Ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) developed to meet the standards set forth in the Ballast Water Management Convention adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) were summarized here considering existing and developing BWTS. The systems need to be applied in very different settings onboard (e.g. different vessel types, flow rates and waters to be treated) so that fundamentally different BWTS are considered.

To mitigate the ecological risks associated with ballast water discharge, ballast water treatment systems are installed on ships. These systems aim to remove, kill, or inactivate the organisms and pathogens present in ballast water before it is discharged.

Here are some key aspects of ballast water treatment systems:

Various technologies are used in ballast water treatment systems, including physical, chemical, and biological methods.

Common treatment technologies include:

Filtration: Using screens or filters to physically remove larger organisms and particles from the ballast water.

Disinfection: Utilizing chemicals, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or electrochlorination to kill or inactivate organisms and pathogens.

Deoxygenation: Reducing oxygen levels in ballast water to control the survival of organisms

Ballast water treatment systems can be installed in existing ships through retrofitting or incorporated into new vessel designs during construction. Retrofitting may present engineering and space constraints, while newbuild installations can be more seamlessly integrated.

Ships are required to maintain records of ballast water management and treatment activities. Compliance with ballast water regulations is verified through inspections and the availability of appropriate documentation.

The implementation of ballast water treatment systems aims to minimize the transfer of harmful organisms and pathogens, reduce the ecological impact on marine ecosystems, and protect coastal areas from invasive species. It is essential for shipowners and operators to understand and comply with the ballast water management regulations applicable to their vessels to ensure environmentally responsible practices. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established the Ballast Water Management Convention to regulate the management and treatment of ballast water on ships. The convention sets standards and guidelines for ballast water treatment, including discharge limits and the type approval process for treatment systems.

The shipping industry is under pressure to decarbonise in the next decade, to cut emissions of pollutants including carbon. Many have announced their strategies to be carbon-neutral and targets for net zero within 10 or 20 years. In the long term, this will come from switching to low-carbon or zero-carbon fuels and batteries, and introducing efficient newbuilds.

But developing alternative and sustainable fuels is difficult and expensive, and maritime industries may not be able to adopt these new fuels until 2030.
In the shorter term, shipowners need to react to IMO’s new carbon intensity index (CII), which came into force Q4 2022, by improving the efficiency of existing ships through digitalisation and voyage optimisation.
Remote monitoring using onboard sensors, IoT and regular observational reporting enables shipping companies to understand the energy intensity of vessel operations and offer advice to captains to reduce fuel consumption.
Voyages can be optimised to lower ship speeds and use favourable currents and weather patterns to cut emissions while maintaining safe navigation. Analysing data can help owners to demonstrate the impact of operational efficiencies, monitoring fuel consumption and reporting emissions cuts to authorities.

Smart vessel maintenance

Shipping companies and engine manufacturers are increasingly using AI and machine learning for predictive maintenance on critical equipment on vessels. Engineers can use machine learning and adaptive algorithms to gain advanced insight into performance, condition and outcomes of ship machinery, systems and whole vessels.
These are evolving technologies, with hardware and software elements learning how to mimic human capacity for observing, monitoring, understanding and decision-making.
By combining AI with human expertise, shipowners can identify any operational issues, predict when maintenance is required to prevent breakdowns and provide chief engineers and captains with advice on improving machinery performance.
Owners can reduce operating costs using predictive diagnostics and IoT-based smart maintenance to enable in-time parts availability for optimal maintenance and to facilitate more in-water overhauls to reduce drydocking expenditure.
They can also use real-time data and advanced 3D computer models of ships for digital twins of actual vessels to monitor, diagnose and predict when maintenance is required.

AI and machine learning can also be used to determine how to tackle hull and propulsion fouling.
These technologies can be combined with virtual and augmented reality in eyewear, so onshore engineers can provide real-time information and advice to those maintaining and overhauling machinery on ships.

JIT port arrival

There is a conundrum in the shipping industry that needs to be solved before ships can be truly decarbonised. Ports and terminals work on a different timescale to ships, and charterers have alternative requirements to shipowners.
This is seen regularly with ships sailing at high speed with high emissions between ports, only to be anchored outside the harbour waiting for its slot to load or unload cargo. With many ports and terminals working on a first-come-first-served basis, cargo owners, charterers and ship operators want to get there early, but this leaves ships steaming at full speeds consuming much more fuel than if their voyage was optimised.
There is also evidence ships have taken the quickest route between ports ignoring forecasts of adverse weather, putting the vessel, cargo and seafarers at risk.
Decarbonisation efforts means there is growing need for just-in-time (JIT) port arrivals and better communications between stakeholders in the ship and the ports.
AI is expected to play an increasing role in voyage optimisation and JIT port arrivals.

Blockchain technology

Blockchain technology has been increasingly utilized in the maritime industry to enhance transparency, visibility, security, and efficiency across different domains such as supply chain management, vessel registration, and cargo tracking. The core concept of blockchain involves a decentralized digital ledger that provides a secure and transparent way of recording transactions.
With its distributed architecture, blockchain can create an immutable record of a ship’s movements, which can help to prevent fraud and enhance safety. Furthermore, the use of smart contracts instead of paperwork on a blockchain platform can help automate various processes, reducing delays and saving costs.
Manual data logging systems are slow and prone to forgery. This fuels a lack of trust between maritime companies, vessel owners, vessel operators, and ports, hindering overall productivity. Blockchain technology counters this by offering transparent, tamper-proof data storage, ensuring data integrity and visibility into transactions and financial operations.
Startups are developing blockchain solutions like automated documentation platforms, payment systems, and maritime-specific smart contracts. This transparency in the maritime value chain ensures seamless operations with tamper-free data and communication flow.

JET Engineering System Solutions provides 5G at Sea

JET Engineering System Solutions is a British startup that enables 5G at sea. The startup deploys autonomous and uncrewed connectivity platforms to achieve this, creating a 5G mesh. This network provides a low-latency, high-speed network for vessels and other maritime assets. In addition, it improves search and rescue operations, optimizes aquaculture management, facilitates offshore renewable asset monitoring, and enables smart ports.

Advancements in connectivity and on-premise systems enable the integration of emerging technologies in the otherwise disconnected and remote maritime sector. Clean energy and energy-efficient integrations collectively reduce the emissions of the industry. AI, robotics, big data, analytics, and blockchain further improve the efficiency of maritime operations.

The marine industry plays a vital role in global trade and transportation. To keep up with this demand, the industry must find innovative ways to improve efficiency and prioritise safety. With increasing pressure to meet these challenges, the need for innovation has become more urgent than ever and new marine PPE and safety equipment won’t be far behind.

The use of artificial intelligence within the marine and shipping industry may surprise you. One of the most promising applications is through route optimisation. AI can be essential in helping ships navigate the most efficient and cost-effective routes. This is particularly important in the face of rising fuel costs, as optimised routes can reduce fuel consumption and transportation costs.

Autonomous Vessels:

AI is used in the development of autonomous or semi-autonomous vessels. These vessels can navigate, avoid obstacles, and make decisions based on real-time data using AI algorithms, sensors, and communication systems.

Predictive Maintenance:

AI helps in predicting equipment failures and maintenance needs by analyzing data from various sensors. This proactive approach reduces downtime and enhances the reliability of marine systems.

Route Optimization:

AI algorithms analyze historical and real-time data, such as weather conditions, sea currents, and vessel performance, to optimize navigation routes. This improves fuel efficiency, reduces emissions, and enhances overall operational efficiency.

Collision Avoidance:

AI-based collision avoidance systems use data from radar, sonar, and other sensors to detect potential collisions and take corrective actions, such as altering course or adjusting speed.

Weather Forecasting and Risk Management:

AI is used to process large datasets and improve the accuracy of weather forecasting, helping vessels plan routes to avoid adverse conditions. AI also contributes to risk assessment and management in the marine industry.

Supply Chain Optimization:

AI is employed to optimize supply chain logistics, including cargo scheduling, port operations, and inventory management. This ensures timely and cost-effective transportation of goods.

Environmental Monitoring:

AI technologies, including remote sensing and image analysis, are used for monitoring and managing environmental impacts in marine ecosystems. This includes detecting oil spills, monitoring water quality, and assessing the health of marine life.

Energy Efficiency:

AI helps in optimizing energy consumption on vessels by analyzing and adjusting engine performance, monitoring fuel usage, and recommending energy-efficient practices.

Security and Surveillance:

AI-powered surveillance systems enhance security in ports and on vessels. These systems can identify and alert authorities to suspicious activities, improving overall maritime security.

Data Analytics for Decision-Making:

AI facilitates the analysis of vast amounts of data collected from sensors, satellite imagery, and other sources. This information aids decision-making processes, enabling operators to make informed choices for vessel operations, maintenance, and business strategies.

The integration of AI in the marine industry is expected to continue evolving, leading to increased automation, improved safety, and enhanced operational efficiency. As technology advances, new applications and solutions will likely emerge, further transforming the maritime sector.

In the near future artificial intelligence can be a very good assistant for seafarers, but you should not rely on it 100%, because the human factor is the strongest, and in some situations can find a quick way out, in which the artificial intelligence can fail in the system, for example due to the work on a pattern or lack of communication.

While artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to play a significant role in the maritime domain, fully replacing human beings is unlikely in the foreseeable future. The maritime industry involves complex and dynamic situations that require human expertise, decision-making, and adaptability.

Here are a few reasons why complete replacement is unlikely:

Complex Decision-Making: The maritime environment is unpredictable and often involves complex decision-making processes that require human intuition, experience, and ethical considerations. AI may assist in decision support systems, but the final decisions are likely to remain in human hands.

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations: The maritime industry is subject to strict regulations and international standards. Fully autonomous vessels would need to comply with these regulations, and issues such as liability, safety, and ethical concerns would need to be addressed before widespread adoption.

Emergency Situations: Humans are better equipped to handle unexpected and emergency situations at sea. The ability to adapt to unforeseen events, make split-second decisions, and respond to emergencies with empathy is currently beyond the capabilities of AI.

Maintenance and Repairs: Vessels require maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting, tasks that often require a hands-on approach. While AI can assist with predictive maintenance, there will still be a need for engineers.

Human Interaction: The maritime industry involves interactions with various stakeholders, including crew members, port authorities, and other vessels. Effective communication and collaboration, which involve emotional intelligence and cultural understanding, are areas where human presence is crucial.

Public Perception and Trust: Acceptance of fully autonomous vessels may face challenges in gaining the trust of the public and maritime stakeholders. There will likely be a gradual transition, with a focus on human oversight and collaboration with AI systems.

AI can certainly enhance efficiency, safety, and decision support in the maritime domain, a complete replacement of humans by AI in this field is not currently feasible due to the complexity of the tasks and the need for human skills in certain critical situations. The future is likely to involve increased integration of AI technologies to augment human capabilities rather than outright replacement.