Big data - Harbour insights

NAPA solutions simplify and streamline onboard and shoreline operations

Trusted by more than 3,000 ships worldwide, NAPA’s Safety Solution software has promoted ship safety and operational efficiency for 35 years, working closely with customers. NAPA's solutions aim to positively impact the maritime industry by simplifying and streamlining onboard and shoreside operations through digitalisation, reducing errors and workload for seafarers, enhancing safety, and enabling more sustainable decision-making.  Paper-based system challenges “Historicall...

Harnessing the power of big data in maritime operations

The maritime industry, steeped in tradition, is now riding the wave of digital transformation, with big data playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and efficiency. For maritime professionals, the question isn’t whether to embrace big data, but how to maximise its practical benefits. Whether it’s a ship owner, port operator, or related to supply chain logistics, big data has the potential to streamline operations, enhance safety, reduce costs, and bolster profitability. This a...

Proposed Maritime Data System would add transparency to the supply chain

The coronavirus pandemic highlighted the shortcomings in the maritime/intermodal supply chain. Consequences of the pandemic included volume surges, equipment dislocation and shortages, warehousing and affiliated labor shortages, and intermodal rail service disruption. Pandemic challenges across the supply chain Among participants throughout the global supply chain, the pandemic challenges underscored concerns about communication, interaction, and coordination. Because the system is so compl...

Current events highlight impact and challenges of 1920’s Jones Act

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, has been in the news recently, both as an element in the supply chain muddle and related to the U.S. ban on Russian oil and gas. The Jones Act requires that ships operating between ports in the United States of America be constructed in the U.S., fly the U.S. flag, be owned by U.S. citizens, and be crewed only by U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. The Jones Act The law was introduced by Senator Wesley Jones (R-Wash.) and be...

The impact of microplastics pollution on the marine environment

Pollution from microplastics poses a threat to the marine environment and synthetic ropes used by maritime vessels are a source of the contamination. Research is ongoing into the specific impact of pollution. Meanwhile, the development of biodegradable fishing gear is one solution, but greater awareness is needed to tackle the problem holistically. The impact of ropes on the ocean The University of Plymouth’s International Marine Litter Research Unit is studying the impact of ropes on ma...

New generation of wind-driven vessels to lower carbon footprint and cost

For most of maritime history, wind power drove vessels all over the world; that is until steam and other forms of propulsion came on the scene in the mid-1800s. Now in the 21st century, given a renewed interest in preserving the environment and lowering costs, wind power is on the verge of making a comeback. The latest technologies, including big data and computer simulations, are helping to drive a renewed interest in maritime vessels propelled by wind, with a 90% reduction in the use of fossi...

Backlogged ports among symptoms of global supply chain disruption

Backlogged ports, a shortage of shipping containers and not enough workers are among the factors contributing to supply chain disruptions that have led to shortages of various goods and are likely to impact availability of merchandise, during the upcoming holiday season. Demand is growing rapidly as the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic have diminished. However, lingering consequences of the pandemic are continuing to impact the container shipping market. With each element in the system t...

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