Navigation Sector Research Articles

Pregled i analiza regulatornih propisa za primenu autonomnih brodova

The notion of an autonomous ship has led to a reconsideration of the existing concept of the ship in terms of safety, security, design, crew, equipment, regulatory and participants in the transport process and in the entire supply chain. The paper analyzes the existing regulatory frameworks on the topic of autonomous ships and regulations dealing with the safety of vessels in maritime transport and inland waterways transportation. An overview of the literature is given in which it is defined how existing regulations should be modified to adapt to autonomous ships. The main difference is the level of ship automation, which depends on the navigation sector. The regulations defined by the International Maritime Organization are applied for navigation in maritime transportation, while the regulations of the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine have been adopted for inland waterways. In order to establish safe and unhindered navigation, it is necessary to define and adopt regulatory framework for the navigation of autonomous ships on inland waterways.

Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Challenges of Inland Waterways Freight Logistics Transport and their Integration into Regional Supply Chains – A Case Study

Abstract an era of increased sustainable transport, the European inland navigation industry has received significant attention to attain sustainable transport. Tremendous opportunities to substantially move freight on waterways are present in the UK; however, several challenges have been appropriately addressed, including infrastructural gaps and various institutional support programs. The paper addresses the UK’s current situation of inland navigation and the key challenges affecting the sectors as a viable alternative transport solution. The article explores and summarises the geographic opportunities, commercial feasibility, and the current condition of the UK’S inland navigation sector. From the practical scenario of the UK’s experience, an attempt was made by the authors to find the critical challenges and issues faced by the industry. The emerging themes from the analysis of this paper indicated governance and leadership issues, cooperation, and coordination mechanism between establishments with various functions and responsibilities, merged with infrastructural investment, are strategic elements for expansion in the UK. Conclusively, the authors presented recommendations for improvement and sustainable development.

Reduced and More Fragmented Mississippi River Navigability by Rising Flow

AbstractThe Mississippi River System (MRS) is one of the most important commercial routes in the world and its navigability is critical for anticipating potential disruptions in the global supply chain. Here we show that the navigability of the MRS has reduced since 1963, especially in the lower part of the basin. Based on analyses of daily stage time series and the associated conditions for navigation, we find that high rather than low water levels are the main culprits for the observed navigability issues. Moreover, not only have the navigable days decreased, but navigation without operational restrictions has also become more fragmented. Our findings provide basic information toward the development of strategies to mitigate potential negative effects in the U.S. navigation sector.

Entering a new era for electrical vessel on inland waterways

The shipping industry is moving towards quickly decarbonizing its assets. There is also a growing demand for new urban transportation (passengers, building materials, and equipment) with zero-emission propulsion. Zero-emission propulsion is available today for sustainable transport. The common size of inland navigation vessels offers the opportunity to implement innovative technologies earlier than seagoing ships. There is clearly a wide range of solutions available, with their own set of pros and cons. Batteries and fuel cells are part of a growing list of solutions to carbon-neutral or zero-emissions shipping. They become a strong choice and can be successfully combined with alternative fuels. As a result, electric and hybrid vessels are currently among the most important developments in the inland navigation sector. Bureau Veritas, as one of the major classification societies, proposes a brief review of state-of-the-art electrical solutions, considering available technologies, safety constraints and operational challenges, bringing to light its experience in electrical vessels, both in new constructions and conversions as well as in vessels in service. Although many parameters must be considered, the conclusion confirms that there are electrical solutions already suitable for a range of vessels and it is also possible to pencil the near future in association with new infrastructure and supply chain.

The rise of digitalisation and automation in the shipping industry and their impacts on training and system safety

The ubiquitous application of digitalisation and automation within the maritime shipping industry will create disruptions that will have profound effects on how work is performed in the industry. The practice of safe navigation will require an evolution and subsequent evolvement of how operators and technologies interact in a complex sociotechnical system if a better understanding of system safety is to be achieved. Predictions of how actors and agents in the same workspace will emerge. This paper focuses on the current levels of automation prevalent in the navigation sector, a futuristic prediction and foresight of challenges related to the emergence of technologies, automation and artificial intelligence, and the competencies required related to the training of future seafarers.

Evaluating the Transformation of Urban River Water Quality from Receiving Urban Sewage to a Leisure Venue through an Economic Lens: A Case Study from Tokyo

Although environmental sustainability provides a foundation for maintaining economic and social sustainability, it is often neglected in favor of economic sustainability. Ameliorating water impairment is costly, and policymakers do not always prioritize this problem because its economic benefits are often intangible. This study explored the potential economic value for Tokyo’s regional economy of past improvements in the water quality of its rivers. Transitioning the rivers from their previous role as sewage drainage pipes to venues for spending leisure time created economic incentives in the local economy. An input-output analysis showed that in 1985, the inland navigation sector in the Sumida River generated 1.5 times the economic output by increasing demand. While this impact decreased to 1.3 times in 2005, the results clearly indicate that the regional economy can generate amenity values by improving the environmental quality. This study provides useful information to guide policymakers in allocating the budget for environmental management. In particular, it allows them to envision possible development plans to promote the livelihood of urban residents as well as understand the linkage between the environment and the economy.

Reducing NOx Emissions through Microwave Heating of Aftertreatment Systems for Sustainable Transport in the Inland Waterway Sector

The inland navigation sector makes a significant contribution to the growth of the global economy as well as to climate change due to pollutants emitted by diesel engines. NOx emissions are very high in port areas where, due to traffic, the ships run at idling regimes. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) represents one of the most suitable technologies, in terms of cost effectiveness, but does not perform well if the temperature during vessel operation is lower than 180 °C. Microwave technology can support preheating of the ceramic core of SCR in order to increase the temperature towards the optimal interval for the best NOx reduction. Research has focused on coupling a magnetron head to a SCR device in order to evaluate to what extent the technology can meet the requirements of Stage V of the European Directive related to NOx emissions. Measurements of NOx emitted have been performed on engines with 603.5 kW nominal power and 1500 rpm that operate at a lower engine speed (700–1200 rpm) and output power (58–418 kW). The values recorded for emissions using microwave heating of ceramic core of SCR have decreased by 89% for a constant load of engine and idling engine speed.

Proposition of a method to design tailor-made knowledge management systems for small and medium enterprises

The aim of this paper is to propose a knowledge management system design method for small and medium enterprises that addresses the problems encountered on the existing ones. A literature review highlighted 5 main concepts that have a crucial role in knowledge management system design. To take these recommendations into account, a knowledge management system design method was designed. It uses the small and medium enterprises characteristics, needs and problems to select adapted knowledge management tools and practices, and offers a comprehensive and tailor-made knowledge management system. This method was used to design a knowledge management system for a high-tech small and medium enterprises from the navigation sector. It allowed to choose from the adapted knowledge management tools and practices and to write a set of requirements for the knowledge management system while taking the user into account, thus easing the knowledge management system implementation and ensuring its sustainability.

ASSESSMENT OF CAR COLLABORATIVE POSITIONING WITH UWB AND VISION

Abstract. During the last decades the role of positioning and navigation systems is drastically changed in the everyday life of common people, influencing people behavior even multiple times each day. One of the most common applications of this kind of systems is that of terrestrial vehicle navigation: the use of GPS in the automotive navigation sector started thirty years ago, and, nowadays, it commonly assists drivers in reaching most of their non-standard destinations. Despite the popularity of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), their usability is quite limited in certain working conditions, such as in urban canyons, in tunnels and indoors. While the latter case is typically not particularly interesting for the automotive sector, the first two scenarios represent important cases of interest for automotive navigation. In addition to the market request for increasing the usability of navigation systems on consumer devices, the recent increasing eagerness for autonomous driving is also attracting a lot of researchers’ attention on the development of alternative positioning systems, able to compensate for the unavailability or unreliability of GNSS. In accordance with the motivations mentioned above, this paper focuses on the development of a positioning system based on collaborative positioning between vehicles with UltraWide-Band devices and vision. To be more specific, this work focuses on assessing the performance of the developed system in successfully accomplishing three tasks, associated to different levels of gathered information: 1) assessing distance between vehicles, 2) determining the vehicle relative positions, 3) estimating the absolute car positions. The obtained results show that a) UWB can be reliably used (error of few decimeters error) to assess distances when vehicles are relatively close to each other (e.g. less than 40 m), b) the combination of UWB and vision allows to obtain good results in the computation of relative positions between vehicles, c) UWB-based collaborative positioning can be used for determining the absolute vehicle positions if a sufficient number of UWB range measurements can be ensured (sub-meter error for vehicles connected with a static UWB infrastructure, whereas error at meter level for those exploiting only vehicle-to-vehicle UWB communications).

Wireless Sensor material Fusion based Single photon indium phosphide on silicon chip for frequency-modulated continuous-wave light detection and ranging

Enormous of improvement happing in the Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Sector (AVNS), Especially in Wireless Sensory devices manufacturing materials based investigation and deployment present hotspot research. We investigated various semiconductors materials and proposing Single Photon (SP) driven silicon chip for autonomous System (AS). We also proposed an Indium Phosphide (InP) material composite design and optimization to improve the photon mobility, conductivity and frequency. Material used for fabrication of autonomous system performance is directly propositional in the following factors: thermal stability in various refractive index (nD) The proposed material InP integrated with the white phosphorus reaction with indium iodide at 250 °C, it induces the direct band gap 1.33 eV (600 and speed of electron moments scattered in all the areas. To make it intense path instead of electron we introduced single photon indium phosphide (SPInP) on silicon chip (SoC) adding with photonic integrated circuits (PICs). In this method wavelength sensitivity improved single to three pulse range various from 905 nm to 1480 nm compound attenuation reaches to 0.3833 dB/Km. Signal and detection and conversion SPInP SoC more suitably in Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) coherent based Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) integrated with Indium Phosphide photomultipliers (InPPMs) theory parameter analysis, optimized Angle of Arrival (AoA), less signal error, power ratio, distance, velocity, error detection in frequency domain and simulation desired characteristics are presented.

Pathways for a sustainable future inland water transport: A case study for the European inland navigation sector

Sustainable transport is an important way of mitigating climate change. Inland navigation still is a sustainable mode of transport which is of great importance for the whole European transport market. However, due to its market structure, it risks losing the battle for volume and market share with the other transportation modes. Opting for inductive research approach, this paper first of all collects data. Next, the paper observes the market of the European inland navigation sector and looks for patterns in order to develop a set of structural pathways. From the data collection, it turns out that the sector is facing challenges, mainly due to overcapacity, uncontrolled costs and volatile freight prices. The classical reaction pattern to overcome these shortcomings (capacity control, cost control, playing with ‘time’ and ‘reliability’ factors) does no longer suffice. By analyzing the patterns, the researchers were able to formulate five pathways: A first path is that of technological/operational innovation or retrofitting for ecological and social sustainability. A second path is that of industrial economics: inland navigation is marked by a lot of fragmentation. A solution might be pooling up, whereby the risk of anti-competitive impacts seems very low. A third path is that of financing: the classical financing through banks clearly provides no incentive for reducing overcapacity, even not through bankruptcies. Actual lay-up of vessels seems a must. For longer-run financing, bonds, credit unions or even crowd-funding can be solutions. A fourth path builds on the second one, with more co-operation needed within the wider sector, also with vertically-related partners: charterers, terminal operators, etc. Fifth and finally, a dynamic regulation is needed, following modern rules, with an eye on the longer-term viability of the sector.

Protocol development for real-time ship fuel sulfur content determination using drone based plume sniffing microsensor system

Pollutants from navigation sector are key contributors to emission inventories of most coastal cities with heavy port activities. The use of high fuel sulfur content (FSC) bunker oil by ocean going vessels (OGVs) has been identified as a major source of sulfur dioxide (SO2). Government authorities all over the world, including Hong Kong government, have implemented air pollution control regulations to cap FSC of fuel used by OGVs to 0.5%, from the existing 3.5%, to reduce SO2 emissions. However, the lack of efficient screening tools to identify non-compliant OGVs has prevented effective enforcement. This study developed and evaluated an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne lightweight (750 g) microsensor system (MSS), which is capable of measuring ship plume SO2, NO2, NO, CO2, CO, and particulate matter in real-time. Extensive experiments were conducted on the sensor system to evaluate its performance during laboratory and field operations. The effects of cross-sensitivity and meteorological conditions were studied and incorporated to account for the measurement conditions in dispersed ship plumes. The SO2 to CO2 concentration ratio-based FSC expression was formulated as per the 2016 European Union Directive and Regulations. Furthermore, the impact of plume dilution on the accuracy of FSC measurement was investigated at different stages using the MSS, with and without the UAV in both simulated conditions and real-world scenarios, maintaining a safe distance from the OGV exhaust stacks. The study demonstrates the robustness of using UAV-borne sensor system for ship emission sniffing and FSC determination. The results will assist in development of a technological framework for effective enforcement of ship emission control regulations.

Forecasting the impacts of climate change on inland waterways

Inland waterways are vulnerable to climate change as river navigation depends on water levels. Droughts can severely disrupt inland navigation services by reducing water levels either to completely non-navigable ones or to levels that oblige operators to reduce vessel load. We analyse the impacts of droughts induced by climate change using projections of river discharge data provided by eleven different climate model runs. We consider location specific characteristics by focusing the analysis on four specific locations of the Rhine and the Danube where a substantial part of the total freight activity in the European Union (EU) takes place. For the majority of the cases and scenarios considered, a decrease of the number of low water level days is projected, leading to fewer drought related disruptions in the operation of the inland waterway transport system. Although the uncertainties from the climate projections should not be neglected, the navigation sector could benefit from global warming which means that European inland waterways might be one of the few sectors where climate change can have negligible, or even positive, impact. The average economic benefit, for the cases considered, from the decrease of low water levels by the end of the century is projected to be almost €8million annually.

Developing a cost calculation model for inland navigation

The inland waterway transport sector in Western Europe is a competitive market with an excess of supply over demand. Overcapacity puts pressure on prices, and has caused a decline in profitability, particularly since the economic crisis of 2008. In this competitive environment, it is crucial for ship owners to have accurate information on the cost of their service in order to avoid setting freight rates at non-profitable levels. For this reason, a scientific instrument to calculate the cost of inland waterway transport is needed.Following upon a literature review, the aim of the paper is to develop a new cost calculation model by vessel type, taking into account internal fixed and variable out-of-pocket costs, from the ship owner's perspective, as well as external cost elements of inland waterway transport. Subsequently, the methodology behind the input parameters, the model computations, and the output is discussed and supported with a case study.The paper reveals that a model for use in the inland navigation sector needs to be based on company-specific input parameters. Due to the variety of ship types and dimensions, operation modes, contracts, and specific trip considerations, models based on average values seldom provide accurate results. The collection of averages, however, can serve scientific purposes, such as the analysis of investment decisions, or the effect of changes to the charter agreement. As such, the model proposed in this paper is capable of collecting and processing user input for the generation of average values, for further insights into the inland navigation sector.

Briefing: Implementation and implications of Water Framework Directive

The European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD), which was transposed into law in most member states in 2003, introduces a new, integrated regime of protection, improvement and management to all water bodies. These include rivers and canals, coastal and estuarine waters and, in some countries, large marine areas. The WFD also aims to prevent further deterioration in water status and to reduce or phase out pollution from certain named ‘priority and priority hazardous substances’ (these are being identified as part of the process of agreeing a separate ‘daughter Directive’ to the WFD). Another key objective of the WFD is to ensure that water bodies reach ‘good status’ by the end of 2015. Reaching good status requires not only chemical but also new ecological targets to be met. Implementation of this ambitious Directive is continuing apace in both the UK and at EU level. Stakeholder participation is a key element of the provisions of the Directive and the navigation sector is ensuring that it gets involved in this process at all levels. This briefing note provides a short overview of these activities.

European Water Framework Directive and Its Impact on Water Transport in the European Union

As a result of the July 1999 European Summit held in Gothenburg, Sweden, all European Union policy areas are subject to the guiding principle of sustainable development. Within this context, the European Commission published a white paper on transport policy to 2010, focusing on the need to foster more environmentally and socially sustainable means of transport to achieve a modal shift away from road transport. The white paper mentions inland navigation as a mode with great potential to contribute to a shift toward more sustainable modes than roads and recognizes that among other measures, infrastructural improvements must be realized on the European waterways. However, European environmental legislation, namely, the Water Framework Directive (WFD), is likely to challenge the strategy of necessary improvements on European waterways. The target conflict arising from environmental legislation that is capable of contradicting efforts to ensure sustainability in the transport sector is examined. Within this context, several aspects of WFD are described: development; the current implementation status in the national law of European Union member states and the potential consequences for waterway infrastructure, dredging, and navigability; and the general role of inland navigation in a competitive transport market. Possible instruments foreseen in the WFD to balance the interests of environmental concerns and those of the navigation sector are also addressed.

European Water Framework Directive and Its Impact on Water Transport in the European Union

As a result of the July 1999 European Summit held in Gothenburg, Sweden, all European Union policy areas are subject to the guiding principle of sustainable development. Within this context, the European Commission published a white paper on transport policy to 2010, focusing on the need to foster more environmentally and socially sustainable means of transport to achieve a modal shift away from road transport. The white paper mentions inland navigation as a mode with great potential to contribute to a shift toward more sustainable modes than roads and recognizes that among other measures, infrastructural improvements must be realized on the European waterways. However, European environmental legislation, namely, the Water Framework Directive (WFD), is likely to challenge the strategy of necessary improvements on European waterways. The target conflict arising from environmental legislation that is capable of contradicting efforts to ensure sustainability in the transport sector is examined. Within this context, several aspects of WFD are described: development; the current implementation status in the national law of European Union member states and the potential consequences for waterway infrastructure, dredging, and navigability; and the general role of inland navigation in a competitive transport market. Possible instruments foreseen in the WFD to balance the interests of environmental concerns and those of the navigation sector are also addressed.

Strategies, Politics and High Technology in Europe

This article provides a comparative analysis of technology-based economic development by examining industry strategies in the satellite navigation, wireless communications and digital audio broadcasting sectors. The leading promoters in each sector claimed that coordinated, supportive public economic strategies and support were imperative for European competitiveness, but the ensuing support differed across these sectors. This article contends that the relative position of the leading economic actors in the structure of international competition and the import-competition situation explains this variation.

The role of regulatory agencies in multiple water use

This paper presents the conceptual framework for regulating water use in cases where water is a public good. Public agencies with an independent directive board can successfully manage such a situation. Through a comprehensive system of water permits, charging and control it is possible to effectively manage water resources. Together with the conceptual framework a practical application is presented. The case of the National Water Agency of Brazil--ANA--shows that it is possible to implement modern water resources management concepts in less developed countries. The benefits of this institutional arrangement are demonstrated in the case of managing water conflicts among water users. Two situations are described: the semi-arid water allocation for agricultural use in the Jaraguaribe River Basin in Ceara State and the conflict between the hydropower and navigation sectors in the Parana River Basin.

PC-card applied navigation system and its communication function enhancement: MIUT with mobile multimedia techniques

The high-mobility work force find their in-vehicle-use computers to be very effective business tools and now anticipate a mobile computer with the location or map navigation function. Denso has thus developed a Mobile Information Unit and Terminal (MIUT) targeted to an entirely new market segment in addition to the in-vehicle navigation sector: people who want their office on wheels. The MIUT comes with two PC-card slots, one for hard-disk (HD)-applied navigation function, the other for a digital communication card for tele-data function, both in direct contact with the MIUT Information Center. The present report provides information on the new system, based on enhanced vehicle communication, thanks to its on-site/communication ability and flexibility in the use of standardized PC-card interface with Mobile Multimedia Techniques.