ClassNK Grants Approval in Principle (AiP), Innovation Endorsement for Berthing/Unberthing Assistance System – Marine News Magazine

Report on the Approval of Advanced Maritime Automation and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Overview of Technological Advancement

A report on the recent approval of a maritime automation system developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. by the classification society ClassNK. The approval highlights significant progress in autonomous shipping technology, which directly supports several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental protection in maritime operations.

2.0 System Certifications and Regulatory Compliance

ClassNK has conferred multiple certifications upon the Kawasaki Heavy Industries system, confirming its adherence to rigorous safety and innovation standards. The approvals were granted following a comprehensive safety review based on established regulatory frameworks.

1. Approval in Principle (AiP): Issued for the “Safety Berthing/Unberthing Assistance System” after a safety review based on ClassNK’s “Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of ships (Version 2.0)” and “Part D of Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships.”
2. Innovation Endorsement: Granted for the “Berthing and Unberthing Assistance System – Human Machine Interface,” certifying its innovative functions as a third-party endorsed product.
3. Advanced Safety Notation: Confirmed that vessels equipped with the system are eligible for the ‘a-SAFE’ notation (BSS)-Berthing Support System, signifying enhanced safety measures.

3.0 Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The development and implementation of this automated assistance system provide tangible contributions to global sustainability targets, with a significant impact on industry, infrastructure, and environmental preservation.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  This initiative directly supports the goal of building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

  • Technological Innovation: The system represents a significant advancement in automated and autonomous maritime technology, promoting the development of sophisticated industrial solutions.
  • Resilient Infrastructure: By automating critical berthing and unberthing procedures, the technology enhances the safety and reliability of port infrastructure, reducing the risk of human error and operational disruptions.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The system enhances the safety and sustainability of port cities and coastal communities.

  • Enhanced Port Safety: The primary function of the system is to prevent accidents during berthing, a high-risk phase of vessel operation. This reduces the likelihood of collisions and damage to port facilities, ensuring a safer environment for port workers and local communities.
  • Operational Efficiency: Automation leads to more predictable and efficient port calls, contributing to the smooth functioning of supply chains that are vital for urban economies.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  The emphasis on safety is crucial for the protection of marine ecosystems.

  • Prevention of Marine Pollution: By minimizing the risk of accidents such as collisions with port structures or other vessels, the system serves as a preventative measure against potential oil or chemical spills that can cause severe damage to marine life and coastal habitats.
  • Sustainable Maritime Operations: The adoption of advanced safety technologies is a core component of sustainable shipping practices, aligning the industry with global efforts to conserve and sustainably use the oceans and marine resources.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article primarily addresses issues related to technological innovation, safety, and infrastructure within the maritime industry. Based on this focus, the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are relevant:

   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: This is the most prominent SDG. The article is centered on the development, approval, and implementation of an innovative technology (“Safety Berthing/Unberthing Assistance System”) for the shipping industry. It highlights the role of organizations like ClassNK in creating safety standards and endorsing new solutions, which directly relates to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The system’s core purpose is to enhance safety during berthing and unberthing, which are complex and potentially dangerous maneuvers for ship crews. By introducing advanced safety measures and assistance systems, the technology contributes to creating a safer working environment for maritime workers.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Maritime transport is a critical component of global logistics and the economic life of port cities. By making port operations safer and more efficient through technologies like the berthing assistance system, the article touches upon the goal of creating safe and sustainable transport systems that support urban communities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   The article’s content points to several specific targets under the identified SDGs:

   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors… encouraging innovation. The entire article is an example of this target in action. The development of the “Safety Berthing/Unberthing Assistance System” by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the creation of “Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of ships” by ClassNK, and the “Innovation Endorsement” are all activities that upgrade technological capabilities and encourage innovation within the maritime sector.
   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. The system is explicitly designed as a “Safety Berthing/Unberthing Assistance System” and its adoption allows ships to receive an “‘a-SAFE’ notation (BSS)-Berthing Support System, which indicate ships with advanced safety measures.” This directly contributes to creating a more secure working environment for the crew involved in these critical operations.
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. While this target often focuses on passenger transport, its principles apply to freight and logistics systems that are essential for communities. The implementation of a system that improves the safety of ships maneuvering in ports contributes to the overall safety and sustainability of the maritime transport system.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article does not cite official quantitative SDG indicators, but it implies several qualitative and process-based indicators that can measure progress:

   • Indicator for Target 9.5: The issuance of an Approval in Principle (AiP) and an Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions by a third-party certification body like ClassNK serves as a direct indicator of successful technological innovation and development. The number of such endorsements can be a measure of progress.
   • Indicator for Target 8.8: The application of the “‘a-SAFE’ notation (BSS)-Berthing Support System” to registered vessels is a clear indicator of the adoption of advanced safety measures. The number of ships equipped with this system and holding the notation can be used to track the promotion of safer working environments.
   • Indicator for Target 11.2: The development and deployment of automated/autonomous operation technologies within the shipping industry, as supported by ClassNK’s guidelines, is an implied indicator. The successful implementation of the “Safety Berthing/Unberthing Assistance System” on vessels is a tangible measure of progress towards safer transport systems in and around port communities.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators (Identified or Implied in the Article)
   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors… encouraging innovation.	The issuance of an “Approval in Principle (AiP)” and “Innovation Endorsement” for new maritime technologies.
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	Target 8.8: Promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.	The application of the “‘a-SAFE’ notation (BSS)-Berthing Support System” to ships, signifying the adoption of advanced safety measures.
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.	The development and implementation of automated/autonomous systems (like the “Safety Berthing/Unberthing Assistance System”) to improve the safety of maritime transport operations in ports.

Source: marinelink.com