Nor-Shipping 2023 – Next Generation Ship Award

Misje Eco Bulk’s Misje Vita

Mitsubishi Corporation’s Pyxis Ocean

Neoline’s Neoliner 136 Terntank’s Hybrid Tankers

Nor-Shipping has revealed the final shortlist for this year’s Next Generation Ship Award, with the winner to be announced on Monday 5 June at Oslo City Hall. The prestigious accolade, now in its tenth year, pits newbuilds, retrofits and conversions against one another, with the title going to the project trailblazing new industry standards for smart, sustainable maritime operations. Organisers say competition this year has been “intense”.

Showcasing ambition

Award President Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO, DNV, spearheaded this year’s initiative with an expert international jury eventually deciding on a shortlist of three newbuilds and one retrofit.
They are: Misje Eco Bulk’s Misje Vita, built at Colombo Dockyard in Sri Lanka; Terntank’s Hybrid Tankers, currently under construction; Neoline’s Neoliner 136, now being built in Turkey by RMK Marine; and Mitsubishi Corporation’s Pyxis Ocean, which will be retrofitted with innovative wind assist technology under the CHEK project.
Sidsel Norvik, Director, Nor-Shipping, says this year’s entries spanned a “huge spectrum” of vessel types, demonstrating the “ambition of an entire industry targeting cleaner, greener and smarter ways to do business.”

Leading the way

Norvik comments: “From container ships, to bulk carriers, through to ro-ro vessels, ferries and specialist projects such as cable layers, the nominations this year showed how segment after segment is working hard, and innovating brilliantly, to meet sustainability goals. This made for some very tough competition, and lively debate, as entrants were whittled down to just four standout projects.
“The remaining projects could all be worthy winners in their own right and we applaud the owners’ determination to advance the transformation of maritime operations. These vessels are leading the way for the industry and we look forward to revealing which one eventually takes the title of the Nor-Shipping 2023 Next Generation Ship.”

Winds of change

The shortlisted vessels were assessed across the key criteria of energy efficiency, innovation, suitability and flexibility, technology utilisation, safety and security, and environmental sustainability. All types of ship were given equal consideration, regardless of size or segment. To qualify for the award, newbuilds had to be scheduled for delivery within three years of Nor-Shipping 2023, while retrofits and conversions must be undertaken after the original date of the last biennial event scheduled for 2021.
The mix of three newbuilds and one retrofit project is a repeat of the shortlist for the 2022 award, eventually won by Havila Voyages’ coastal cruise ferry Havila Capella. However, unlike 2022, three of the four vessels this year featured wind power, with one utilising it as its main power source.

The final four

Each of the competing entries is remarkable in its own right. Misje Vita is a 5,000dwt shortsea bulk carrier, owned by Norway’s Misje Rederi. The vessel has a hybrid propulsion system developed by the owner in co-operation with Wärtsilä, eliminating NOx and offering a 47% reduction in SOx and CO2. The 1,600kW main engine is complemented by a 1,000kW h battery system and shaft generator/motor, with a shore connection enabling emission free port calls.
Swedish operator Terntank’s Hybrid Tanker 15,000dwt newbuildings, now being built in China, will be capable of running on e-methanol where available, feature battery systems and will also boast a suction sail system that could reduce emissions by a further 8%. Mitsubishi Corporation’s 80,926dwt Kamsarmax bulk carrier Pyxis Ocean is the retrofit entry, with a new sail system for the 2017-built ship showcasing BAR Tech’s WindWings Technology. One of the two sails is being funded by the EU as part of the Horizon 2020 Project.
Finally, wind will be the main source of power for the fourth shortlisted candidate, Neoline’s Neoliner 136, which will have 3,000m2 of sail area. The ro-ro vessel, which can also carry containers, is the culmination of a more than a decade long project to build a transatlantic cargo liner powered by wind alone. French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique is supplying its SolidSail system. An MGO-fuelled auxiliary engine will also be fitted for port operations and electricity supply.

Excitement on the horizon

Nor-Shipping 2023 runs from 6-9 June in Lillestrøm and Oslo. In addition to the main exhibition and the Ocean Leadership Conference, a range of themed conferences include the first ever Nor-Shipping Offshore Wind and Offshore Aquaculture Conferences, the Second Maritime Hydrogen Conference, and the Fourth International Autonomy Summit.
Entrance tickets have now been released, with an early-bird discount available prior to 1 May. Included in the price is free use of public transport in Oslo (Zone 1) and between the Lillestrøm exhibition centre, entrance to all the exhibition days, access to the After Work @Aker Brygge social scene in Oslo, and entrance to all Technical Seminars and Blue Talks.

For the full Nor-Shipping 2023 programme, and all ticket details, please see www.nor-shipping.com
For further details please contact: Sidsel Norvik, Director Nor-Shipping

Gdynia Maritime University and Dalian Maritime University will cooperate

Gdynia Maritime University and Dalian Maritime University have concluded a cooperation agreement. The agreement was signed by the Rectors of the university, prof. dr hab. Eng. captain  Adam Weintrit and prof. Sun Yuqing in Gdynia on April 21, 2023.

Dalian Maritime University is one of the largest maritime universities in the world. More than 25,000 students study here. Dalian is located on the Yellow Sea. The city has about 4 million inhabitants. It operates one of the largest ports in the world.

– The agreement with the Maritime University of Dalian opens up new opportunities for the Maritime University of Gdynia. 40 years ago, we signed an agreement with the Shanghai Maritime University. This cooperation agreement opened the way for our University to broad cooperation with the Far East for many decades – says HM Rector of the Gdynia Maritime University, prof. dr hab. Eng. Capt. Adam Weintrit.

Cooperation with the Dalian Maritime University provides a number of benefits for UMG, including student and employee exchange, joint research projects and scientific activities.

– We proposed the Dalian university to participate in a cruise to the equator and now the Rector of the Maritime University in Dalian, prof. Sun Yuging assured that at least three students from China will sail to the equator on our school frigate – “Dar Młodzieży” – informs the Rector of the GMU. Students from China will study at the Faculty of Navigation, where classes in English will be launched from the new academic year. We have plans for our students to go to Dalian, just like in the case of cooperation with the Shanghai Maritime University – adds prof. dr hab. Eng. Capt. life Adam Weintrit.

The University of Dalian is the 27th foreign university with which the Maritime University of Gdynia will cooperate. Starting cooperation with a Chinese university is a confirmation of the Rector’s strategy for the next two years of term of office related to the internationalization of the University and the expansion of the University’s activities in the international environment.

More: Gdynia Maritime University and Dalian Maritime University

 

Radio Gdańsk: Eksperci: Port Gdańsk „Musi realizować zadania strategiczne państwa”

W programie „Ludzie i Pieniądze”

Port Gdańsk ma nowego prezesa. Po tym jak w marcu ze stanowiska odwołany został Łukasz Greinke, na jego miejsce powołano Łukasza Malinowskiego. Jakie wyzwania stoją przed nowym szefem? O tym rozmawialiśmy w programie „Ludzie i Pieniądze”. Gośćmi Iwony Wysockiej byli prof. Marek Grzybowski, prezes Bałtyckiego Klastra Morskiego i Kosmicznego, oraz Artur Kiełbasiński, publicysta „Strefy Biznesu”.

– Jeszcze kilka lat temu bardzo komentowaliśmy, że Port Gdańsk przekroczył 50 mln ton ładunków. To było wydarzenie, okrągła liczba, która działała na wyobraźnię. W zeszłym roku to było już prawie 70 mln. Wyzwania przed nowym prezesem są dwa. Po pierwsze, by utrzymać tę tendencję. Możemy dyskutować, na ile to kwestia zarządu portu, a na ile samych spółek eksploatacyjnych, ale chodzi o zapewnienie warunków, by spółki mogły wzrastać, jeśli chodzi o masę przeładunków. Jest jeszcze druga kwestia. Do tej pory, gdy myśleliśmy o energetyce, port w Gdańsku kojarzył nam się tylko z Naftoportem. To bardzo ważny terminal, ale w tej chwili w porcie pojawiły się kolejne elementy energetyczne. Myślę o pływającym gazoporcie i terminalu PKN Orlen. Rola portu w kwestii zabezpieczenia bezpieczeństwa energetycznego, ciągłości dostaw i różnorodności kierunków będzie rosnąć. To drugie, bardzo ważne zadanie, by te projekty inwestycyjne były realizowane jak najlepiej i jak najszybciej. To prawdopodobnie główne kierunki zadań dla nowego prezesa – ocenił Kiełbasiński.

– Port Gdańsk, jako jeden ze strategicznych portów w naszym regionie, jest bardzo ważnym portem i przestrzenią łączącą nasz region ze światem. O tym, że porty mają strategiczne znaczenie, przekonaliśmy się w trakcie wojny na Ukrainie. Prezes musi realizować zadania strategiczne państwa. Zarząd portu zarządza przestrzenią, w której mamy strefy związane z bezpieczeństwem energetycznym państwa, a także wymianą gospodarczą z wiodącymi partnerami oceanicznymi. Port Gdańsk jest strategicznym portem dla całego otoczenia gospodarczego. Jego aktywność ma duży wpływ na rozwój i to co się dzieje w centrum logistycznym, rafinerii gdańskiej i otoczeniu przemysłowym. W porcie przeładowuje się także sprzęt wojskowy. Jest to więc miejsce strategiczne, które musi być rozwijane pod kątem bezpieczeństwa ekonomicznego i bezpieczeństwa militarnego państwa – wyjaśnił prof. Grzybowski.

Więcej: W programie „Ludzie i Pieniądze”

Gdańsk University of Technology – Kraken supercomputer

By Marek Grzybowski

The STOS Competence Center of the Gdańsk University of Technology and the presentation of the Kraken supercomputer took place in Gdańsk on April 25, 2023.

– Kraken will have a nice computing power of 13.6 PFlops, which according to forecasts will place it in December 2023 in the TOP 100 most powerful supercomputers in the world and at the forefront of supercomputers used in Europe – said Prof. Ph.D., D. Sc., Eng. Krzysztof Wilde, Corresponding member of the PAS.

The Kraken PG supercomputer is located in a special building underground. The computer has seven server rooms and can operate alone or as a team of several supercomputers. Its work will be led by scientists from the Gdańsk University of Technology and the team of the Tri-City Academic Computer Network of GUT.
Buildings for the supercomputer and work for scientists were designed by ARCHDECO from Gdynia
Kraken will allow you to conduct advanced research and complex simulations. Its computing power will enable scientists to conduct advanced work in the field of the development of artificial intelligence algorithms, nuclear energy, environmental protection technologies, as well as medicine and pharmaceuticals.

The total cost of the investment will amount to almost PLN 250 million.

Kraken provides unlimited research and development opportunities and the development of new technologies and solutions that serve society, both now and in the future. The entire research complex has been designed so that its capabilities can be gradually expanded in the coming years – says prof. Henryk Krawczyk, director of CI TASK GUT and originator of the construction of the complex.

– The opening of the STOS GUT center and the launch of the Kraken supercomputer provides huge research potential and will also translate into an influx of a large number of young and talented people to Gdańsk who will stay with us on a permanent basis. This is one of the most modern complexes of this type in Europe, which will significantly increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of not only our university, but also the entire Pomeranian region – said Rector Wilde.

Baltic Sea and Space Cluster and SimLE student science club meeting

The meeting of the Baltic Sea and Space Cluster project team with representatives of the SimLE student science club took place on April 24, 2023. Marcin Jasiukowicz and Igor Rusiecki represented of SimLE. BSSC was represented by: Marek Grzybowski, Krzysztof Anzelewicz, Michał Igielski, Zdzisław Długosz. The meeting was also attended by Maximilian Minta, CEO, NEPTUN Studio. The meeting was also attended by Zaneta Kłostowska, editor of ZielonaGospodarka.pl and representing the Hydrogen Technology Cluster.

BSSC supports students who develop their design passions and proposes positioning their ideas in international projects and projects implemented for business. The cluster supports students in shortening their path to acting in business that creates innovative projects.

– The BSS Cluster Pentagon Helix HUB integrates the transfer of knowledge between science and business, supports social initiatives, local governments and administration, develops investor relations in the maritime and space industry. BSSC integrates technological, legal and economic solutions at the scientific, business and social level – informed Marek Grzybowski, president of the BSSC.

– We believe that practical engineering activities from the concept to the implementation and implementation of the solution are the most effective way to prepare students for their future professional or scientific career. The task of our Scientific Circle is to create teams and equip them with means to solve interesting engineering problems – said Marcin Jasiukowicz, Vice President  SimLE.

Companies have programs that support innovative ideas and work of students – said Żaneta Kłostowska.

Neptun Studio was created as a result of the commercialization of innovative ideas and solutions in the field of IT and AI – said Maxymilian Minta.

Baltic Sea and Space Cluster specialized research teams operate within six Hubs, which brings together 60 Polish innovative companies. There are currently six Hubs: ICT & AI, construction of zero-emission ships – ZEVInnovation, design and construction of installations producing green energy – GreenTech, scientific-research, legal-financial and educational. All hubs bring together around 60 companies, research centers and R&D units. They cooperate with a group of approximately 2,300 cooperators, companies specializing in the design and implementation of innovative marine and space technologies, research and development, education and professional training for maritime industries. For over a dozen years the Baltic Sea and Space Cluster (BSSC) has been supporting innovations and development in the field of research, entrepreneurship, administration and local government, which are related to the Baltic Sea Region and the world ocean.

More than 50 GUT students are actively involved in technical projects implemented by SimLE, who are supported by representatives of other Tri-City universities. The technical design department takes care of our ideas from drawing the first sketches to screwing in the last screw. Marcin Jasiukowicz and Magdalena Sadowska, GUT Gdańsk, SimLE Stardust were awarded by the jury of the ‘Young Stars’ competition during the conference Safe Planet & Space Conference – IO PAN – SOPOT – March 23th, organised by IO PAN with the Baltic Sea and Space Cluster and Commission of Space Sciences PAN GDAŃSK.

Research and development projects as well as joint investments for hydrogen economy are the Cluster’s key missions. Its members are cooperating in the fields of information exchange, building economic connections, services and technologies. Cluster establishes broad cooperation with domestic and foreign organizations and other cluster networks and conducts educational and promotional activities as well.

Today the cluster develops in the Pentagon Helix formula, integrating the transfer of knowledge between science and business, supporting social initiatives, local government and administration, developing investor relations, says Marek Grzybowski and explains that today the cluster’s activity is characterized by a holistic, integrative and global approach, making the activity of maritime industries part of Economy 4.0. – We owe our position also to the close cooperation with the Space Science Commission of the Gdańsk Branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences. 4 conferences on space and maritime technologies, maritime and space law, economics and social sciences are organized jointly every year.

The next meetings were planned to position the ideas and activities of students from the Tri-City University in the maritime and space business.

Safe Planet & Space Conference – IO PAN – SOPOT – March 23th

By Marek Grzybowski

“Safe Planet & Space: Letter from Utopia” conference organized by the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, the Space Research Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Baltic Sea and Space Cluster. The conference of young scientists ‘young stars’, representatives of business and scientists using space technologies in environmental research was held at the IO PAN, in Sopot, on March 23, 2023.

Realcja: Konferencja: „Safe Planet & Space: Letter from Utopia” w Sopocie

Over 20 conferences abuut the satellite and information technology used in the maritime economy

– This is the third series of conferences on the use of steelmaking techniques in science and maritime industries. We work in cycles of one and a half years and in this third cycle it is the first conference in 2023, but also the fifth one organized in this cycle 2022-2023 organized by the Space Sciences Commission of the Polish Academy of Sciences Gdańsk and the Baltic Maritime and Space Cluster. This is the 5th conference organized by the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The Institute of Oceanology conducts scientific research in the Baltic Sea and in the seas of the European Arctic.

– The meetings of this series are a continuation of the discussion started in previous years by the scientific, entrepreneurial and administration communities, identifying problems, needs and common points in areas seemingly distant from each other: sea and space – said prof. Edmund Wittbrodt, chairman of the Space Sciences Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences (Gdańsk). The interdisciplinary nature of these conferences has created a platform for exchanging views, presenting knowledge and discussing research results and issues related to legal regulations, management and technologies in both these areas, their mutual connections and the possibility of practical applications – emphasized prof. Wittbrodt.

The synergy of cooperation between the Space Sciences Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Gdańsk and the Baltic Sea and Space Cluster

At the conference in Sopot on March 23, 2023, the following topics were discussed: about the possibilities of using satellite techniques in activities related to the multifaceted security of the Earth in the context of climate change, environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of humanity. Interesting news also came from the Polish Space Agency.

– I am very pleased to see you again at the Institute – said prof. Jan Marcin Węsławski, Director of the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The Institute of Oceanology is extremely interested in cooperation with the entire space sector. Satellite research combined with marine research is the basic requirement for effective work at the moment. The next IPCC report on climate change shows that we have less and less time to react, and in turn that response will be largely based on information that is obtained with the help of satellite techniques – undelined prof. Węsławski.

– The Polish Space Agency is the coordinator of the consortium, which was formed from Polish entities and plays an important role in the entire construction of the system, which is being built all over the world, not only in Europe. Polish assets are related to the infrastructure located in Poznań, in a state institution: the Polish Spectroscopic Telescope of the University of Poznań. The project also involved: the 6Roads company from Krakow, the Space Research Center, the Astronomical Center and 14 entities scattered, mainly outside Poland – said prof. Marek Moszyński – vice-president and expert of the Polish Space Agency. – The Polish Space Agency also conducts consultations related to the preparation of guidelines for legislative changes. – said prof. Moszyński.

Satellite and IT systems can be cheated

Deception of satellites and IT networks. Bypassing sanctions in maritime transport after Russia’s attack on Ukraine in the global transport of strategic raw materials – presented Prof Marek Grzybowski,  President of the BSSC, Gdynia on the base of the Windward’s Russia Risk Report. As you know, artificial intelligence will never win with real stupidity and cunning – joked prof. Marek Grzybowski, in the introduction to his lecture.

Satellite and IT systems can be cheated. Many countries, shipowners, shippers, trading companies, producers of oil and gas, fertilizers and cereals use war to do business. War is a way to earn money and at the moment we have a situation where shipowners from different areas and countries take advantage of it. During the presentation, areas were shown where we can track places consisting in pumping fuel from one ship to another – showed prof. Marek Grzybowski. – Shipowners cheat identification systems and change the ship’s flag, disable information systems and reload strategic raw materials in ports where there is no cargo control. Many illegal operations can be traced through satellite observations and artificial intelligence. However, artificial intelligence loses to business and cunning.

“Young Stars” panel

The “Young Stars” panel was led by prof. Sławomir Sagan – Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs of the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The presentations showed the use of statlitary technologies in sea and climate research, the use of satellite information to forecast storm and flood hazards. Marcin Jasiukowicz and Magdalena Sadowska, PG Gdańsk, SimLE Stardust informed about- stratospheric platform to reach the skies. Patryk Sapiega, IMGW Gdynia preseted the results of scientific research of satellite data as a component of multi-stream verification and calibration of the SWAN wave model.
Maximilian Minta, NEPTUN STUDIO, informed about modeling of security issues aimed in validation of artificial intelligence algorithms and the logic of unmanned and warning systems. Katarzyna Dragańska-Deja, IOPAN Sopot, presented detection of environmental changes – satellite remote sensing in the Arctic region. Application of machine learning in flooding extent mapping using SAR data – presented Monika Gierszewska , PG, Gdańsk. Jasiukowicz and Magdalena Sadowska, GUT Gdańsk, SimLE Stardust were awarded by the jury of the ‘Young Stars’ competition.

Space, IT and hydrotechnical technologies and the security of seaports

Space and the sea – practical applications of satellite and digital technologies, Panel of Experts led by dr hab. Marek Grzybowski prof. (em) Maritime Academy, vice chairman of the Space Sciences Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences (Gdańsk). The theme of the panel was the answer to the question: Are Polish ports at the same level of security in the organization of ship, car, train and inland transport as the Port of Hamburg? In the times of the hot war in Ukraine and the threat of disruption of logistics chains, should Poland continue to develop resistance to satellite espionage and cyberattacks, physical threats from land and sea, and the threat of drone attacks?

An excellent introduction to the discussion was the presentation of innovations introduced in Port Hamburg by Maciej Brzozowski, Hafen Hamburg Marketing e.V. Port of Hamburg office in Poland: Port of Hamburg – Security and cybersecurity in terminals, ship traffic, cars and trains (case study). The Port of Hamburg has all the features of a smart port after implementing IT solutions, new technologies for detecting and managing the movement of ships, trains, cars and inland navigation.

From the beginning of the construction of the DCT Gdańsk terminal, attention was paid to safety, said Dominik Landa, Director Strategic Business Development and Intermodal of HHLA  (former commercial director of DCT GDAŃSK). In the terminal, quays and dockyards were prepared to handle the largest ocean container ships, 400 m long and 60 m wide. This took place even before the first megacontainer ship was built and sailed from the shipyard to the sea. At the moment, as SCM we are collecting experience from Ukrainian ports. Every day we have to intervene in ports in Ukraine, which are threatened by missile attacks from Russia. Ships leaving the ports of Ukraine must take into account the threat of air attacks and the threat of sea mines.
The Port of Gdynia Authority has introduced a number of innovative solutions to ensure the safety of the Port of Gdynia – said Kacper Synowiecki, Security Director, General Director Division, Port of Gdynia Authority. Port of Gdynia has e.g. anti-drone system, protected against cyberattacks, the internal entrance was frosted so that larger ships could enter the port. – When NATO ships are moored in the port, special procedures are used to ensure the safety of ships from the land and water side – said Director Synowiecki.

– Security against drones and cyber attacks is extremely important – said Maximilian Minta, CEO of NEPTUN STUDIO.
– For port operations and safe sailing, knowledge about quays and the bottom in port basins is also extremely important, said Andrzej Stateczny, prof. dr hab. Eng., President of the Management Board, Marine Technology.
– The company employs a wide group of experts in the field of navigation, hydrography, geoinformatics, geodesy and cartography, oceanography, remote sensing, photogrammetry, automation and robotics, IT, electronics and others. Marine Technology Ltd. completed one of the tasks performed under the project “Monitoring and Observation System for Port Areas Using Floating Unmanned Mobile Research Platforms” with the acronym MPSS. The area scope was Basins I-V in the Port of Gdynia, characterized by high concrete quays, which were not a major problem for the company. During the works, the following was downloaded: water at a height of 1 meter under the water surface (using a bathometer),water at a height of 1 meter above the bottom (using a bathometer), sediment from the bottom (using a scoop),plankton (using plankton net),water salinity profile (using the SVP Base X2 sound velocity profiler from AML).

There is no such IT system that cannot be broken, I say this as a former IT specialist and a long-time employee of the port authority – said Krzysztof Anzelewicz, vice-president, Baltic Sea & Space Cluster. IT security and physical security of ports, people and goods transported by sea require the support of digital techniques and satellite technologies. But the most important link that guarantees the security of the infrastructure is a man using new technologies – summed up prof. Grzybowski discussion of experts.

Space and sea -science and applications panel

Space and sea -science and applications panel was chaired by Prof Mirosława Ostrowska, vice president of the Polish Acedemy of Sciences.

Krzysztof Kanawka, Blue Dot Solutions, Gdańsk presente of the  Startup accelerator Space3ac activity. Abaut international projects on planet and climate protection from the point of view of the IT industry informed Krzysztof Samp, viceprsident, iTTi, Poznań. Use of Satellite data for atmospheric monitoring – estimation of NOx emissions from large point sources in Poland – presented Bożena Łapeta, IMGW Kraków. Małgorzata Kępińska-Kasprzak,  IMGW Poznań prezented information aobut the use of terrestrial and satellite data with various spatial resolutions to monitor processes related to agricultural drought from the county to the entire country. Mirosław Darecki, IOPAN, Sopot, presented the satellites as an effective tool for monitoring the Earth’s climate change.

University of Gdańsk – Poland’s first and only Doctoral School of Quantum Information Theory

Poland’s first and only Doctoral School of Quantum Information Theory will be established at the University of Gdańsk!

Thanks to the long-standing success of the University of Gdańsk physics community associated with quantum technologies, an International Centre for Quantum Information Theory has been established and developed at the University of Gdańsk in recent years, funded by the Foundation for Polish Science.

The dynamic development of the Centre has resulted in research covering the foundations of quantum mechanics, quantum technologies, information theory and quantum optics being concentrated in one place. Last year’s Nobel Prizes in Physics attest to the great importance of the subject matter represented by the Centre. The long-standing close relationship of the Centre’s Director with the Nobel Prize winner, Prof. Anton Zeilinger of Vienna, is also significant.

The opening of the first and only school dedicated to quantum topics in Poland, combined with the rich quantum traditions of the UG, will result in further research in this area. Education at the school will be conducted in cooperation with the Institute of Quantum Optics and Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences – the Centre’s foreign partner.

 Five students will be accepted, with recruitment starting in September this year. During yesterday’s UG celebration, Rector prof. Piotr Stepnowski appointed prof. Łukasz Rudnicki, who is also to become its first director.

 

Daniel Garden, CEO, Blue Maritime Cluster: The cluster companies total revenues are estimated to 58 bn NOK in 2023

 

5 questions to Daniel Garden, CEO, Blue Maritime Cluster.  

An exclusive interview to Baltic Journalist Maritime Club  of the Baltic Sea & Space Cluster  (BSSC)

By: Marek Grzybowski (BSSC)

The Blue Maritime cluster is a National maritime cluster mandated by the Royal Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries to accelerate innovation within the maritime supply chain.  The cluster companies total revenues are estimated to 58 bn NOK in 2023 against 54 bn in 2022. Our export share is 50% on average divided between yards (NOK 2.5 bn), shipping companies (3.3 bn), services (6.7 bn) and equipment suppliers (11.1 bn).

New Blue Deal, launched in june 2021, where we take aim on becoming the first zero emission maritime cluster in the world. Many initiatives around the world are looking at new green alternative fuels and energy to run the ships of tomorrow. We look at the energy sources. Yes they must be low and zero emission. How do we produce them, harvest them and how do we establish an infrastructure for them? Furthermore we look at the energy consumption in the vessels. Not only engines and generators, but the complete consumption of energy that goes into a ship. Where can we save?

Through our work in R&D and competence elevation, we are determined to develop a complete green newbuilding program, a green refit program and a circular value chain for decommissioning – all based on the New Blue Deal directions.

Marek Grzybowski: Please, describe the fields in which the Cluster operates? In which region of Norway are the companies operating in the cluster concentrated?

Daniel Garden, CEO, Blue Maritime Cluster:

The Blue Maritime cluster is a National maritime cluster mandated by the Royal Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries to accelerate innovation within the maritime supply chain. We facilitate R&D projects, pre-studies, competence project and analysis activities in order to provide the participants with market intelligence and knowledge within commerce, technology or methodology. The geografical concentration of this industry is highest in the region between Trondheim and Bergen on the west coast.

Marek Grzybowski: In 2014, due its unique global market position and its important contribution to Norwegian value creation, the cluster was granted the status of a Global Centre of Expertise. What role does Blue Maritime Cluster play in the green transition?

Daniel Garden, CEO, Blue Maritime Cluster:

I would start with mentioning the even more important cluster strategy, New Blue Deal, launched in june 2021, where we take aim on becoming the first zero emission maritime cluster in the world. Many initiatives around the world are looking at new green alternative fuels and energy to run the ships of tomorrow. To us, the ships of tomorrow must also require far less energy to operate in order to accommodate reduced energy concentration or other scarcities accompanied with alternative energy sources. Looking at both these topics simultaneously, we believe we can arrive at the goal faster. Combining this work with the unique position and skills our cluster has within maritime innovation, we believe we will succeed.

Marek Grzybowski: What does the cluster build its competitive advantage on? What tasks related to raising the level of innovation does the cluster focus on? What technologies, solutions and businesses of the future are being developed. What projects are implemented by the cluster?

Daniel Garden, CEO, Blue Maritime Cluster:

We base our projects and competence development around the idea of the full supply chain is constantly challenging the established methods and technologies. By being the first with the latest solutions, we can compete against larger and/or cheaper regions of the world. I believe the entire European cluster would benefit from chasing such a position, actually.

As the whole maritime community of companies, research and universities, risk capital, public bodies and entrepreneurs are all represented in the cluster, we are also able to address the challenges, like zero emission. Our strategy on zero emission starts with the ship operations and looking at how they can become more efficient. The least polluting miles are the ones you never sail.
Then we look at the energy sources. Yes they must be low and zero emission. How do we produce them, harvest them and how do we establish an infrastructure for them? Furthermore we look at the energy consumption in the vessels. Not only engines and generators, but the complete consumption of energy that goes into a ship. Where can we save?
Moving on to smart use of energy, we look at how to develop methods and technologies that will let us use the energy over and over again. It can be heat recovery, regeneration on winches and more.

In an extended view, we will not succeed in net zero before we also look at the building and scrapping processes of the vessels. How can we build emission free? What new supply chains must be established? It is all very exciting work, I must admit.

Marek Grzybowski: The Steering Committee operates in the Cluster. What is its mission, what are its tasks, what is its role in creating development directions, projects and business activities? What are the most important directions for the development of the maritime business for the Møre maritime cluster?

Daniel Garden, CEO, Blue Maritime Cluster:

The Steering Committee is our board that oversees the cluster’s administration and strategic progress. Our development directions are formed on the basis of our strategy where the companies themselves initiate the topics on which to focus on. Our activity is dependent on the companies involving themselves in the projects, spending their time and money on them. So to reach a high level of committment we also need the projects to be relevant to the participants.

Through our work in R&D and competence elevation, we are determined to develop a complete green newbuilding program, a green refit program and a circular value chain for decommissioning – all based on the New Blue Deal directions.

Commercially, the Norwegian market is too small for us, and as export always has been an important part of the cluster’s revenues, developing the export is also an important foundation for our work.

Marek Grzybowski: The high level of the offer of innovative technologies results in a high level of revenues of companies operating in the Cluster in the Møre region. What is the overall revenue for the four main segments in Møre region in 2020-2022? What are the prospects for 2023? What is the share of export revenues? What is the future export potential for the maritime companies in the Møre region? What are Cluster export opportunities and barriers?

Daniel Garden, CEO, Blue Maritime Cluster:

The cluster companies total revenues are estimated to 58 bn NOK in 2023 against 54 bn in 2022. Our export share is 50% on average divided between yards (NOK 2.5 bn), shipping companies (3.3 bn), services (6.7 bn) and equipment suppliers (11.1 bn).

The governent has an ambition for 50% increase of export by 2030. Our cluster will be well prepared to take our share from the segments within ocean based energy, ocean based food and ocean based travel.

Marek Grzybowski: Thank you for your answers

CRIST – B2B meeting of Baltic ZEV HUB Baltic Sea & space Cluster members

Members and partners of the Baltic Maritime and Space Cluster are developing a strategy to help Europeans implement the European Green Deal. This was discussed at the Crist Shipyard in Gdynia. Poland can meet the needs of the Scandinavian and Mediterranean markets for low-emission ships powered by various fuels and electric batteries or fuel cells.

Photo: OficynaMorska.pl CRIST BSSC

The latest achievements were presented by the Crist Shipyard, domestic and foreign companies forming the ZEV Hub, Baltic Maritime and Space Cluster, GREEN TECH Hub and the StoGda Design Office. Journalists from the Baltic Maritime Journalist Club were also present. The meeting of these circles took place in Gdynia at the Crist Shipyard on March 30 this year.

The issues related to the construction of zero- and low-emission ships were discussed at the Crist Shipyard on March 30, in Gdynia. It was attended by, among others: Wiesława Lachowicz and Wojciech Caban from StoGda; Arkadiusz Marat – president of Elmech; Mirosław Michałowski – president of Hydromega; Mariusz Smentoch – president of Byotta; Karol Gryn-Byotta; editor Cezary Spigarski – president of Oficynamorska.pl; Zdzisław Długosz – Baltic Maritime and Space Cluster; prof. Marek Grzybowski – President of the Baltic Maritime and Space Cluster; Michał Igielski – Baltic Maritime and Space Cluster; Krzysztof Ozygała – President of Partnership; Maciej Lisowski – commercial director of the Crist Shipyard; Jacek Milewski – member of the board of Crist Shipyard, financial director.

We are able to provide the entire value chain related to the production of electric or hybrid or hydrogen ships, which consists in the fact that StoGda is able to design such ships, Crist is able to produce them, while the ASE technological group, and especially Elmech, is able to provide energy storage facilities that can supply units with energy obtained from zero-emission or low-emission sources. These warehouses can be stationary or mobile, also floating. In this way, we offer a comprehensive product that we want to transform into a comprehensive offer for the European Union markets – said Marek Grzybowski, President of the Management Board of BSSC.

The production potential of the CRIST shipyard and the activity on the Norwegian market were discussed by Maciej Lisowski – Commercial Director of the Crist Shipyard. He talked about participating in tenders for the implementation of innovative units. – The companies that operate in the GCE Blue Maritime Cluster are well known to us – said Lisowski.

– ZEV Innovation is a project that is to create a group of companies, entities, institutions, organizations that will associate both enterprises and institutions from the business environment, which will deal with the actual creation from design through construction, through even operation of zero-emission ships for a specific target group – explained Michał Igielski from BSSC. This hub for the production of zero-emission ships, where Crist is the main coordinator, will participate in the project and the hub will carry out the order for the creation of the entire ship – emphasized Igielski.

CRIST is a leading shipyard on the European market. CRIST’s specialty is shipbuilding and marine constructions. It is one of the leaders in the offshore and hybrid ships industry. He successfully implements more and more advanced projects. CRIST has delivered vessels such as “Electra”, Heavy Maintenance Vessel “VIDAR”, Heavy Lift Jack – Up Vessel “INNOVATION” and Jack-up Barge “THOR”. CRIST has been combining innovation with experience for over 3 decades, informed Jacek Milewski. Baltic ZEV HUB manager.

More: Pulsarowy.pl CRIST ZEV HUB

ELMECH ASE – B2B meeting of members of the Baltic Sea and Space Cluster

The B2B meeting of the members of the Baltic Maritime and Space Cluster was held at ELMECH ASE as part of the ZEVInnovation project, a hub for the production of zero-emission ships on March 28 this year. The meeting was attended by Cluster members interested in positioning solutions and products using energy storage and ensuring energy quality.

The cluster integrates local initiatives and positions them on the global market in the form of projects. Recently, he received an award for the activity of cluster members in implementing innovations ensuring safety in ports and shipyards, on ships and in sea transport, on service units and offshore installations.
The cluster is developing in the Pentagon Helix formula, integrating the transfer of knowledge between science and business, supporting social, local government and administration initiatives, developing investor relations. The activities of the cluster are characterized by a holistic, integrative and global approach, making the activities of Maritime Industry 4.0 part of Economy 4.0. – explains President Grzybowski, emphasizing that the cluster integrates local initiatives and positions them on the global market in the form of projects.
– From the beginning of our activity, we have been designing and producing electronics and power electronics for the maritime market, and then for industry, energy and the army – said Arkadiusz Marat, President of the Management Board of Elmech ASE. We have developed many innovative designs for guaranteed power supply, energy conversion, charging, supervision and management of batteries and improving energy quality. Currently, based on our own studies, we implement system solutions to improve the quality of energy and power management in industrial plants for the 21st century – said President Arkadiusz Marat, presenting specific solutions used on land and on vessels.
Elemech ASE has innovative solutions to ensure high quality electricity parameters and energy efficiency. Based on many years of experience, we are able to match the most effective method of improving the quality of electricity to your needs – explained Marat.

– ASE Technology Group consists of companies covering the investment process and operation of industrial facilities – from the performance of environmental analyzes and documentation, through design, to the implementation of systems, technologies and equipping plants with devices and components. We have a representative office in Africa, we are dynamically developing our operations in India, where 20 engineers work – said Adam Jachowicz, who represented Dariusz Jachowicz, president of the ASE Technology Group.

– The Pomeranian Special Economic Zone is actively involved in the energy transformation – said Mikołaj Ochman, board member of the PSEZ. The Pomeranian Special Economic Zone performed an energy efficiency audit of its facilities in 2021. As a result of these activities, PSEZ, in cooperation with the National Energy Conservation Agency, created an energy and economic report in which it developed modernization projects for the years 2021-2023.

The energy storage was presented to the participants of the meeting. The energy storage together with the control devices is mounted in a standard container. Witold Kowalczyk and Patryk Jeż presented the assembly of battery clusters and the control system, explaining the role and operation of individual systems. The meeting ended with a discussion on the implementation of joint projects and international cooperation in the ZEVinnovation project, in order to participate with the products of Polish companies in the energy transformation of the Scandinavian countries and the Mediterranean region, including the Adriatic.