Freight Vessels Research Articles

OceanRoute: Vessel Mobility Data Processing and Analyzing Model Based on MapReduce

The network coverage is a big problem in ocean communication, and there is no low-cost solution in the short term. Based on the knowledge of Mobile Delay Tolerant Network (MDTN), the mobility of vessels can create the chances of end-to-end communication. The mobility pattern of vessel is one of the key metrics on ocean MDTN network. Because of the high cost, few experiments have focused on research of vessel mobility pattern for the moment. In this paper, we study the traces of more than 4000 fishing and freight vessels. Firstly, to solve the data noise and sparsity problem, we design two algorithms to filter the noise and complement the missing data based on the vessel’s turning feature. Secondly, after studying the traces of vessels, we observe that the vessel’s traces are confined by invisible boundary. Thirdly, through defining the distance between traces, we design MR-Similarity algorithm to find the mobility pattern of vessels. Finally, we realize our algorithm on cluster and evaluate the performance and accuracy. Our results can provide the guidelines on design of data routing protocols on ocean MDTN.

Model-based assessment of energy-efficiency, dependability, and cost-effectiveness of waste heat recovery systems onboard ship

Technological systems are not merely designed with a narrow function in mind. Good designs typically aim at reducing operational costs, e.g. through achieving high energy efficiency and improved dependability (i.e. reliability, availability and maintainability). When there is a choice of alternative design options that perform the same function, it makes sense to compare alternatives so that the variant that minimises operational costs can be selected. In this paper, we examine this issue in the context of the design of Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS) for main engines of large commercial freight vessels. We propose a method that can predict the operational cost of a WHRS via thermodynamic analysis which shows costs related to energy utilisation, and dependability analysis which shows costs related to system unavailability and repair. Our approach builds on recent advances in thermodynamic simulation and compositional dependability analysis techniques. It is a model-based approach, and allows reuse of component libraries, and a high degree of automation which simplify application of the method. Our case study shows that alternative designs can be explored in fast iterations of this method, and that this facilitates the evidence-based selection of a design that minimises operational costs.

Exploring ship traffic variability off California

Seaborne trade continues to grow and is an important component of the global economy. Threats from shipping to marine ecosystems include oil spills and other water pollution, air pollution, anchor scouring, biological invasions, container loss, chronic noise, and collisions between ships and large whales. Shipping and its associated threats can be influenced by a suite of regulations and economic events. The dynamic nature of ship traffic can be characterized using ship tracking data from automatic identification system (AIS) technology. These data enhance our ability to analyze the ecological threats from commercial shipping as a component of spatially explicit risk assessments. We explore ship traffic variability using a case study in waters off California. AIS data from 2008 to 2015 were used to evaluate the role of vessel emission regulations and economic events on vessel routes and speeds. We document vessels navigating around emission control areas (ECAs) or reducing speed when traveling through them. Large freight vessels decreased speeds from 2008 to 2015 by about 3–6 knots in many areas, with lowered speeds observed in areas of both heavy and sparse vessel use. The timing and location of the speed reductions appear to be most influenced by state and international clean fuel standards, which required the use of more costly fuels. Therefore, the speed reductions may have provided a more cost-effective means of travel. We also found temporary speed increases off southern California when vessels used longer routes to avoid traveling through an ECA. We conclude that the establishment of ECAs had a profound influence on vessel routes and speeds, likely due to the higher costs of clean fuels. Proposals have come before the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish clean fuel requirements in various locations around the world to reduce air-borne emissions from vessels. Our research suggests such proposals, or other events that may affect marine fuel prices, can have key impacts on vessel behavior. Consequently, it is important to consider this variability when designing strategies to minimize threats from shipping to vulnerable biophysical systems.

Ships – inspiring objects in architecture

Sea-going vessels have for centuries fascinated people, not only those who happen to work at sea, but first and foremost, those who have never set foot aboard a ship. The environment in which ships operate is reminiscent of freedom and countless adventures, but also of hard and interesting maritime working life. The famous words of Pompey: “Navigare necesseest, vivere non estnecesse” (sailing is necessary, living – is not necessary), which he pronounced on a stormy sea voyage, arouse curiosity and excitement, inviting one to test the truth of this saying personally. It is often the case, however, that sea-faring remains within the realm of dreams, while the fascination with ships demonstrates itself through a transposition of naval features onto land constructions. In such cases, ship-inspired motifs bring alive dreams and yearnings as well as reflect tastes. Tourism is one of the indicators of people’s standard of living and a measure of a society’s civilisation. Maritime tourism has been developing rapidly in recent decades. A sea cruise offers an insight into life at sea. Still, most people derive their knowledge of passenger vessels and their furnishings from the mass media. Passenger vessels, also known as “floating cities,” are described as majestic and grand, while their on-board facilities as luxurious, comfortable, exclusive and inaccessible to common people on land. Freight vessels, on the other hand, are described as enormous objects which dwarf the human being into insignificance. This article presents the results of research intended to answer the following questions: what makes ships a source of inspiration for land architecture? To what extent and by what means do architects draw on ships in their design work? In what places can we find structures inspired by ships? What ships inspire architects? This article presents examples of buildings, whose design was inspired by the architecture and structural details of sea vessels. An analysis of these examples formed the basis for an evaluation of the impact of this inspiration on the shaping of public spaces and the aesthetic aspect of architectural structures.

Polylactic acid trays for fresh-food packaging: A Carbon Footprint assessment

This paper discusses application of Carbon Footprint (CF) for quantification of the 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP100) associated with the life cycle of polylactic acid (PLA) trays for packaging of fresh foods. A comparison with polystyrene (PS)-based trays was done considering two different transport system scenarios for PLA-granule supply to the tray production firm: a transoceanic freight vessel and an intercontinental freight aircraft. Doing so enabled estimation of the influence of the transportation phase on the GHG-emission rate associated with the PLA-trays' life cycle. From the assessment, the GWP100 resulted to be mainly due to PLA-granulate production and to its transportation to the tray manufacturing facility. Also, the study documented that, depending upon the transport system considered, the CF associated with the life cycle of the PLA trays can worsen so much that the latter are no longer GHG-emission saving as they are expected to be compared to the PS ones. Therefore, based upon the findings of the study, it was possible for the authors to understand the importance and the need of accounting for the transport-related issues in the design of PLA-based products, thus preserving their environmental soundness compared to traditional petroleum-based products.In this context, the study could be used as the base to reconsider the merits of PLA usage for product manufacturing, especially when high distances are implied, as in this analysed case. So, the authors believe that new research and policy frameworks should be designed and implemented for both development and promotion of more globally sustainable options.

MANAGING THE RESOURCE CONSULTATION PROCESS: A CASE STUDY FROM THE JIREH GROUNDING RESPONSE

ABSTRACT The grounding of the 202-foot freight vessel JIREH, which occurred on June 21, 2012 on the Mona Island Natural Reserve in Puerto Rico, triggered a three month long response in what is arguably the most environmentally sensitive location in Puerto Rico and much of the Caribbean. Prior to, during, and after the response, the Federal On-Scene Coordinator worked closely with United States Government and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico agencies to ensure all natural and historic resource consultation mandates required under Federal law were initiated properly. This paper explores how the Endangered Species Act, Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and National Historic Preservation Act consultation requirements were applied before the JIREH response through development of the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Area Contingency Plan, during the response through multiple informal Emergency Consultations, and post-response through Formal Consultations. This examination will serve to highlight, through the lens of the JIREH response, the complexities of pre-planning for resource consultations, the challenges experienced by the Federal On-Scene Coordinator during an event, and provide recommendations to ensure resource consultation requirements are applied consistently and transparently in the future.

Electric Propulsion in Short Sea Shipping

Short sea shipping, the movement of freight along coasts and inland waterways, is more efficient and environmentally friendly for transporting large quantities of product. While marine transport may displace numerous diesel trucks, conventional propulsion systems still rely on petroleum fuels and the old engines found in most freight vessels produce harmful exhausts. An investigation was undertaken to determine the technical, economic, and environmental potential for an electric propulsion system in short sea shipping operations within New York State where numerous waterways provide a marine highway option that can be used for freight transport. Duty cycle information obtained from tugs during real-world operations in the New York City Harbor was used in the analysis. Three drivetrain configurations, a series hybrid-electric tug with energy storage, a series hybrid-electric tug with plug-in capability, and a series hybrid-electric tug with exchangeable energy storage capability were analyzed using the acquired load profiles. Modeling results indicate that the fuel savings is highly dependent on the application. The plug-in configuration is likely to be the most cost effective concept based on the large increase in additional fuel savings for the minimal cost to add this capability. This study shows the value of modeling with real-world duty cycles to estimate system benefits. An ongoing study evaluating the potential benefits of electric propulsion for New York State Canal Corporation maintenance vessels may identify a favorable application for this technology due to the low power requirements and regular recharging opportunities within their operations.

Estimation of potential impacts and natural resource damages of oil

Methods were developed to estimate the potential impacts and natural resource damages resulting from oil spills using probabilistic modeling techniques. The oil fates model uses wind data, current data, and transport and weathering algorithms to calculate mass balance of fuel components in various environmental compartments (water surface, shoreline, water column, atmosphere, sediments, etc.), oil pathway over time (trajectory), surface distribution, shoreline oiling, and concentrations of the fuel components in water and sediments. Exposure of aquatic habitats and organisms to whole oil and toxic components is estimated in the biological model, followed by estimation of resulting acute mortality and ecological losses. Natural resource damages are based on estimated costs to restore equivalent resources and/or ecological services, using Habitat Equivalency Analysis (HEA) and Resource Equivalency Analysis (REA) methods. Oil spill modeling was performed for two spill sites in central San Francisco Bay, three spill sizes (20th, 50th, and 95th percentile volumes from tankers and larger freight vessels, based on an analysis of likely spill volumes given a spill has occurred) and four oil types (gasoline, diesel, heavy fuel oil, and crude oil). The scenarios were run in stochastic mode to determine the frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation of fates, impacts, and damages. This work is significant as it demonstrates a statistically quantifiable method for estimating potential impacts and financial consequences that may be used in ecological risk assessment and cost-benefit analyses. The statistically-defined spill volumes and consequences provide an objective measure of the magnitude, range and variability of impacts to wildlife, aquatic organisms and shorelines for potential spills of four oil/fuel types, each having distinct environmental fates and effects.

Latest update of tests and improvements to US Coast Guard viscous oil pumping system

Over the past nine years, the US Coast Guard has incorporated the prevention through people (PTP) philosophy as a “human factors” approach to learn how maritime operations can be regulated safer and be more efficient by evaluating training, management policies, operational procedures, and establishing partnerships with the maritime industry. One of the key elements of applying a PTP approach is identifying and incorporating lessons learned from major marine casualties and pollution incidents. Since 1997, the US Coast Guard National Strike Force has responded to three major oil spills involving foreign freight vessels grounding, which included the removal of highly viscous oil using various lightering equipment and systems. An informal workgroup consisting of the US Coast Guard, US Navy Supervisor of Salvage (NAVSUPSALV), and various representatives from oil pollution clean-up companies met at the following facilities: the Chevron Asphalt Facility in Edmonds, WA (September 1999), the Oil and Hazardous Materials Simulated Environmental Test Tank (OHMSETT) testing facility in Leonardo, New Jersey (November 1999 and March 2000), the Alaska Clean Seas (ACS) warehouse annex in Prudhoe Bay, AK (October 2000), and Cenac Towing Company facility in Houma, LA (May 2002). The group shared ideas and techniques, and tested different pumps and hose lengths with viscous oil. It was during the early tests that the first quantitative results showed just how efficient lubricated transport of heavy oil product could be, and broadened the knowledge of such methods to the entire industry. Although this technology had existed for many years in the oil production and handling industry, its use had never been investigated in a laboratory setting with regard to salvage response lightering systems.

Latest Update of Tests and Improvements to Coast Guard Viscous Oil Pumping System (VOPS)1

ABSTRACT Over the past nine years, the U.S. Coast Guard has incorporated the Prevention Through People (PTP) philosophy as a “human factors” approach to learn how maritime operations can be regulated safer and be more efficient by evaluating training, management policies, operational procedures, and establishing partnerships with the maritime industry. One of the key elements of applying a PTP approach is identifying and incorporating lessons learned from major marine casualties and pollution incidents. Since 1997, the U.S. Coast Guard National Strike Force (NSF) has responded to three major oil spills involving foreign freight vessels grounding, which included the removal of highly viscous oil using various lightering equipment and systems. An informal workgroup consisting of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage (NAVSUPSALV), and various representatives from oil pollution clean-up companies met at the following facilities: the Chevron Asphalt Facility in Edmonds, WA (September 1999), the Oil and Hazardous Materials Simulated Environmental Test Tank (OHMSETT) testing facility in Leonardo, New Jersey (November 1999 and March 2000), the Alaska Clean Seas (ACS) warehouse annex in Prudhoe Bay, AK (October 2000), and Cenac Towing Company facility in Houma, LA (May 2002). The group shared ideas and techniques, and tested different pumps and hose lengths with viscous oil. It was during the early tests that the first quantitative results showed just how efficient lubricated transport of heavy oil product could be, and broadened the knowledge of such methods to the entire industry. Although this technology had existed for many years in the oil production and handling industry, its use had never been investigated in a laboratory setting with regard to salvage response lightering systems. The lubrication of heavy oil product was first applied in the tests in the form of Annular Water Injection (AWI) by means of an, Annular Water Injection Flange (AWIF). This idea had been developed many years ago by the oil industry to improve oil output production, but was first applied to salvage response using the flange concept by the Frank Mohn Company of Norway. In concept, the flange applies water to the viscous product discharge of a pump by means of its unique geometry. The initial tests resulted in developing the use of AWI on the discharge side of the pump. This technique was further refined and applied to existing U.S. Coast Guard lightering systems in the form of the Viscous Oil Pumping System (VOPS) package, which has been issued to each of the three USCG Strike Teams of the National Strike Force (NSF). Latest improvements include using AWI on the suction side of the pump with hot water or steam. For this suction application, a different device used to deliver water lubrication was also tested concurrently with the discharge AWIF. Other significant improvements, which achieved one of the goals set in 2000, was to seek global partnership with other companies or agencies from other countries. In 2002, the Canadian Coast Guard formally joined the U.S. VOPS workgroup to form the Joint Viscous Oil Pumping System (JVOPS) Workgroup.

Lightweight Composites for Heavy-Duty Solutions

In various parts of the marine industry, composites (often referred to as fiberglass or FRP), are usually thought of suitable only for recreational boats and small cruisers. However, composites have been used for the Navy's 57m (188ft) coastal minehunters and 46 m–49 m (150 ft–161 ft) yachts in the U.S. and for larger minesweepers and patrol vesselsin the U.K. and Sweden. Ten years ago these vessels would have been at the upper limits of perceived size limitation for FRPs, but presuming limitations on the size of vessels using compositesas the primary structural material are premature. Composites are presently used for sections of large steel vessels, including nonpressure hull decking, nosesections, sails and diving planes for submarines, weapons enclosures and masts for destroyers, funnels on cruise ships and hatch covers for barges. Research is ongoing for use of composites in larger deckhouse sections for combatant and structural hull materials for 200 m (670 ft) fast freight vessels. Potential uses on large steel cargo and auxiliary vessels include bulbous bows, bow fairings, hatch covers, stern fairings, deck machinery enclosures, and nonstructural interiors. Composites have also been used as a complete hull restoration for a vintage steel yacht. This paper reviews current usage and explores future potential for the use of composites on larger vessels. Issues of damage tolerance, corrosion resistance, flammability, classification, and regulation are investigated. This paper does NOT present the highest level of technology in the composites industry. It is simply presented as a primer for those who normally work with steel and aluminum to think out of the metal box.

RECENT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES' VISCOUS OIL-PUMPING AND LIGHTERING CAPABILITY

ABSTRACT From 1994 to present, the U.S. Coast Guard National Strike Force (NSF) responded to three major oil spills involving foreign freight vessels grounding that required the removal of highly viscous oil using various lightering equipment and systems. In the fall of 1999, an informal workgroup sponsored by Commandant (G-SEC-2C) and consisting of U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage (NAVSUPSALV), and industry oil spill response and salvage representatives from around the world was formed. This group came together to resolve viscous oil-pumping problems that occurred during the tank barge Morris J. Berman (1994), freight vessel Kuroshima (1998), and freight vessel New Carissa (1998) groundings. This paper documents the workgroups results from September 1999 to June 2000 and provides an actual response case study where recent response improvements resulting from this effort were applied successfully to a train derailment in Shawmut, Maine.

The Coal Hoists of the Calumet and Hecla Mining Company

The fact that large quantities of coal are consumed daily by manufacturing, mining, and commercial industries has necessitated the introduction of machinery especially adapted for handling this material. The loading of coal from car s into freight vessels, or from vessels into cars, has brought about the use of certain c lasses of this machinery–the unloading into coal storage sheds, and again the delivery from the sheds directly to the boiler stokers, has created the need of others. Hoisting and conveying machines to do this work are so varied in their construction to suit different conditions, that machinery of this class can in itself form a distinct branch of engineering.