future

Building a huge container ship is no easy feat—and the thing is, they’re getting bigger all the time. To accommodate the increasing complexity of ships, they are moving more and more to greater technological integration. While the military has embraced this integration for years, it is just coming into vogue for container ships and other large cargo vessels. These various systems, like fresh water control, the fuel system, and the ship’s air conditioning can all be managed and controlled from one monitor—both on the ship and off.

This integration can increase both the efficiency of the ship’s systems, and its safety. You don’t need a separate crew member to man all the different control stations—one person can keep an eye on them from a comprehensive control panel. The increased integration also lets the ship’s master stay more aware of its vital signs, reducing the risk of fire or some other emergency.

Improving Safety, in More Ways Than One

Any problems with a container ship can cause extensive damage to people’s safety and the environment, not to mention the cost of rescuing tons of cargo from the ocean. Several initiatives are in the works to keep these enormous ships heading safely to port.

One project is focusing on analyzing the structural safety of a ship, and its risk of sinking or other problems. The program would take into account the ship’s own coating and cracks, as well as statistical information about this particular make of ship’s problems from a centralized database. This would increase awareness of potential problems with a ship, and let shippers deal with them before they manifest in a costly at-sea problem.

Other research is looking into decreasing the risk to ships with dangerous cargo, from a terrorist or pirate attack. The project focuses on increasing the ship’s own recognition systems, to sense that something is wrong and take the duties off of staff and crew members.

Leaning Towards Green

Like nearly every other industry, container shipbuilding industries are considering how to become more environmentally friendly. And, these initiatives can save money, as well as the earth. Advanced surface coatings decrease the friction of the boat’s hull in the water, and mean less fuel is needed for the same routes. Another technology focuses on making the ship’s fresh and seawater discharge cleaner and better for the environment.

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