The maritime industry is shifting towards a zero-carbon future, and vessel owners are exploring various technologies to reduce their environmental footprint. However, the integration of new technologies on board vessels introduces safety risks that must be carefully assessed and mitigated. Shipowners and operators must consider the potential impact of technical modifications on the vessel’s overall safety and comply with regulatory requirements.
Safety Considerations
When adopting a new technology or modifying a vessel, safety considerations must be part of every decision-making process. While some modifications may have limited influence on on-board routines, others, such as wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), shore power, battery systems, and alternative fuels, introduce significant risks that need to be addressed. Some of these risks include compromising the structural integrity of the vessel, altering existing procedures, and requiring comprehensive risk assessments. To ensure a safe transition to a zero-carbon future, vessel owners and operators must be aware of these risks and take necessary steps to mitigate them.
Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS)
WAPS are a key technology for reducing emissions and increasing efficiency. However, they also present unique safety challenges. WAPS can compromise the structural fitness of the vessel, affect aerodynamics and manoeuvrability, and interfere with port operations. Ensuring the safety of WAPS requires thorough testing and certification to identify potential risks and mitigate them. In addition, WAPS can have an impact on crew comfort and vessel integrity. The line of sight, navigation lights, and radar blind sector may be affected, and noise and vibration can be induced. Therefore, vessel operators must be aware of these risks and implement measures to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Key Considerations for WAPS Operations
• Comprehensive crew training
• Integration of control systems for propulsion and WAPS
• Regular maintenance and inspection
• Automatic shutdown features
• Continuous monitoring and verification
Active Air Lubrication Systems (ALS)
ALS are an efficient way to reduce friction and increase fuel efficiency. However, they also present safety concerns. The installation and operation of ALS require approval by a classification society, and structural assessments must be conducted to account for hull modifications. Machinery components must be marine-grade, and overpressure protection must be implemented. To ensure safe operation, ALS must be integrated with ship stability calculations, and continuous monitoring, automatic shutdown features, and integration with automation systems are essential. Therefore, vessel owners must ensure that ALS systems meet stringent safety requirements.
Key Considerations for ALS Operations
• Class approval and structural assessments
• Integration with ship stability calculations
• Marine-grade machinery and overpressure protection
• Continuous monitoring and automatic shutdown
• Integration with automation systems
Remote Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs)
ROVs are a safer alternative to conventional hull cleaning by divers. They can be equipped with high-pressure water or cavitation systems and provide an efficient way to clean the hull without compromising safety risks. However, ROVs have limitations and cannot access certain areas of the hull.
Key Considerations for ROV Operations
• ROVs can access some areas of the hull, but diver-assisted operations are still necessary
• ROV systems require thorough testing and certification
• Port-specific safety requirements and regulations must be complied with
Wind Shields
Wind shields are designed to optimize aerodynamics, but they can compromise visibility and stability. Modifications to wind shields require class approval, and clear visibility must be maintained at all times.
Key Considerations for Wind Shields
• Class approval and modifications follow DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.5 Ch.11
• Clear visibility must be maintained
• Defogging or heating systems are essential in cold climates
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries introduce significant safety risks, including thermal runaway, fire, explosion, and toxicity. To mitigate these risks, safety measures such as thermal runaway propagation protection, sufficient ventilation, and fire suppression must be implemented.
Key Considerations for Lithium-Ion Battery Operations
• Thermal runaway propagation protection
• Sufficient ventilation and fire suppression
• Class notation Battery(Safety) is mandatory for lithium-ion batteries over 20 kWh
• Battery(Power) notation is required if batteries are used for propulsion
Shore Power Connections
Shore power connections pose safety risks, including electrocution and explosion risks. To mitigate these risks, vessel operators must ensure that the electrical connection is not live, wear personal protective equipment, and place connections away from flammable vapours.
Key Considerations for Shore Power Connections
• Electrical connections must be isolated and grounded
• Personal protective equipment must be worn
• Connections must be placed away from flammable vapours
Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems
DP systems require careful evaluation and mitigation measures. The integration of DP systems with shore power and other technologies introduces additional safety risks. Vessel owners must ensure that DP systems meet regulatory requirements and implement measures to mitigate these risks.
Key Considerations for DP Systems
• DP systems must comply with regulatory requirements
• Measures must be taken to mitigate risks associated with shore power and other technologies
IMO Interim Guidelines and DNV Class Notations
IMO and DNV issue guidelines and class notations to enhance safety. These guidelines and notations provide a framework for implementing safe technologies and mitigating risks associated with shipowners.
| DNV Class Notations | IMO Guidelines |
|---|---|
| WAPS Class Notation | MSC.1/Circ.1675 (Interim Guidelines) |
| Battery Class Notation | DSG-003/2020 (Guideline on Safety of Lithium-ion Batteries for Ships) |
Conclusion
Integrating new technologies on board vessels involves understanding safety risks and implementing mitigation measures. Shipowners and operators must consider the potential impact of technical modifications on vessel safety and comply with regulatory requirements. By following guidelines and class notations, vessel owners can ensure a safe transition to a zero-carbon future.
