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SHIPPING NEWS

Autonomous Cargo Tanker Completes Groundbreaking Voyage Off Norway

Off the coast of Norway, a cargo tanker set out on a groundbreaking 13-hour voyage as part of the AUTOSHIP project, an EU-funded initiative designed to transform navigation technology for large vessels.

The voyage represented a significant breakthrough in the field of autonomous shipping, a sector that promises to transform maritime operations but still faces numerous challenges before it becomes mainstream. The journey was managed by a consortium of academic and industrial partners, including Kongsberg Maritime, a Norwegian company at the forefront of autonomous shipping research and development.

Despite the successful completion of the test, the integration of autonomous ships into commercial use involves overcoming substantial hurdles. These include building trust among potential users and navigating a complex landscape of international maritime regulations.

The trial is part of a broader effort to influence both regulatory bodies and the shipping industry towards accepting unmanned vessels. Similar initiatives are underway globally, such as South Korea's Samsung Heavy Industry, which has also been testing automated technology on its ships.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) categorizes ship autonomy into four levels, ranging from minimal automation to full autonomy. Achieving the highest level, which allows a ship to operate without any human oversight, is fraught with challenges, including safely navigating through congested waters and avoiding obstacles without human intervention.

As these technologies evolve, they must demonstrate not only their operational capabilities but also their ability to handle complex maritime scenarios safely. The ultimate goal is for autonomous ships to navigate the seas without human input, a feat that will require continual advancements in technology and significant shifts in regulatory standards.

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VIDEO OF THE WEEK

The Insane Scale of Europe’s New Mega-Tunnel

The $7.5 billion Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link project, currently under construction between Germany and Denmark, will feature the world's longest immersed tunnel. This megastructure aims to significantly reduce travel time across the Scan-Med corridor, enhancing connectivity between Scandinavia and Central Europe. Despite environmental concerns and logistical challenges, this ambitious project promises to revolutionize transportation and boost economic interactions in the region.

GLOBAL TRADE SNIPPETS

Ireland reaps €700m Brexit bonanza from customs duties. Dublin records near-doubling of tax revenue from duties on imports of clothing, food and other goods from Great Britain. Before Brexit, Britain enjoyed customs-free exports to Ireland and the rest of the EU because it was part of the single market and customs union.

World’s largest electric container ship starts service between China’s major coastal cities. It is hoped the Cosco ship will help to reduce emissions, saving 3,900kg of fuel for each 100 nautical miles sailed. It is hoped the Cosco ship will help to reduce emissions, saving 3,900kg of fuel for each 100 nautical miles sailed.

After 6-year hiatus, Stripe to start taking crypto payments, starting with USDC stablecoin. The company announced that it would let customers accept cryptocurrency payments, starting with just one currency in particular, USDC stablecoins, initially only on Solana, Ethereum and Polygon. This will be the first time that Stripe has taken crypto payments since 2018, when it dropped support for Bitcoin due to it being too unstable.

Houthi Attack on MSC Ship in Indian Ocean Indicates Further Range. Maritime security confirmed an attack on MSC Orion (158,000) by Houthi forces, raising concerns about extended drone range due to the vessel's distance from Yemen.

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SHIPWRECK OF THE WEEK ⚓️☠️ 

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