As autonomous technologies rapidly evolve, institutions like Texas A&M University are pioneering research into how the technologies can be virtually verified and validated before they are deployed on real-world maritime vessels.

This special episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, was recorded at the ABS Laboratory for Ocean Innovation at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, where the university and ABS are researching the implementation of autonomous navigation — just one of many research collaborations between the two organizations.

In this episode, Texas A&M Professor of Mechanical Engineering Siva Rathinam and ABS Senior Technology Engineer Denny Raymond joined host Brad Cox to discuss the challenges, benefits and safety concerns of autonomous systems, as well as how the ongoing research can help push the industry forward.

Share this episode and leave us a review or a rating on your podcast platform of choice. You can contact the show at [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Takeaways

• The transition to autonomy will change the roles of seafarers but will be a gradual change.
• Legal frameworks need to adapt to accommodate autonomous ships.
• Safety concerns are paramount in the development of autonomous systems.
• Virtual testing can accelerate the development of autonomous navigation technologies.
• Research is needed to understand human-autonomy interaction better.
• The future of maritime autonomy is promising and requires collective effort.

Guests

Dr. Siva Rathinam is a Professor and Industrial Advisory Committee Faculty Fellow in the Texas A&M Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research interests are in autonomous ground and aerial vehicles, sensor fusion, vision-based control, algorithms, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).

Denny Raymond is a Senior Technology Engineer at ABS. With nearly two decades of experience, Denny has a multi-disciplinary background in marine product integration, power generation, dynamic positioning, and maritime autonomy. Having worked for the Saint Lucia Electricity Services, Cummins, and Basler Electric, Denny has specialized knowledge of marine engine applications, power systems and controls. Denny received his Master of Science in Engineering (Industrial/Systems Concentration) from Purdue University and his Bachelor of Science, in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the West Indies, Trinidad.

Using additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, to produce replacement parts on demand can support just-in-time operations and potentially mitigate supply chain disruptions for the maritime and offshore industries.

On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Daniel Tan, Pelagus 3D Chief Technology Officer, and Dr. Gu Hai, ABS Vice President of Technology, joined host Brad Cox to discuss the potential for on-demand AM for the maritime industry.

Learn more about how ABS is supporting AM for the industry here.

Share this episode and leave us a review or a rating on your podcast platform of choice. You can contact the show at [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Takeaways

• AM (3D printing) can address supply chain disruptions for the maritime and offshore industries.
• On-demand manufacturing allows for local production of spare parts, saving time.
• The cost of AM technologies is decreasing.
• Companies are moving from just-in-case to just-in-time operations.
• Pelagus 3D is implementing on-demand spare parts for the maritime and offshore industries.
• ABS is developing a certification framework for AM.
• Safety, mechanical performance and cybersecurity are key concerns for 3D printed parts.

Guests
Daniel Tan is the Chief Technology Officer in Pelagus 3D — a joint venture between Thyssenkrupp and Wilhelmsen — offering digital manufacturing of spare parts for the maritime and offshore industries. While managing the development of the Pelagus Platform, the one-stop digital hub for customers, design owners and fabricators, Daniel is also passionate about exploring innovations and partnerships that can create new value for platform users. Prior to Pelagus 3D, Daniel was with Wilhelmsen Ships Service since 2020 as Venture Technology Lead, developing the platform MVP (minimum viable product) and architecting the operations process for its 3D printing venture. A mechanical engineer by training, Daniel had also spent 10 years in innovation, and running research programs and institutes for the maritime and aviation sectors.

Dr. Gu Hai is Vice President of Technology for American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). He overseas ABS’ technology centers in the Pacific region, including Singapore, China, Korea, and Japan. These centers help further innovation and technology development in the maritime and offshore industries. They leverage the full depth and breadth of experience from across ABS’ entire worldwide network to support safety and innovation, locally and globally. He currently sits on the Singapore Maritime Institute Technology Advisory Panel, the Industry Advisory Committee at Singapore Institute of Technology, and the Digital Twin Panel of the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SNAME). He was also a member of the Singapore Tripartite Advisory Panel for Transition and Future Skills for Seagoing Professionals from 2023 to 2024 and the International Advisory Panel of Singapore Maritime Foundation on Decarbonization in the Maritime Sector from 2020 to 2021. He holds a Doctor’s Degree in Engineering from Hiroshima University, Japan.

A revolutionary vessel design with a novel aft layout could reduce a vessel’s environmental impact and promote efficient operations.

Craig Carter, Thordon Bearings Vice President of Business Development, and Dr. Chris Leontopoulos, ABS Vice President of Technology, joined host Brad Cox on this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, to discuss the Blue Ocean Alliance’s design for a sterntubeless propeller shaft bearing arrangement and its potential for the maritime industry.

Learn more about the sterntubeless design from the ABS Requirements for Sterntubeless Vessels with Water Lubricated Bearings.

Be sure to share this episode with your friends and leave us a review or a rating on your podcast platform of choice. You can contact the show at [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Points

• Decarbonization in shipping often focuses on fuels, but ship design matters as well.
• The water-lubricated sterntubeless design can reduce the risk of oil leaks from the propeller shaft.
• Seawater lubrication is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
• The design allows for easier maintenance and inspection of bearings.
• The design can increase cargo capacity by optimizing space.

Guests
Craig Carter is the Vice President of Business Development for Thordon Bearings, a manufacturer of a complete range of zero pollution propeller shaft, rudder and shaftline products for the global marine market. He has been actively working with ship owners, government and special interest groups to provide cost effective solutions to eliminate oil and grease discharges from ships ensuring no environmental impact on our oceans, seas and rivers. He has been involved in the promotion of oil- and grease-free bearing systems for the marine, clean power generation and offshore industries since 1996.

Dr. Chris Leontopoulos is Vice President of Technology for ABS. He joined the ABS office in Greece in 2007 as a senior engineer in plan approval and has assumed a number of roles of increased responsibility over time. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. He graduated with a bachelor's degree, a master's and a doctorate in mechanical engineering all from Imperial College in London. He also holds a master's degree in business administration. He is currently involved as a project manager in two IACS machinery working groups on Shaft Alignment Damages and Barred Speed Range.

The emergence of 3D model-based design and engineering for the maritime industry is changing the way ships are designed, engineered, built and classed.

This special episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, was recorded on board the Signet Capella tugboat at the Enbridge Ingleside Energy Center near Corpus Christi, Texas. The Signet Sirius, sistership of the Signet Capella, was the first commercial U.S. vessel designed, built and verified using an end-to-end 3D design process.

In this episode, Signet Maritime Corporation Senior Vice President of Engineering Tim McCallum, Robert Allan Ltd. Production Design Manager Dmitry Kapiturov and ABS Senior Engineer Scott Sienkiewicz joined host Brad Cox to discuss the Signet Capella, the Signet Sirius, and the impact of 3D design on maritime engineering.

If you like this episode, share it, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Points

• The Signet Sirius and the Signet Capella are pioneering 3D-designed vessels.
• 3D design enhances collaboration among all stakeholders.
• The maritime industry is embracing 3D design for efficiency.
• 3D design allows for better visualization of complex structures.
• The younger generation is more adept at using 3D tools.
• 3D models offer improved training potential.

Guests
Tim McCallum is the Senior Vice President for Engineering, Technical and Economics at Signet Maritime Corporation. He is responsible for corporate engineering leadership, policy, design, new construction, application of engineering principles and practices, fleet maintenance planning and budgeting, and capital project financial planning and management. Tim has been the project lead on Signet’s most advanced vessel design and construction projects and was Signet’s spearhead for the adoption of 3D design in U.S. shipbuilding with the Signet Sirius and Signet Capella.

Dmitry Kapiturov is a Technical Manager Production Design and CAD Manager at Robert Allan Ltd., in Vancouver, BC. Dmitry obtained a Master’s Degree in Naval Architecture in 2002 and has more than 20 years of experience in the ship design and shipbuilding industry. Dmitry is registered as a professional engineer at EGBC and is also a member of SNAME. Dmitry pioneers the model-based design approach at Robert Allan Ltd. He is instrumental in leading the company towards innovative solutions and maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

Scott Sienkiewicz is a Senior Engineer at ABS and has been with the company for more than 10 years. He works in the New Orleans Hull group and has a primary focus on vessel structures, finite element analysis and statutory services. He obtained a bachelor’s degree of engineering in naval architecture from SUNY Maritime College and holds a Third Mates Unlimited Merchant Marine Credential.

Ammonia offers interesting potential as a zero-carbon marine fuel. Several companies are developing technologies to support ammonia’s application by taking advantage of its energy density and mitigating its toxicity risks.

Jan Chow, Senior Manager of Applications and Services Engineering for Amogy, and Michael Kei, Vice President of Technology for ABS, joined host Brad Cox on this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, to discuss Amogy’s ammonia cracking technology, the company’s ammonia-powered tugboat, and ammonia safety.

If you like this episode, share it with your colleagues, leave a review, or send us feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Points

• Ammonia cracking technology breaks down ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen.
• Ammonia has a higher energy density than hydrogen.
• The existing infrastructure for ammonia can support its use as a fuel.
• Safety concerns regarding ammonia are manageable with proper technology and training.
• Regulatory frameworks are evolving to support ammonia as a marine fuel.
• Ammonia as a marine fuel could see it comprising more than 40% of the fuel mix by 2050.

Guests
Jan Chow is the Senior Manager of Applications and Services Engineering at Amogy. Based in Houston, Jan is responsible for aligning Amogy product development with client needs and industry trends. He was involved in the NH3 Kraken vessel design to demonstrate the application of Amogy’s technology in the maritime industry. Prior to joining Amogy in 2023, Jan worked as a classification design review engineer, surveyor, and digital capabilities and innovation manager at ABS for over 10 years.

Michael Kei is Vice President of Technology for ABS. In his role, Michael is responsible for leading and approving technical development and maintenance of products & services to meet organizational and business needs. He has 20 years of experience in the marine and offshore industry where he has driven innovation and led high-performing teams. Michael holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s in offshore engineering and has a proven track record of implementing cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational efficiency. 

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is at the center of the action for the shipping industry’s decarbonization.

With MEPC’s 82nd session coming up, we had several IMO delegates from across the industry join Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, to discuss what they expect from the meeting, the hottest topics that will be discussed, and issues future meetings will need to address.

If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. Learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industry at www.eagle.org.

To hear about the outcomes from the MEPC 82 meeting, view our webinar on demand here: https://bit.ly/3UCrm1x

Key Points

• MEPC 82 could be a pivotal committee meeting, determining the future of decarbonization in the shipping industry.
• Mid-term measures and the review of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) framework will likely play a big role in the meeting.
• Other important issues to be addressed include the Ballast Water Management Convention, the Hong Kong Convention, and the implementation of the IMO net zero framework.
• The industry is looking for clarity, certainty and pragmatic solutions to meet the targets and transition to a more sustainable future.

Guests
Thanos Theocharis is a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs for International Registries, Inc. (IRI)/Marshall Islands Registry. He joined IRI’s office in Piraeus, Greece, in June 2007 as a vessel operations manager. He is a member of the delegation representing the Marshall Islands at the IMO.

Panos Zachariadis has been the Technical Director of Atlantic Bulk Carriers Management in Greece since 1997. He is a Fellow member of the American Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, a member of Technical Committees of several shipping Classification Societies and the Union of Greek Shipowners, Chairman of BIMCO’s Marine Environment Committee, and serves on the Board of Directors of Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and Marine Technical Managers Association (MARTECMA). He has been a member of the Greek delegation to the IMO since 2004.

KC Wong is a Senior Technical Manager for INTERTANKO covering the China and Hong Kong region. He is also the Secretary to INTERTANKO’s Safety and Technical Committee, representing the tanker industry on safety and technical matters in liaison with national governmental organizations and international organizations, such as the IMO. KC joined INTERTANKO after his secondment from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) from Sep 2020 to Apr 2022.

Emmanuel Vergetis is the Greece Region Representative for INTERCARGO. He joined the INTERCARGO Secretariat in January 2022 after many years working for a classification society. He is a graduate of National Technical University of Athens and holds a master’s degree of Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineer.

Stamatis Fradelos is ABS Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. The Regulatory Affairs team interfaces with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Flag Administrations and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), facilitating the application of regulations and maintaining ABS and clients’ awareness on regulatory issues being progressed and developed internationally. Stamatis is also member of IACS Board of Directors, the IACS Council and the IACS Sub-Committee on Quality Policy participating in IACS governance and strategic decisions.

ABS recently launched the sixth edition of its sustainability Outlook series, Beyond the Horizon, Carbon Neutral Fuel Pathways and Transformational Technologies. The new Outlook provides a forecast for net zero scenarios factoring in the future fuel mix, energy efficiency technologies and shipyard capacity for retrofits.

On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Stergios Stamopoulos, ABS Director of Global Sustainability, and Ushma Ahuja, ABS Senior Sustainability Engineer, join host Brad Cox, ABS, to discuss the publication’s findings and major sustainability trends in the industry.

Download the latest edition of the Outlook at www.eagle.org/2024Outlook.

If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Points

• The number of ships using alternative fuels is expected to continue growing.
• Energy efficiency technologies have an important role to play in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
• Increased shipyard capacity for newbuilds and retrofitting is crucial for decarbonization.
• Liquid hydrogen and nuclear energy have substantial potential to support decarbonization.
• The industry needs innovation, regulatory compliance and collaboration to achieve net-zero targets.

Guests
Stergios Stamopoulos is the ABS Director of Global Sustainability for the Western Hemisphere, leading ABS activities in the Americas and Europe regions. Under his leadership, the ABS sustainability centers in Houston, Athens and Copenhagen are assisting ship and offshore owners, operators, and other stakeholders with achieving their sustainability goals. He joined ABS in 2007 as an engineer and has worked in Greece, South Korea and the U.S. in a variety of roles.

Ushma Ahuja is a Senior Sustainability Engineer at the ABS Global Sustainability Center in Copenhagen, where she supports ESG mapping projects. She has been a Secondee with the Regulatory Affairs team of Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping since 2023.

Once considered future fuels, options like LNG, methanol and ammonia are quickly becoming current fuels for the maritime industry. However, as alternative fuel-enabled ships start hitting the water, challenges remain for both availability and risk assessment.

On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Dinesh Balraj, Maersk Head of Fleet Operations East, and Shu Yong Koh, ABS Director of Global Sustainability, explore some of the biggest challenges of methanol as a marine fuel with host Brad Cox, ABS.

If you like this episode, share it with your colleagues, leave a review, or send us feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Points

• Maersk is using methanol as a pioneer fuel to achieve carbon neutrality and meet their ambitious sustainability goals.
• Methanol offers speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a viable option for reducing emissions.
• The complete methanol value chain is still developing, with challenges in sourcing and infrastructure.
• ABS has published a bunkering advisory to support the safe handling of methanol.
• Methanol is expected to play a key role in the future fuel mix, but a diverse range of green fuels is also anticipated.

Guests
Dinesh Balraj is the Head of Fleet Operations East at A.P. Moller-Maersk. Dinesh oversees the technical management of a fleet comprising 185 container vessels. In this role, Dinesh champions safety, reliability and energy efficiency, leveraging his diverse background spanning Chief Engineer, Classification Surveyor, Fleet Superintendent, and Fleet Manager positions. As a key member of the Fleet Management and Technology leadership team, Dinesh spearheads strategic initiatives aimed at driving cultural transformation, decarbonization efforts, and operational excellence throughout the organization.

Shu Yong Koh serves as ABS Director of Global Sustainability, responsible for driving the ABS sustainability strategy and assisting ship owners and operators with achieving their sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals through industry-leading support and digital solutions. He has been involved in various sustainability initiatives and is actively pursuing the challenges of the maritime and shipping industry. He is working on energy, emissions and innovative technologies associated with alternative fuels, taking into account technical, environmental, regulatory and economic factors.

As the maritime industry grapples with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we have seen a multitude of regulations intended to drive progress. Now we have the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which introduces the concept of well-to-wake carbon equivalent emissions per megajoule of energy and it enters into force in January 2025.

On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Francesco Bellusci, Managing Director of Scorpio Ship Management, Ricardo Batista, Policy Officer with the European Commission’s DG-MOVE, and Stamatis Fradelos, ABS Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, join host Brad Cox, ABS, to discuss the implementation and challenges of FuelEU. The group discusses wind-assisted propulsion incentives, the role of carbon capture technology and the regulation’s emissions pooling mechanism.

If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Points

• The FuelEU Maritime Regulation aims to decarbonize maritime transport by reducing carbon intensity and promoting the use of renewable fuels.
• Wind-assisted propulsion is seen as a technology that can contribute to emissions reduction and incentives for using it are included in the regulation.
• Carbon capture is not currently included in the regulation, but there is potential for its inclusion in the future.
• The pooling function in FuelEU incentivizes compliance and rewards overachievers by allowing companies to pool ships and trade surplus emissions.
• FuelEU is seen as a first step toward global implementation of a similar International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulation.
• Collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders are essential for the successful implementation of decarbonization measures in the maritime sector.

Guests
Francesco Bellusci is the Managing Director of Scorpio Ship Management. Francesco was Technical Director in Scorpio from 1995, Designated Person Ashore (DPA) from 1997 and was appointed General Manager in 2008. He has been the Managing Director since 2010. Francesco was instrumental for the success of Scorpio Tankers fleet renewal into ECO design and the transition from Scorpio Bulkers into Eneti Inc. and wind offshore renewable.

Ricardo Batista is a Policy Officer with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG-MOVE), Maritime Transport unit. In the Commission, Ricardo is engaged in the development, negotiation and preparatory work for implementing the FuelEU Maritime Regulation under the Fit for 55 package. Before joining the European Commission, Ricardo worked in the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), responsible for technical and scientific support to the Commission on several topics of ship safety and sustainability, with a focus on energy systems. Ricardo has previous experience as a Marine Engineer onboard naval ships and a Naval Architect involved with newbuild and retrofit works. He also has classification society experience.

Stamatis Fradelos is ABS Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. The Regulatory Affairs team interfaces with the IMO, flag Administrations and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), facilitating the application of regulations and maintaining ABS and clients’ awareness on regulatory issues being progressed and developed internationally. Stamatis is also a member of IACS board of directors, the IACS council and the IACS Sub-Committee on Quality Policy participating in IACS governance and strategic decisions.

Digital twins have captured the maritime industry’s attention amid the global journey toward digitalization and decarbonization. However, confusion remains about what exactly a digital twin is, what it isn’t and how it can be used.

On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Eric VanDerHorn, ABS Technology Manager, joins host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media, to discuss digital twins and the potential benefits for the maritime industry.

If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Points

• Digital twins are a hot topic in the maritime industry, with over 20,000 publications mentioning them in 2023 alone.
• The concept of a digital twin can be traced back to the use of physical twins throughout history to better understand the real world.
• Building a digital twin involves integrating various data sources and models, but there is no grand unified model yet.
• Digital twins offer potential advantages in areas such as diagnostics, predictive maintenance, performance optimization and training.
• Digital twins can also be used to support decision making in the decarbonization journey of shipowners and operators.

Guest

Eric VanDerHorn is a Technology Manager for ABS. He supports digital transformation in the maritime industry by developing and qualifying cutting-edge technologies such as digital twins, smart functions, structural health monitoring, asset integrity management, predictive analytics, and condition-based Class programs. Eric holds a bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and a doctorate in civil engineering with a focus on uncertainty quantification from Vanderbilt University.