Oceanking Engineering, and our represented company ARI (Applied Research International), participated in this years Greener Shipping Summit : “New Technologies and Education”, organised by Organised by Newsfront / Naftiliaki – Under the auspices of MARTECMA.

During the panel of session II : “New equipment: From inventing to after sale service”, Rizos Krikkis, General Manager in Oceanking Engineering, covered the topics on the use and sustainability of green technologies for marine applications, and the role of after-sales and training for their adaption.

What green technologies seem attractive for marine applications?
Following the current trends to adopt more environmentally friendly technologies the introduction of energy storage systems AKA batteries has gained momentum mostly for short seas voyages, however, there are prospects for application to commercial vessels as well (typical BC & Tankers).
Furthermore, Carbon Capture which is another technology that reduces carbon emissions has been added to the list of realistic environmentally friendly technologies.

Batteries
More specifically a battery pack may be used for reducing the load in the diesel generators, especially during port staying (zero port emission concept), or as a propulsion system for short sea voyage applications. Although it appears simple and straightforward the project is very demanding because of the sheer mass of the battery pack on one hand and its connection to the ship’s existing ac bus on the other hand. Batteries should be understood not as an isolated energy source but integrated through advanced automation and alarm modules into the existing ship’s electrical systems. Therefore, integration plays a key role in the introduction of green technologies in the existing fleet.

Carbon capture
Carbon capture is yet another promising technology to reduce carbon emissions through a cascade thermochemical treatment of the exhaust gases. Again, the project is demanding since consecutive cooling, capturing, cleaning-regenerating and separation processes are being establish that require tight and accurate control at each stage. Moreover, smooth integration with the existing power plant on board is essential.

What will be the role of the after-sales and training for their adaptation?
Adaptation to environmental technologies is achieved in most cases at the expense of simplicity. Consequently, more elaborate, and complicated systems are being introduced which are demanding in the field of after-sales (both spare parts and service onboard) and training.
Because these systems are essentially hi-tech (very computerized and highly automated) it would be difficult for the crew to master their operation and maintenance without proper training from the makers.

As it is already known training is an essential part of contemporary operators. Its importance becomes more pronounced since the new technologies are becoming more and more complicated and this environment must be accurately reproduced in the potential training centers under development. These training centers are expected to be hybrid in the sense that certain parts of the specific electromechanical environment will be reproduced through simulation that is software.

In the same panel, Gaurav Bajaj, Director of Simulation Projects in ARI (Applied Research International), spoke about the expected changes in the methods of delivering training to shipping personnel across the ship and shore with new technologies and digital environments, the ways AI can be implemented in the assessment of the next generation of seafarers, and the effect of rapidly changing technologies (AI, ML, IoT, AR, VR etc. ) in the generation of new Marine Simulators.

OCK Engineering is a dedicated engineering and technical company fully committed to a total support mindset consisting of After sales and training.