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Writer's pictureSarah Whiteford

Day of the Seafarer, AR glasses for remote engineering support, Carnival Cruise sustainability

Updated: Jul 7, 2021

It’s Good News Monday!



This Monday we talk about:

  1. Vaccination, Crew Change Remain Top Priorities on Day of the Seafarer

  2. Yara tests AR glasses for remote engineering support

  3. Ulstein to Design Non-Fossil Fuel Containership for Norwegian Startup

  4. National Geographic Resolution: the drivers behind its design

  5. World’s Largest Cruise Company Announces New Sustainability Goals




Seafarer on the bridge of a ship

“File image courtesy Clear Seas”. Image from The Maritime Executive.


Friday, June 25 was the Day of the Seafarer. The maritime community moves 80-90% of the world’s goods to support the global economy. Seafarers still face challenges related to the pandemic and workers’ rights, and this is the time to bring attention to the amazing people who live so much of their lives away from their families. There is a long way to go before seafarers are fully appreciated, so let’s show some appreciation. Please check out the original article with information and videos.





Vessel crew, one wearing AR glasses

“Crew use AR glasses in an engine control room in Japan supported by Yara in China (source: Yara)”. Image from Riviera.


Yara Marine Technologies is using augmented reality glasses to provide remote support for servicing emissions reduction equipment. COVID travel restrictions have made it more difficult to get engineers where they need to be and these glasses could help train and serve customers remotely. Chief Science Officer Aleksander Askeland said, “While talking to the crew we can make markings, draw, and add text to the various engine parts they are looking at”. This creates the opportunity for an engineer anywhere in the world to help onboard crew diagnose and fix issues. In our recent webinar with Riviera, we talked about the potential use of augmented and virtual reality for dynamically positioned vessel testing.





Shape of a vessel on the water

“Image credit: Ulstein”. Image from gCaptain.


Ulstein, a Norwegian shipbuilding company, is designing a zero-emissions non-fossil fuel ship. EDGE Navigation AS awarded the contract for a commercial cargo ship to achieve their goal of bringing “economic and scalable green-energy” ships to market by 2025. Ulstein will use their patented X-BOW hull design to achieve extra energy savings.





NatGeo ship exiting shipyard

“Ulstein’s X-Bow allows the crew and passengers to view the water closer to the hull (source: Ulstein Group/Per Eide Studio)”. Image from Riviera.


National Geographic Resolution, the second of two polar vessels for Lindblad Expeditions, will be delivered soon. It’s the sister vessel to the National Geographic Endurance that was delivered in March, 2020. The Resolution will also use Ulstein’s patented X-BOW, delivering a smoother ride and decreased fuel consumption/emissions. The X-BOW can also reduce spray, lowering the risk of icing in cold weather. It also provides less obstruction to the view of the water near the vessel. A floating floor inside the ship also reduces vibration. There are many other green features, check out the full article at Riviera or more about the vessel from National Geographic.





Carnival Cruise ship with a ferry in the foreground.

“FILE PHOTO: Tourists enjoy a ride on a catamaran as cruise ship Carnival Magic is seen near the shores of Cozumel October 17, 2014./File Photo”. Image from gCaptain.


Carnival cruise, the world’s largest cruise line, plans to become carbon neutral by 2050. Short-term measures include sustainability goals like reducing waste and single-use plastic as well as long-term measures like reducing carbon by 40% by 2030. “Carnival has also set more near-term goals for its circular economy (i.e. waste reduction), including a 50% reduction in single-use plastic items by the end of 2021, relative to a 2018 baseline, and 30% per capita food waste reduction by 2022 and 50% by 2030, relative to a 2019 baseline. It also aims to install Advanced Waste Water Treatment Systems on 75% [of] its entire fleet of ships by 2030. It will also seek to Increase shore power connection capability to at least 60% of its fleet by 2030.” Alternative fuels, biofuels, and fuel cells will also be a part of the plan moving forward.



Smile, it’s Good News Monday! :-)


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