Page 34 - Port of Hamburg Magazine - 03.18

■ HINTERLAND
THE RESEARCH VESSEL ‘ELEKTRA’ IS EQUIPPED WITH A HYBRID MOTOR USING FUEL CELLS AND BATTERIES. IT IS ALSO FITTED OUT WITH A DIGI- TAL ASSISTANT
craft, as well as selecting the vessel’s tariff can be handled completely online. The portal can be ac- cessed by smartphone, tablet or from a stationary computer. HPA expects considerable time saving for the operators through ELBA compared to the old reg- istration procedures.
OPTIMIZING HANDLING TIME
The Hamburg Vessel Coordination Center (HVCC) us- es inland waterway craft, cargo and terminal data to act as a communication interface for all involved and as a coordination centre. This means improved inte- gration into the Hamburg terminal processes for in- land craft. The HVCC software observes the process- es and continually updates the rotation with the shipping company, the captain and the terminals. With a dynamic reaction to
Electrification can certainly contribute to inland water- way shipping, since the current propulsion units will not fulfil upcoming environmental constraints.
The ELEKTRA research project – jointly sponsored by Berlin Technical University and BeHaLa – Berlin port and warehousing company – is looking into the devel- opment of an energy-efficient inland waterway push boat. For the first time, a hybrid propulsion concept, consisting of fuel cells and batteries is being re- searched and optimized on an inland craft.
A digital assistant is an integral part of ELEKTRA that, differing from others, controls the energy consump- tion aligned with current and wind. Over and above this an optimized barge is being planned. This could
34 | Port of Hamburg Magazine | September 2018
operative changes, port handling is optimized.
The Federal Republic of Germany wants to become a role model and figurehead for electro-mobility.
make possible a regular less polluting container shipping line between Hamburg and Berlin.
LAESSI, a similar project to ELEKTRA, can be found on the Rivers Rhine & Main. It provides guid- ance and assistance sys-
HPA is planning an online
software system for allo-
cating waiting points. As
yet, there is no static map
on the website. In future, a
waiting-point information
system will provide relia-
ble real-time data on the availability of waiting places, before arriving in the port. This will reduce both un- necessary runs and fuel costs.
tems that are intended to increase safety for shipping on inland waterways. Consisting of four systems: a bridge-approach warning, a berthing assistant, a rail guidance assistant defined for the route, one that au- tonomously takes the craft away from its berth, and what is known as a conning display that clearly shows all of a vessel’s movements. The results of the LAES- SI project were successfully demonstrated live in spring.
HYBRID VESSEL ON THE RIVER SPREE
The Federal Republic of Germany wants to become a role model and figurehead for electro-mobility. The aim is to achieve a more energy efficient, transport zone, both in terms of climate and the environment.
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