By
Alex Smith |
SMM has continued to highlight the new solutions, services and partnerships bringing innovation to the maritime industry as it enters its second day in Hamburg, Germany.
Bound4blue is discussing its eSail solution at this year’s SMM, after the wind-powered propulsion system received Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from classification society DNV. The fully autonomous system works by dragging air across an aerodynamic surface to generate energy. According to bound4blue, the low-weight units cut main engine loads, fuel use and emissions. DNV’s TADC affirms that the system complies with the classification society’s Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems technical standards, which bound4blue expects to speed up adoption of the technology.
Telenor Maritime and Nortech AI are signing an agreement at the show which will see the two companies join forces to help accelerate digital transformation with the maritime sector. Each party will make their data accessible and understandable to facilitate collaboration and enable users to make more informed decisions.
Telenor has also formed a partnership with cybersecurity software vendor Wallix to integrate Wallix’s Identity and Access Management product with its communications infrastructure, providing ship operators with a remote access solution. The integration will allow captains to monitor and manage access to onboard systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, minimise operational disruptions and reduce the need for physical maintenance visits.
AMI Marine is showcasing its newly-launched SMIDS Pro Panama Pilot System, which offers a non-portable piloting aid for vessels transiting the Panama Canal. The system provides navigation data collection and can be used worldwide either when navigating at sea or in other inland waterways and canals.
Iridium Communications, meanwhile, has revealed Iridium Certus GMDSS, which upgrades on their existing Iridium GMDSS connectivity service for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The solution takes advantage of the Iridium Certus global mobile satellite service, which offers high-speed L-band connectivity. Iridium Certus features distress alert, safety voice and Maritime Safety Information, as well as integrating services like Long Range Identification and Tracking and Ship Security Alarm System. It will provide these services globally, including polar regions, and includes no moving parts to minimise maintenance. When facing an emergency, Iridium Certus GMDSS-equipped vessels will receive a phone call within seconds to ascertain the nature of the alert.
Marine electric propulsion system provider ePropulsion is introducing its new business unit, ePropulsion Commercial, during SMM. The new unit will expand the company’s product offerings into the commercial marine sector, delivering system integration solutions, both electric and hybrid, for applications ranging from 50 kilowatts to 1000 kilowatts. These solutions will combine components including ePropulsion’s electric propulsion and electronic control systems, Energy Storage Systems, DC Bus technology, Power and Energy Management System, charging solutions and automation.
SMM is taking place from 3-6 September in Hamburg Messe und Congress.