Modern shipping is primarily dominated by bulk shipping and container shipping. There are more of these ship types than any other types in the industry - both in terms of the number of vessels and deadweight carried across the ocean. While transporting bulk homogenous cargo appears quite straightforward, container shipping is about carrying smaller parcels that will fit in a standard ISO container. Robust infrastructure has been built to transport bulk and container cargo wit

(Photo by Colin Watts on Unsplash) As you probably know, modern cruise ships have a complicated wastewater purification system and a larger number of older ships have installed a retrofitted one. Even though these systems include various different types of processes from mechanical separation to adding polymers, the most important process happens within the bioreactor. Its cleansing power is based on bacterial purification, in which a variety of different bacterial floras con

(Photo by Diego F. Parra from Pexels) During this spring large cruise ships were in the news headlines almost daily as vessels weren’t able to dock due to positive coronavirus cases. Being locked down without the possibility to dismebark passengers, the number of coronavirus infections started to rise. In the world we used to know, hopping on a cruise for a week or two was thought of as one of the safest ways to travel. Now that tables have turned and the need for winning cus

Is micro-biotech is replacing acid therapy to enable sustainable onboard operations in shipping?

(Photo by Ibrahim Boran on Unsplash) In recent decades, every industry has tested different strategies and technologies to maximize operational efficiency. Mechanical and software-based solutions have pushed the boundaries of human possibility by making equipment, machinery, and engines not only tremendously efficient but also extremely safe. The arrival of machine learning and artificial intelligence has taken efficiency to a whole new level. Software platforms can now sugge

How can bulk shipping digitalise, what are the main points? Digitalisation of bulk shipping commences at the interface between the shipowner and the charterer. This is where business transpires. It has been noticed in other industries that there is accelerated adoption of digitalisation when there is commercial incentive to do so or when it is a question of survival. It is no different in the bulk cargo sector. The tipping point may perhaps be apparent when there is a solutio

Digitalisation is a hot discussion topic of today, and what’s on everyone’s lips, is how will it impact shipping? Digital developments will provide opportunities and benefits but the industry-wide digital transition will take time. Here is an attempt at answering a few common questions: In general what are the biggest challenges in the bulk segment currently? The bulk segment was navigating its way out of the doldrums towards the end of 2018 with positive cash flows. The reco

In recent months there has been significant discussion on the subject of net-zero emissions and what our journey there may look like. When it comes to the IMO 2020 emission regulation, not only do we have solutions for compliance in place, but in most cases we already have the technology available to meet the IMO 2030 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. Considering this, many in the industry are asking whether the IMO 2050 target of 50% reduction in GHG emissions

We are all familiar with phones & the connectivity it has given us. The analogue rotary phones were cabled, but the modern cell phones are wireless & allows us to do more, in fact much more than what the landline allowed. It took over 130 years to get about 1.25 billion landline phones installed. However, by the end of 2019 in just about 12 years from its inception, it is estimated that there will be 5 billion smart phone subscriptions. It demonstrates the ‘power to scale’ wi

In a previous blog, I had discussed the evolution of data and communication in the marine industry and how predictive analytics is the next big thing. By presenting possible near-future scenarios like upcoming bad weather, a sudden decrease in engine efficiency, or a more fuel-efficient route, predictive analytics means your key personnel can make more informed decisions to improve safety and efficiency. However, the best information is of little use if it is not viewed by th

Information is vital for business. Relevant information received at the right time has always given a competitive advantage. It is interesting to see how information in the shipping industry has evolved over time – the most vital pieces of information have not significantly changed for centuries. This information includes: How much cargo can the ship carry? When will the ship arrive at the port? How much time is required to load the cargo? When will the ship depart from the p

My LinkedIn journey did not start as a conscious attempt to build a brand or establish a presence online. It all started when I joined Linkedin and began to build a network as an MBA student. A group for like-minded classmates was formed. There were about 60 of us sharing thoughts, ideas and research information. Then people started asking if they could join us – first juniors, then seniors. Now this same group has over 5000 members. Today, the profile is amongst the most c

LNG ships are specialized modes of transportation of natural gas as cargo, which by its very delicate nature of being carried in cryogenic liquid form, dictates efficient and safe cargo management on-board. LNG cargo, due to its volatility and special nature, is affected greatly by temperature and movement, causing continuous boil-off. This means the boil-off needs to be continuously dealt with on-board. Traditionally it has been burnt off in the main boiler used for propulsi

The UN in 2015 with an aim to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all, unanimously adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) also known as ‘Global Goals’. Under the SDG, Goal 14 states: “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources”. The goal has a specific target to be achieved over 15 years, wherein everyone needs to do their part, i.e., governments, private sector, civil society and ordinary people. With over 3 billion peop

Affordable Care Act (ACA) was brought in to increase overall healthcare and expand medical coverage for all. Under the act signed on 23rd March 2010, hospitals and primary healthcare centres would transform financially, technologically, and clinically to drive better health outcomes, lower costs, and improve their methods of distribution and accessibility. When you look at relative parallels in the shipping industry, you will realise you don’t need to look far. We sat down a

The European Commission’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) rules to collect emissions data officially entered into force on July 1, 2015. MRV Regulation 2015/757 is a first step towards cutting CO2 emissions from maritime transport and requires operators of ships exceeding 5,000 gross tons to monitor and report their carbon emissions on all voyages to, from and between E.U. ports from 2018. What happens to compliance and technology in the face of increasing emissi