Dunkirk opens dedicated HGV corridor

As part of its Brexit preparations to smooth passage for accompanied ro-ro freight as much as possible, the Port of Dunkirk (GPMD) has opened a dedicated, secure HGV corridor

As part of its Brexit preparations to smooth passage for accompanied ro-ro freight as much as possible, the Port of Dunkirk (GPMD) has opened a dedicated, secure HGV corridor.

The photo shows [L to R]: Jean-Claude Charlo (DFDS Seaways, France), Stéphane Raison (CEO, GPMD), Nike Drinckal (UK Border Force), Emmanuelle Verger (Chairwoman, GMPD Supervisory Board), and Gilbert Bertran (French Customs, Dunkirk Branch).

Also inaugurated is a new EU-homolgated drone surveillance system that is able to supervise various port sites by day and night, using remote control teleoperations.

GPMD has also enlarged the truck staging area and passport control area for HGV drivers, and boosted various customs control areas.

Dunkirk is the third largest Continental gate for UK accompanied ro-ro freight, after the Port of Calais and Eurotunnel, which have also taken various measures to mitigate Brexit consequences.

Source: WorldCargo News

Hydrogen-powered tug is world first, says Antwerp

The Port of Antwerp has ordered the construction of a tug powered by hydrogen, claimed to be the first in the world

The port hopes that shipping operators will pick up on this development

Hydrotug" is driven by combustion engines that burn hydrogen in combination with diesel. The motors also comply with the strictest NTMM standard, EU Stage V, making them the lowest-rated for emissions on the market.

The tug is being built by Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB), a pioneer in the field of hydrogen power for shipping.

"With this world first Antwerp is making an important step in the transition to a sustainable, CO2-neutral port," said the Port of Antwerp.

"By lending support to this promising technology we hope that the shipping industry will follow. The port is systematically pursuing a policy of making its entire fleet eco-friendly by incorporating the most environment-friendly technologies available on the market."

Hydrotug is the first vessel with output in the 4000 kW class to be powered by hydrogen-diesel dual fuel.

The combination of this dual-fuel technology with a state-of-the-art particle filter and catalyser designed to meet the very highest standards will ensure that the Hydrotug is ultra-low-emission. Combustion of hydrogen does not emit any CO2, and the particle filter combined with the catalyser will result in minimal emissions of NOx and particulates.

Construction is due to begin shortly and the Hydrotug is expected to be operational within two years. This innovation is part of an integral greening program of the own fleet, whereby systematic efforts are made to integrate the most environmentally friendly technologies available.

CMB has teamed up with Ghent-based engine builder ABC to set up the BeHydro joint venture with the aim of further developing the technology for medium-speed engines with higher power output.

Source: WorldCargo News

3D-imaging drone demonstrated in Rotterdam

Falcker Innovations and Percepto have demonstrated a 3D visualisation drone at the site of Maasvlakte Olie Terminal in the Port of Rotterdam

Stakeholders from the petrochemical industry and several involved governmental organisations witnessed the demonstration flight, which took place last Thursday, 12th of September.

Falcker is a high tech company with roots in the port of Rotterdam, while Israel-based Percepto has developed "drone-in-a-box for industrial inspection purposes, and has already partnered with CERTUS Port Automation. To date it has raised US$27.5M of venture capital for product development and further R&D.

Percepto's drone-in-a-box technology at Rotterdam Oil Terminal. (Photo: Dronewatch)

Falcker has developed smart business applications in the petrochemical industry to implement new inspection methods. Storage tank terminals and refineries, like other commercial companies, are looking for cost control and reduction, without endangering the integrity of their assets.

By integrating high tech equipment and -applications with regular inspection methods, says Falcker, maximum insight into the status and behaviour of the clients’ assets can be obtained in a cost-efficient manner.

Drone-based inspections are one of the possibilities Falcker offers. With multispectral cameras, 3D visualisation and AI, inspection data are analysed and presented to the end user. Anomalies like corrosion, deformation, gas emissions and other deficiencies can be detected and appropriate action can be taken.

Commercial drone flights, especially in industrial areas, are strictly regulated. Thomas Schouten, CEO Falcker, explained: "a pilot has to be onsite with a visual line of sight at the drone. With the introduction of the new European Law regarding drones, we expect new possibilities regarding the usage of autonomous drones. To perform this one-time demonstration a permit was obtained from the relevant Dutch authority, Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport.

“Falcker and Percepto would like to show that the technology is already available to take drone applications to the next level," said Schouten. "The autonomous drone-in-a-box solution from Percepto provides an innovative and intuitive portal which every end user can use. Next to inspection the system can be used for security perimeter surveillance, person and vehicle tracking and incident management.”

Although the test was specifically aimed at the petrochemical sector, the technology from Falcker and Percepto has obvious possibilities in all kinds of port facilities.

Source: WorldCargo News