The next ReVolt: Unmanned, automated ships

09 December 2014–Could present-day technology improve the cost and effectiveness of short sea shipping while enhancing safety and environmental performance? Yes, it could! Taking current technology to the extreme, DNV GL has developed a revolutionary concept for an unmanned, zero-emission short-sea vessel

The EU’s road network suffers from chronic congestion. Yet, road usage for cargo transport is steadily increasing, leading to heavier road wear, more accidents and higher emissions. The population growth in urban areas expected over the next decades will without doubt compound the problem, causing the demand for transport to exceed the capacity of today’s roads.

To alleviate these issues, governments all over the EU are trying to move some of the freight volume from the road to waterways and railways. In the short sea shipping segment however, profit margins are small due to high energy and operating costs as well as high taxes.

These circumstances prompted DNV GL Strategic R&I to design a new ship concept specifically for short-sea shipping with the objective of encouraging a modal shift from road to sea. By taking the design and applied technologies to the extreme, the DNV GL engineers want to launch a new discussion within the community while upholding DNV GL’s maxim of a safe and sustainable future for shipping. The innovative ship concept “ReVolt – the unmanned, zero-emission, short-sea ship of the future” is the result of a multi-disciplinary, team based development project at DNV GL based on an assessment of current requirements along European short-sea routes. Nevertheless the concept could be implemented in other coastal regions around the globe.

Further details can be found in DNV GL’s latest MARITIME INSIGHT Magazine, which was launched in SMM. You can download a copy from the below link:

http://www.dnvgl.com/news-events/news/dnvgl-releases-maritime-impact-2-2014.aspx

About DNV GL

Driven by its purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, DNV GL enables organizations to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. DNV GL provides classification and technical assurance along with software and independent expert advisory services to the maritime, oil & gas and energy industries. It also provides certification services to customers across a wide range of industries.

Combining leading technical and operational expertise, risk methodology and in-depth industry knowledge, DNV GL empowers its customers’ decisions and actions with trust and confidence. The company continuously invests in research and collaborative innovation to provide customers and society with operational and technological foresight.

Established in 1864, DNV GL operates globally in more than 100 countries with over 16,000 professionals dedicated to helping their customers make the world safer, smarter and greener.