Page 90 - Centena Group PR Report - May 2025

Global trade complexity drives innovation in maritime solutions
Global trade complexity drives
innovation in maritime solutions

DUBAI, 15 hours, 9 minutes ago
By Philip Cherian, CEO of Maritronics
As maritime transportation continues to be
a key propeller of global trade, it has an
indispensable position in the global
economy.

Over the years, the industry has entered
into a new era defined by rapid integration
of advanced technologies and digitalisation.
These changes are evidently reshaping
maritime operations, especially in the area
of navigation, communication and
automation.
Philip Cherian
These technologies are not only offering
unprecedented levels of efficiency, but also
are becoming a necessary factor for the industry players’ survival in a highly competitive and regulated
environment.
According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), global trade is expected to continue expanding in 2025
and 2026, with merchandise trade volume gradually increasing in line with global GDP growth. Trade in
commercial services is projected to grow at an even faster pace. The Middle East is also anticipated to see a
rise in export volumes. This increasing trade volume underscores the need for advanced maritime solutions
capable of handling greater complexity and ensuring efficient vessel management, safety, and environmental
compliance.

The growing complexity of environmental regulations, such as the IMO’s Global Sulphur Cap which began in
2020, have forced shipowners to use cleaner and efficient technologies to reduce emissions. Amidst this,
advanced navigation and communication systems aid industry players with precise and real-time data that
enables them to navigate the tough routes with great safety and accuracy. For instance, GPS, which was
launched between 1978 and 1985 with 11 satellites, now has about 24 satellites that orbit the Earth and send
radio signals from space, further signifying the increasing demand for advanced navigation systems.

In the current scenario, sailors are well-trained to handle modern navigation equipment, as vessels are
equipped with advanced systems that provide accurate voyage data. For example, the gyrocompass provides
a reliable directional source by accurately referencing the Earth’s axis of rotation. As against the magnetic
compass, it determines direction without being affected by external magnetic fields. Another key tool is Marine
radars, which detect obstacles along the ship’s path to prevent collisions. These radars, using microwave
propagation, gather data beyond the human eye’s reach, ensuring adherence to the International Regulations
for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) of 1972.

Marine radars rely on S-band and X-band systems, which detect targets from long distances, including
islands, icebergs and other floating objects, providing essential information to avoid collisions. It uses rotating
antennas to scan the surroundings of the vessel. Complementing radar systems, the magnetic compass,
which operates with the Earth’s magnetic field, serves as the primary direction indicator on the bridge panel.

Similarly, the Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) is a key feature of modern radar systems that continuously
monitor the ship’s surroundings by detecting targets including ships, boats and stationary objects. It collects
and provides data on their speed and course, helping prevent collisions. The automatic tracking system
displays target information in both graphical and numerical formats, further enhancing safety during
navigation.

Additionally, the echo sounder, a navigation instrument used for nearly a century, measures the depth of water
beneath a ship using sound wave transmission. Meanwhile, the Electronic Chart Display and Information
System (ECDIS) simplifies locating a ship’s position on navigational charts, offering greater accuracy. Modern
vessels use marine digital voyage and route planners to avoid harsh weather and other obstacles, calculating
the safest and cheapest routes.

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