Rolls Royce’s new marine automation portfolio

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Rolls Royce presented its new marine automation portfolio called MTU NautLQ the last September 14. The new range of products is made for ship control systems and platform management for all types of ultra-modern vessels. As well as older ones, thus allowing the collection and analysis of both own and third-party data with great efficiency and reducing the risks of obsolescence.

The creation of the new Rolls Royce product portfolio is part of the Power Systems business unit that seeks to provide efficiency. Forward-looking integrated state-of-the-art automation solutions that will contribute to developing more sustainable vessels, minimizing fuel consumption and emissions of CO2.

All the products of the MTU NautLQ family have been developed with the last technologies’ software. That allows easy integration and updating, facilitating the optimal operation of the equipment, and that can be included in both commercial, naval, and recreational boats.

With this type of innovative solution, Rolls Royce seeks to integrate all vessel systems, turning them into a single intelligent global system. Offering data for predictive maintenance, and helping the crew onboard to operate with maximum efficiency, reducing the chances that some component fails.

These innovations have been developed thanks to the collaboration of Rolls Royce Power Systems and Sea machines Robotics, which will continue to work in alliance to develop cutting-edge technology that analyzes all the data of the ships and intelligently controls the information.

Source: 

https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2021/14-09-2021-world-premiere-for-rolls-royces-mtu-nautiq-marine-automation-portfolio-at-dsei.aspx 

 

Interferry 2021 arrives in Santander

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Interferry 2021 arrives in Santander, after being postponed due to the pandemic. This year, Interferry 2021 celebrates its 45th anniversary in Santander, the home port that serves Brittany Ferries and this year will host Interferry, to take the maritime industry into the future.

“It has never been more important for the entire ferry industry to come together to defend their collective interests, and we are delighted that the board of directors has chosen our candidacy to host the conference this year,” says Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu.

Under the slogan “the future is the ferries” the fair is held, which will last from tomorrow, October 2 to October 6, in Santander.

A place that will host at least 300 participants, to carry out the oldest fair in the maritime sector.

Among the points to be celebrated at Interferry 2021, the different visuals regarding topics of interest such as climate change, the crisis of the pandemic stand out.

In addition to the possible solutions for the reduction of GHG, new technologies in the ship and coast design, security systems, and supply logistics, among other challenges.

Brittany Ferries has served Santander since 1978 and has a route that covers: France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern Spain.

“It is an honor for Brittany Ferries that the InterFerry Conference is held in Santander. As organizers of the 45th Interferry Conference, and after more than 40 years operating in Santander, we are proud that the convention headquarters is in our home port, where senior representatives of the ferry sector will discuss new ideas, markets, strategies, and technologies,” says Roberto Castilla, director of Brittany Ferries in Spain.

Undoubtedly, the Interferry is one of the most anticipated fairs during the year and without a doubt, this meeting is expected to establish connections and initiatives to sustainably improve maritime transport technology.

See the full note at Actualidad marítima y portuaria.

The first autonomous ships are ready to set sail

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After many tests of autonomous navigation, the first ships without crew members are ready to set sail and begin to serve next October.

This type of autonomous vessel has been developed mainly for the transport of river, and coastal cargo and according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) it has been working continuously since 2017 to guarantee that this type of vessel has a safe operation. Through constant evaluation of the various electronic devices that make autonomy a reality, such as in the implementation of international regulations, autonomous ships are a reality that is not only limited to their innovation since ports must also be prepared to meet this type of boat.

At the moment, the pioneering countries in this matter are China, Norway, and Japan, focusing their development on autonomous maritime surface ships (MASS), considering that an autonomous ship is a ship that can navigate without depending on human interaction. However, there are 4 types of autonomy for these boats: The first refers to those that have a crew, but their navigation system has automated processes that help in decision-making. Second, are ships that have seafarers on board, but the vessel is remotely controlled. Third, are those ships that are remotely controlled and have no crew on board. While the last type of ship is those 100% autonomous, capable of making decisions and determining actions by itself.

Whatever the degree of autonomy of these vessels, they must all be equipped to a lesser or greater extent with various technological tools such as: the internet, GPS, big data, artificial intelligence, IOT, sensors, robotics, and different software and hardware that will not only allow the navigation but its constant development.

It should be noted that this type of innovation will have a direct impact on the workforce of seafarers since although the ships will not have a crew on board, this type of development will always generate new jobs, only that they will be different, they will imply less physical strength and greater technological skills, but we will see the direction it takes as these changes become irreversible.

 

Wright Electric and its zero-emission engine

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Wright Electric and its zero-emissions engine has been presented. This is a great step for the development of a friendly aircraft with the environment, that is, zero emissions.

Wright Electric has already tested a ‘2-megawatt electric powertrain’ engine. Which is one of the most powerful electric propulsion engines, and will be implemented in the aircraft.

The next step incorporates internal development investors. In addition to performing the relevant tests for the certification of the aircraft. 

The tests of this aircraft is projected on the ground this year, and in 2022. However, in the air by 2023.

“We have real momentum in our program from the announcement of the start of our megawatt-scale electric motor program for a single-aisle commercial aircraft in January 2020, testing of our next-generation inverter technology in May 2021. To now begin testing our 2 MW electric powertrain and data collection for flight certification. Zero-emission commercial aircraft are the future and Wright is focused, and on track, to deliver on that promise,” said Jeff Engler, CEO of Wright Electric.

Wright Laboratory…

In addition to the announcement of its zero-emission engine, Wright will also open a “specialty engine test center” laboratory. The location will be USA, and it will be analyzed that it opens its doors at the end of this year.

This is one more step for the world of aviation, and the step to reach zero-emissions is getting closer and closer. 

It seems that it will be within the reach of many.

Read the full note at: Aviación al Día.

Airbus A321Neo increased sustainability and efficiency

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The aircraft manufacturer Airbus has put a rental model to the test that has paid off. Since several airlines put their A321Neo aircraft to the test they have made the purchase decision to renew their fleet. At this time it is sighted a definitive reactivation of air transport.

The A321Neo model that has 232 seats, has 60% more space in the luggage compartments, has also improved lighting and seats, but most importantly, this aircraft offers a 20% reduction in fuel consumption as it is lighter and this is reflected in a greater range and a decrease in fuel consumption.

This is the main reason why airlines such as Jet2.com and Delta have closed negotiations with the European manufacturer for the renewal of its fleet, acquiring 36 and 30 aircraft respectively. This aircraft, which has a market price of 129 million dollars and 2 tons of extra cargo, represents huge profits for the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, which by the end of 2021 exceeds 7,400 orders for aircraft belonging to the A320Neo family from more than 120 airlines worldwide.

The new series of aircraft owes its surname to the “New Engine Option” concept, which refers to engines that are 17% more efficient with the use of lighter, stronger, and more durable materials. On the other hand, this new fleet of Airplanes also represents benefits, since it has Slim Seats that are thinner and offer up to 5 cm extra for the legs, all seats are reclining and have a USB port. They also have a new cabin configuration called “Cabin-flex” that provides greater comfort for passengers.

 

The Panama Canal turns 107 years old

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The Panama Canal turns 107 years old. This route is the commercial transit road through which more than 1.1 million vessels have passed that worldwide has served as a transit before making landfall at their destination.

Last August 15 was the 107th birthday of the Panama Canal, which since 1914 has served as a port transit for ships. It is a recognized route because it helps reduce distances, costs, and time in the transportation of goods.

At the same time, the Panama Canal has been a response to the economic empowerment of Panama, being a sustainable organization in the face of current conditions.

The environmentally friendly Panama Canal…

“The world is demanding that companies offer services and products that have a low carbon footprint, so we are going to make investments to adapt to that reality, in line with our environmental tradition,” says Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, administrator of the Panama Canal

In 2030 it is expected to be a carbon-neutral organization, strengthening its commitment to the environment.

At the same time, the organization ensures that the route has helped to minimize CO2  by more than 830 million tons. This is because ships save fuel by passing through a shorter route and moving a greater amount of cargo volume.

 Without a doubt, its large-scale growth has managed to last over time and promises to continue to be a profitable and sustainable route for the millions of ships that transit the sea.

Read the complete note in Mundo Marítimo.

The new simulation system to train pilots

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Indra, a leading global technology and consulting company, has developed a new simulation system to train pilots. It is easy to transport and install in any space, so the time required to train a pilot, civilian or military, of any type of aircraft can be reduced by half. 

This multipurpose and interoperable simulation system (SIMCUI). It is of high quality, easy to maintain and operate. Includes virtual reality glasses, which increase realism and allows the student to connect from home and continue with the training.

In its development, flight models are used, completely adapted to the needs and degree of realism required by each client. Whether it is a small flight academy, an airline, or an entire army. It even has artificial intelligence algorithms to measure the performance of each pilot and analyze strengths and areas for improvement.

The controls and throttle levers are quickly and easily interchanged depending on the type of aircraft in which the flight simulation exercise is to be performed.

So far, the system has 18 simplified flight models available, ranging from a Boeing 737 to an F18 fighter jet, light aircraft models, civil helicopters, among others.

More and more airlines, armies, and pilots are demanding a more continuous and easily accessible training, which complements the training they receive in the simulation systems of the highest level and realism, in which they are examined to obtain their licenses and certifications; with this SIMCUI, Indra covers this great need of the aeronautical industry.

 

Read the complete article in Aviación al Día.

Avianca earns diamond certification

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Avianca earns diamond certification from APEX Health Safety, for approved the biosafety protocols implemented by the Colombian airline.

The APEX Airline Passenger Experience Association established an evaluation standard to verify biosafety and hygiene protocols worldwide.

After the audit, the reconnaissance was carried out to guarantee a safe trip to the passengers.

“The health and safety of our clients and our son take priority. That is why, receiving this certification fills us with pride and satisfaction ”.- Adds Diego Pinto, Avianca’s Director of Safety.

What is the Diamond Certification?

The diamond certification is the highest recognition that an airline can receive, for demostrated commitment and providing optimal and safe trips. Prioritizing the health and well-being of its passengers with the correct sanitary conditions.

The APEX Health Safety and SimpliFlying certification validate compliance with hygiene protocols, and that’s why Avianca wins a diamond certification.

Through prioritized programs in the client for the “COVID-19 certification”. Where they encourage airlines to go beyond to guarantee a safe trip.

Dr. Joe Leader, CEO of APEX Said: “Passengers flying with Avianca can do so knowing that the airline has passed our comprehensive COVID-19 safety review covering all stages of the customer’s flight journey.”

Today, more industries are coming together to provide a satisfactory experience to users.

Read the full note in Aviación al Día.

 

The first flying car takes the skies

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Thanks to some futuristic comics and movies, we have all dreamed of the time when we could travel from one place to another in our flying car. That moment has arrived thanks to the Slovakian company Klein Vision, which presents the first flying car to complete an intercity flight.

It was last June when the AirCar took off from the airport in the city of Nitra to land about half an hour later at Bratislava airport and then complete its journey by road. During this 80 km flight, the AirCar reached an altitude of 2,500 mt, at a cruising speed of up to 190 km/h. The AirCar became the prototype to pass the R&D phase after completed more than 40 hours of test flights and 142 landings.

How did they achieve the first flying car?

The AirCar Prototype 1 is powered by a 160 hp BMW gasoline engine with a fixed propeller and also has an advanced technological and automated system to deploy or hide its wings, depending on whether it is used for air or road. This transformation process only takes less than 3 minutes, and the car is ready to take off or make its road trip or even park in a normal parking space.

It is expected that this prototype will have some adjustments that will improve its autonomy. For now, we know that its BMW engine will be replaced by a BMW gasoline engine of 300CV which will increase the speed to about 300 km/h with an approximate autonomy of 1000 km.

Given the success of these tests, the company Klein Vision ensures that in the coming months may present the first production model in series and will have different configurations, both in 2 or 4 seats. However, now the issue will reside in the homologation of the regulations of the different countries to circulate by air, which could delay the time when we can enjoy this breakthrough.

 

Richard Branson reaches space in a Virgin Galactic spacecraft

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Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, broke the atmospheric barrier on July 11 aboard a Virgin Galactic spacecraft to test and evaluate the experience for his future customers that wish to go sightseeing in space.

That was the first of three test flights to be made with a crew on a Virgin Galactic spacecraft before starting commercial operations scheduled for 2022. 

The company plans to make at least 400 flights a year from Spaceport America, and so far, they have managed to sell approximately 600 tickets to people in 60 countries for $250,000.

Branson traveled to space in the VSS Unity, along with two pilots and three other passengers. They took off horizontally from Spaceport America, and they reached an altitude of about 15 kilometers. The spacecraft detached and began a supersonic ascent, reaching an altitude of more than 80 km (the established U.S. point for the space frontier).

When the engine was shut down, the passengers were able to admire the curvature of the Earth from one of the cabin windows, detached from their seats, and floated for a few minutes in weightlessness.

“Honestly nothing can prepare you for the view of the Earth from space,” Branson said during the ceremony following their successful landing in New Mexico.

“Our mission is to make space more accessible to everyone. In that spirit, and with today’s successful flight of VSS Unity, I am thrilled to announce a partnership with Omaze and Space for Humanity to inspire the next generation of dreamers. For too long, we have looked with awe at yesterday’s space pioneers. Now, I want tomorrow’s astronauts to look ahead and realize their dreams,” added.