Page 201 - Technology Roadmap Transportation

TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP: TRANSPORTATION

6.3 BIOMIMETIC DESIGNS FOR Depending on the scale of the chart, it may show
DEVELOPMENT OF MORE EFFICIENT MARINE depths of water and heights of land (topographic
SYSTEMS map) and other data relevant for navigation.
Most of the recent developments in the Nautical charts are essential tools for maritime
technology have been inspired by nature. The navigation.
area of biomimetics involves the study of systems,
processes and methods found in nature and using The Electronic Chart Display and Information
them as basis for solving engineering problems. System (ECDIS) is a development in the
For example, the propulsion technique used by navigational chart system. With the use of the
marine animals has been optimised by millions electronic chart system, it has become easier for
of years of biological evolution and could, a ship’s navigating crew to pinpoint locations, and
therefore, be considered as an optimal solution attaining directions are easier than before. The
for underwater propulsion. Similarly, many large ECDIS utilises Global Positioning System (GPS) to
and slow moving animals like sharks, whales and successfully pinpoint the navigational points.
dolphins are able to effectively prevent bio-fouling
on their skin. The same technique may be utilised There is a broad interest to utilise video signals in
for development of advanced paint technologies in real-time with additional data. The advantages are
order to limit bio-fouling of the ship’s hull surfaces. especially the enhancement of hidden structures
and elements. A navigational device, which overlays
6.4 FUTURE MARINE APPLICATIONS OF 3D nautical information onto camera signals of the
NANOTECHNOLOGY actual environment may be used in the future.
Future marine applications of nanotechnology may
include: 6.6 SHIPPING ACROSS ARCTIC OCEAN
(a) Invention of a material other than steel for Because of presence of huge quantities of fossil
construction of ships, which is lightweight and fuel, natural gas, minerals and precious stones,
leads to lower fuel consumption and hence Artic regions are important.
increased energy efficiency. Research into
nanotubes/ composites have revealed: Physical parameters that pose challenges to
shipping activities in the Arctic region are mainly
• Increased mechanical strength due to high
modulus of elasticity and excellent tensile related to the high latitudes and extremely low air
and sea water temperatures. Ships operating in
strength, which is five times higher than that the Arctic environments are exposed to a number
of steel at only one fourth of the specific of unique risks. These include:
weight;
(a) Sea ice and icebergs posing hazards to the
• Enhanced electrical conductivity integrity of ships’ hulls. These can impose
comparable to that of copper allowing additional loads on the hull, propulsion
non-conductive plastics to be transformed
into conductive materials; and systems and appendages. Cold temperatures
may reduce the effectiveness of numerous
• Enhanced thermal conductivity matches components of the ship ranging from deck
thermal conductivity of diamonds, the best machinery and emergency equipment to sea
natural thermal conductor of all materials. suctions;
(b) Nano scale sensors and devices may provide (b) Icing from sea spray, precipitation and fog
cost-effective continuous monitoring of affecting safety of the ships and posing stability
the cargo spaces over time. These may problems;
also support an enhanced transportation
communication infrastructure that can (c) Polar lows (small storms), those are difficult to
communicate with vessel-based systems to predict and detect;
help navigators maintain lane position, avoid (d) Wind chills, which are combinations of low
collisions, optimise weather routing, and other temperatures and strong winds, affecting
such activities. safety of the ships and posing health hazards;

(e) Remoteness of the area that makes search
6.5 THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL NAVIGATION
CHARTS FOR FUTURE NAVIGATION and rescue, clean up and emergency
A nautical chart is a graphic representation of operations and communications difficult and
a maritime area and adjacent coastal regions. costly;

WATERWAYS 199