The shipping industry has been functioning super-efficiently, but has shown reluctance in embracing emerging technologies. However, to operate seamlessly in this digital era, it has become mandatory for the shipping industry to leverage the power and versatility of new technologies. Thanks to a drastic rise in consumer demands relating to sustainable operations and shipping times, it is critical to adopt cutting-edge technologies and reap their multiple benefits.
The shipping industry is experiencing a technological revolution. It was reluctant to leverage new technology, but currently, it is opting for all-around advancement with zeal. Ships, ports, processes, systems, and all other allied services are going through a technological upgrade and facelift. According to the World Bank, maritime transport is pivotal to the global economy and accounts for more than 90 percent of cross-border trade. It is crucial to boost the shipping industry by adopting advanced technologies.
Let us explore how emerging technologies are shaping and influencing the world of ocean freight transportation.
The advent of Eco-Friendly Ships
Transporting goods overseas is the initial stage, in the process of transporting products from the warehouse to the final destination. It is crucial to remember that 90 percent of this transportation is usually, accomplished by ship. However, with the introduction of more and more regulations relating to the impact of fuel-powered vessels on the environment, several organizations are considering eco-friendly means of transporting products overseas. As per recent research, ships fueled by sustainable energy like the wind may be eco-friendly alternatives. These wind-fueled ships will leverage the power of ocean currents and trade winds to help the ship travel from one port to another. However, these cargo ships cannot match gas-fueled ships in terms of speed. However, these ships will be constructed using lightweight shipbuilding materials to avert slow traveling times and allow more freight.
Automated Ships for Preserving the Environment & Cutting Costs
Automated cranes are already in vogue in the ocean freight industry to transfer containers from the vessel to the shore. The shipping industry is fast going beyond simply automated container handling to utilizing automated ships, trucks, and other vehicles to transport freight. Google and Apple are already in the process of developing autonomous vehicles that have tremendous implications for the ocean freight industry. Automated ships with minimal crew members guided by a central center of command would drastically reduce costs and be far more eco-friendly. This cutting-edge technology would help minimize human error that has been until now responsible for slow delivery times, onboard damage, and profit loss.
The Internet of Things Promising Smart Shipping
The Internet of Things or IoT is now an integral part of every industry, and the ocean freight industry is no exception. IoT is radically transforming the shipping industry, including how data is collected and information is processed. Even though vessels had powerful sensors for data collection, these cutting-edge technologies are now facilitating real-time data processing and streamlining the entire freight-forwarding process. Cargo tracing was never so smooth and effortless.
The valuable real-time data or insights can impact everything, right from optimizing routes to tracking containers or shipments to keeping constant track of equipment. The overall delivery process is impacted positively by this automation. Smart technology is taking over GPS. More effective real-time information and data collection and cutting-edge sensors can remarkably minimize route confusion facilitating faster deliveries and substantial cost-cutting.
Conclusion
Even though initially slow to make the most of the advanced technologies currently, the shipping industry is embracing cutting-edge technological innovations discussed above, with a vengeance.
