Decarbonisation, autonomous shipping and artificial intelligence – these are the topics that are currently driving the shipping industry. The maritime sector is undergoing a transformation and this is also reflected in the upcoming SMM shipbuilding trade fair.
At SMM, which will take place at the exhibition centre in Hamburg from September 3 to 6, companies will show how innovative solutions increase efficiency, reduce emissions and improve safety at sea.
The maritime industry is in the midst of a green transition, according to trade fair organisers Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC). State-of-the-art technologies, which will be presented by international exhibitors at the upcoming SMM, will make this change possible.
Hydrogen, fuel cells, sails – SMM presents alternatives
As announced by the organisers, the French developer of hydrogen-based energy systems Genevos will be presenting its newly certified 250 kW H2 fuel cell energy module (HPM-250) for maritime use in the new “Future Fuels Area”. Norwegian manufacturer Bergen Engines is launching a new generation of engines.
Finnish company Norsepower has launched a modernised version of the Flettner rotor on the market. In the first year of operation, the rotor sails on the “Maersk Pelican”, for example, reduced fuel consumption by 8.2%. Another exciting retrofit option is the “eSails” from Spanish start-up Bound4Blue. According to Bound4Blue, up to 10% of fuel can be saved with wind assistance.
Fewer emissions through automation
The integration of digital technologies is the second major topic in the maritime industry. “At SMM, we want to discuss how standardisation contributes to greater safety and fair competition,” says Ronald Epskamp, Maritime Business Unit Manager at automation specialist Bachmann Electronic.
Autonomous shipping is also the subject of Avikus: the Korean company’s software has been proven to save fuel and shows that it is possible to actively respond to the regulation of carbon emissions with the help of autonomous navigation technology.
The new AI CENTRE is dedicated to advanced AI technologies and their potential for maritime applications. Numerous companies and start-ups will present their solutions here: from optimising fuel consumption to improving operational efficiency. Bearing AI will be among them.
More sustainability with AI
“Our vision is not only to facilitate the industry’s transition to green shipping, but also to enable it to use AI to make informed decisions that support both commercial and sustainability goals,” says Kristofer Maanum, Senior Product Leader at Bearing AI.
Conbo.ai wants to revolutionise logistics in ports. To avoid congestion at terminals and across the entire site, the company offers a traffic analysis system that significantly increases the efficiency of these important hubs in global supply chains.
“SMM covers the future topics of the industry with a variety of trend-setting innovations. I am convinced that SMM 2024 will provide decisive impetus for the transformation of the industry,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach.
