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NJORD EXPLORES ROVS TO IMPROVE HULL PERFORMANCE
Njord's mission is to guide shipowners and charterers towards adopting greener technologies.
Join us for our event, where we dive into the groundbreaking potential of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in enhancing maritime efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Our panel of distinguished marine technology experts, including Åge Højmark, CEO of Shipshave AS; Thomas Joergensen, CEO of CLIIN Robotics; and Inder Mukhopadhyay, CEO of Alicia Bots, Inc., will explore how ROVs can revolutionise ship operations. Njord's own Technical Director, Steen Sander Jacobsen, joins the discussion, sharing insights on the seamless integration of ROVs into maritime fleets.
These industry leaders discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by ROVs, offering their expertise on how these technologies can be leveraged to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The panel highlight's how ROVs, when combined with other innovative technologies, can lead to significant operational savings and contribute to a more sustainable maritime industry.
Watch the recording to gain a deeper understanding of ROVs and their role in the future of shipping, backed by third-party verified data and real-world applications.
Discover how a tailored approach to each vessel can achieve remarkable fuel savings and set the course for a greener, more profitable maritime future.
Our panel of experts brings a diverse range of experiences and innovations to the forefront of maritime technology, reflecting Njord's commitment to fostering sustainable and efficient maritime operations.
Inder Mukhopadhyay, founder and CEO of Alicia Bots, leverages his background as a marine engineer and his pioneering spirit in performance analytics to drive advancements in maritime robotics. His work with underwater applications for hull grooming and inspections represents a significant step towards reducing the 37 million metric tons of fuel wasted annually due to hull fouling. Inder's leadership at Alicia Bots exemplifies the innovative approaches that are essential for the maritime industry's sustainable future.
Åge Højmark, with a Master of Science in Engineering and an MBA, coupled with 15 years of experience across various senior roles in the maritime industry, serves as the CEO of ShipShave. His focus on vessel performance optimisation and tackling biofouling challenges through ShipShave's semi-autonomous cleaning system, ITCH, highlights the practical steps towards achieving a sustainable transition within shipping. Åge's commitment to enhancing hull performance aligns with Njord's vision of driving operational efficiencies and environmental stewardship.
Thomas Joergensen, the visionary behind CLIN Robotics, brings his extensive experience in marine paint and antifouling technologies to the development of environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. His ambition to improve the efficiency and environmental impact of ship cleaning and performance is embodied in CLIN's innovative magnetic modular platform. Thomas's expertise in adapting cleaning solutions to various underwater conditions showcases the type of forward-thinking required to address the maritime industry's environmental challenges.
Steen Sander Jacobsen, Njord's Technical Director, with nearly four decades of experience in the maritime industry, including key roles at Maersk, brings invaluable insights into fuel efficiency, fleet performance, and technological innovation. His focus on hull performance and the use of ROVs for hull grooming addresses the critical issue of overconsumption due to fouling, highlighting the potential for significant operational improvements. Steen's expertise underscores Njord's role in championing innovative solutions that enhance both commercial and environmental vessel performance.
Together, these panelists represent a collective endeavour to advance maritime operations through innovative technologies and sustainable practices, aligning with Njord's mission to facilitate the industry's transition to greener technologies.
The maritime industry's journey towards broader adoption of hull grooming strategies underscores a pivotal shift towards sustainable shipping, yet it's clear from industry insights that we're only at the cusp of this transformation.
Despite the clear environmental and operational benefits, the uptake of such strategies has been slow, with a mere fraction of the global fleet currently leveraging this technology. This hesitancy can be attributed to several factors, chief among them being the need for greater awareness and understanding of the technology, as well as concerns about the additional workload on crew members.
The practical, operational, and financial challenges associated with hull grooming cannot be understated. The availability of technology, while crucial, is but one piece of the puzzle. A holistic approach that encompasses not just the technological solutions but also the operational practices, including paint and hull maintenance strategies, is essential for maximising the benefits of hull grooming. This requires a concerted effort to align various elements of vessel maintenance for optimal performance and efficiency.
The role of the crew in implementing and maintaining these technologies is paramount. It's evident that the success of ROVs and other hull grooming technologies hinges on active crew engagement. However, the concern about overburdening crew members with additional responsibilities is valid.
The industry must strive to communicate effectively, share experiences, and offer training that simplifies the operation and maintenance of these technologies. Ensuring that the technology is accessible and manageable for crew members of varying skill levels is critical for fostering widespread adoption.
Moreover, the vision for the future is one of autonomy, where hull grooming robots operate with minimal human intervention. This evolution towards fully autonomous solutions will alleviate the concerns regarding crew workload and allow for more efficient and consistent hull maintenance.
In conclusion, while the path to widespread adoption of hull grooming strategies is met with its challenges, the potential benefits in terms of fuel efficiency and environmental impact are undeniable.
