The climate goals for the maritime industry have already been cast in an industry strategy: Carbon emissions are to be reduced by at least 70 per cent by 2040 compared to 2008. That is the target specified by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). A clear course has been set towards decarbonisation. This will require the utilisation of alternative fuels such as green hydrogen and its derivates, alongside optimisation of the way existing fuels are used in order to reduce the currently high emissions.
Rittal supports the maritime industry at all points of its voyage to increased sustainability and digital networking. Marine-certified solutions meet the strict requirements of international ship classification societies and contribute to smooth marine operations.
In addition to scalable IT infrastructure, Rittal offers potent electrical system solutions. The product range stretches from single compact enclosures via bayed large enclosure systems to secure power distribution systems and innovative climate control. Energy-efficient Blue e+ Dynamic cooling units are DNV-certified and ensure dependable cooling even in challenging situations. A global service network is on hand around the clock to provide assistance to customers – from initial installation through to operational maintenance. This holistic approach minimises downtimes and boosts performance along the entire maritime value chain.
Data consistency in shipbuilding
One of the biggest challenges in modern shipbuilding is end-to-end data integration over the entire life cycle of a vessel – from planning, via engineering and realisation, through to operation. Such data consistency holds numerous benefits for maritime companies, as well for their suppliers and partners. Cross-system digitalisation of the planning processes enables shipbuilding to become more compact and more efficient, leading to significant shortening of the planning, development and coordination phases for the shipyard. Moreover, if a consistent data structure is already implemented during vessel planning, this establishes important prerequisites for considerably faster work and less waiting time when it comes to commissioning.
The use of AI-assisted analysis and generative AI in the design and engineering process permits the development of more efficient component variants, for example, or similarly the automated simulation of different scenarios – a valuable additional benefit within the digital value chain.
Data consistency also facilitates rapid implementation where retrofits must be performed to meet new environmental requirements. The companies involved are able to save valuable resources: Shipyards benefit through faster coordination and completion of the work, while shipping companies save time and money thanks to the shorter off-hire periods.
Rittal and Eplan offer an entirely digital value chain to maximise efficiency and precision in engineering, design and manufacture for the maritime sector. The seamless integration of Eplan software with the extensive Rittal portfolio of climate control, enclosures, power distribution and IT infrastructure solutions supports an automated work process, shortens project lead times and reduces the risk of mistakes. Using Eplan, it is possible to produce a complete digital twin of the vessel with all its individual components, and to integrate this model into existing system structures. With the Rittal ePOCKET digital wiring plan pocket, your equipment and system documentation is always up-to-date and in this way optimises maintenance and operation.
Advancing digitalisation offers further potential for increased efficiency – for example through networked shipping operations, automated processes and intelligent control systems. Artificial intelligence also plays an expanding role: It supplements existing digital solutions to bring benefits such as even more precise route planning, preventive maintenance or the dynamic management of onboard energy consumption. Autonomous vessels and smart ports are similarly important aspects of this development.
The momentum of such innovation depends on flexible system solutions and powerful data centres which are guaranteed to operate reliably under even the most demanding conditions.
Shipping is an indispensable element of global trade, but at the same time also one of the world’s largest sources of CO₂ emissions. If it is to preserve its status in global transportation, green mobility must also become reality on the high seas. At present, the reduced carbon intensity of international shipping can be attributed above all to the use of alternative fuels such as hydrogen or LNG. Such fuels are seen as a very promising means to lower fossil fuel emissions and – in the longer term – to establish carbon-free energy sources.
In addition to this, the electrification of shipping achieves far more than just cleaner air. It reduces not only emissions, but also noise pollution – with corresponding benefits for the quality of life on board and in coastal regions. At the same time, it facilitates efficient energy use and the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. In combination with advanced, digital control and monitoring systems, it becomes possible to optimise operational processes, reduce maintenance costs and extend vessel availability.
AI can deliver targeted support to these processes, for example by analysing operating data to identify potentially damaging wear in good time (predictive maintenance) or to control energy use more efficiently.
Rittal boosts efficiency and operational safety with tailored solutions, and actively supports the maritime industry in its decarbonisation efforts.
The marine-certified enclosures and systems are designed to cope with the extreme demands of maritime use and comply with the strictest industry-specific standards. They are an ideal platform for the integration of electric drive systems, for example manoeuvring thrusters, pump systems or even the vessel’s main propulsion, but equally also for further applications such as energy storage and vessel automation.
Highly flexible power distribution technology from Rittal ensures that electric power is reliably available on board at all times. The marine-certified Ri4Power system can be used to realise safe and standard-compliant type-tested low-voltage switchgear. At the same time, Rittal supplies busbar systems – notably its new 60 mm busbar system platform RiLineX – to support power distribution to the most varied onboard applications.
Rittal solutions with intelligent energy management and robust power distribution boost energy efficiency and help to reduce emissions. Outdoor enclosures designed specifically for use in harsh environments protect sensitive electronic components and optimise shore-side power supplies in low-emission ports.
Standstill was yesterday – the ports and container ships of the future are geared to dynamic agility. Alongside decarbonisation, ever greater attention is being paid to enhanced efficiency. Digital technologies are set to become the new compass for the maritime industry. They enable more precise route planning, improved safety and the automation of recurrent processes.
Port calls are similarly more efficient, because digitalisation, robot systems and automated handling processes ensure that cargo can be loaded and unloaded faster, and vessels spend significantly less time idle at the quayside.
Realtime data and autonomous navigation promise faster reactions and more efficient operational management. Concepts such as smart ports and smart vessels offer perspectives for the use of ever larger datasets to improve the efficiency of marine operations.
The role of AI
AI raises this potential to a new level in the way it supports digital processes, permits analysis of otherwise overwhelming volumes of data and identifies opportunities for targeted operational optimisation. The envisaged benefits include not only lower fuel consumption, but also reduced emissions.
Such innovations are dependent on a robust IT infrastructure designed to withstand extreme operating conditions, for example temperature fluctuations, humidity and vibration.
Powerful cooling systems are essential to ensure efficient cooling of the IT components in densely packed spaces and to maximise their service life.
Rittal IT and cooling solutions offer the maritime industry the necessary infrastructure for data-intensive applications. The highly resilient IT racks and data centre solutions are designed to handle large-scale data processing under extreme conditions and guarantee ultimate operational reliability. Efficient cooling keeps heat development under control, so as to protect sensitive components and extend their service life. With the “Liquid Cooling Package” (LCP), Rittal offers a room-independent, self-contained solution which uses an air-water heat exchanger to dissipate high heat loads from the IT (server) racks.
The modular systems from Rittal allow flexible scalability and support the maritime industry as it implements digital transformation.
The port infrastructure of the future will depend on sustainable technologies, in order to reduce emissions and improve the quality of life in port cities. One key approach in this context is to install shore-side power supplies, which allow vessels to forego use of their onboard diesel generators while at the quayside. Noise and pollutant emissions are then significantly lower, which is good for the environment and good for the people who live in port cities.
The development of low-emission ports, however, is a capital-intensive undertaking and requires the modernisation of core infrastructures. Success depends not only on shore-side power connections, but also on high-performance energy and network structures, as well as fail-safe protective and control components, in order to guarantee high availability and stable future operations.
With its robust outdoor enclosures, Rittal offers reliable solutions to aid the realisation of shore-side power supplies for low-emission port facilities. These enclosures are designed specifically for use in tough environments, protect the sensitive electronics, and thereby ensure smooth operation of the power supply. Port operators and shipping companies can thus rest assured that their investments in environment-friendly technologies enjoy long-term protection and can be used efficiently.
Maritime-certified enclosure solutions – Reliable protection at sea
- Certified: approved by DNV, BV, Lloyd’s Register for marine applications
- Robust: resistant to moisture, vibrations and temperature fluctuations
- Corrosion-protected: stainless steel and special coatings for salty environments