That Is the Digital Future

The notion of the fisherman sailing off to the open seas is scarcely more than nostalgia. In the meantime, according to information from the wildlife and environmental protection organization, WWF, almost half of all fish consumed by humans comes from aquaculture, and the trend is increasing. Fish farmers do not rely on bait, but instead on digital data analysis in order to catch the fattest fish – and to keep their breeding stocks healthy and economically viable. WAGO technology is there to support them.

Supported by the Arctic University of Norway in Narvik (UiT) and funded by the Norwegian government, the shipbuilders at Grovfjord Mekaniske Verksted (GMV) have developed an energy management system (EMS) for a zero-emission ship with an all-electric drive. This visionary project was realized with the help of WAGO, which contributed to the central automation.

Efficiency, sustainability and safety define the maritime sector in practically every area – only the perspectives are changing due to the use of advanced digital networks. From the shipbuilder through the system integrator up to the ship owner and the classification societies: By attentively listening to these different maritime groups, it quickly becomes apparent that the focus is not only about saving fuel – maritime shipping is currently undergoing major structural changes.

Diesel engines are currently at the center of environmental debates – not only in the auto industry, but also in maritime shipping. This is because ocean-going vessels can generate substantial amounts of environmentally damaging pollutants. The nitrogen oxides (NOx) created specifically during the combustion of diesel fuels are considered hazardous to human health, as they can damage the respiratory tract and the cardiovascular system. Göteborgs Energy Systems AB (GESAB) manufactures systems with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) for use in diesel engines in larger ships. As a result, nitrogen oxide emissions are substantially reduced.