DNV GL concept ship removes need for people
RESEARCHERS at classification society DNV GL think they may have solved safety issues on ships – by taking away the seafarers. They have designed a concept-ship, the ReVolt, that does not require a crew, which, DNV GL claims, “goes a long way in tackling one of the shipping industry’s weakest links: the safety record”. It said that with an average of 900 fatalities per year the mortality rate in shipping was 90 per cent higher than in comparable land-based industries and added: “Studies have shown that the majority of these accidents are caused by human error. Unmanned vessels take this factor out of the equation and make the operation of these ships more costefficient.” Instead of using diesel fuel, the six-knot cargo vessel, intended for short sea routes of less than 100 nautical miles, is powered by a 3,000 kWh battery. This reduces operating costs by minimising the number of high maintenance parts such as rotational components. DNV GL added that, if the energy required for such operating costs was harnessed from renewable sources, this would eliminate carbon dioxide emissions. With no crew, there is no need for crew facilities such as a superstructure, on board the vessel. The resulting increase in loading capacity, as well as low operating and maintenance costs, mean that compared with a diesel-run ship, the ReVolt could save up to US$34 million during its estimated 30-yearlifetime. The concept-ship is currently still being tested. “Building and operating this vessel would be possible with today’s technology,” said Hans Anton Tvete, senior researcher at DNV GL. “The ReVolt is intended to serve as inspiration for equipment makers, ship yards and shipowners to develop |