Innovation

Question 1

Class of Shipping triggers

Answer 1

1. Laws of physics triggers
2. Geographical Conditions
3. Economic Parameters
4. International regulations
5. Related sectors
6. Design concept

Question 2

Laws of physical triggers

Answer 2

• Maritime is relatively slow compared to other modes
• Increase in speed results in higher price
• Oil price is very n.b. when relating to speed as high speed costs not always stable
• Friction with water is what causes low speeds for ships
• Big container ships are going faster but getting more expensive due to enormous amount of fuel burning
• Innovation requires research that defines and finds the limits which will in turn direct research and development (R&D) and form a trigger for information
• Trying to “outsmart” nature.

Question 3

What is a shipping trigger?

Answer 3

Understanding the limits and constraints in ship design that can be turned into a positive aspect. These can be used as “triggers” for change and innovation. Finding the triggers is a matter of drawing S-curves and defining performance limits.

Question 4

Ways a ship can move through water (trigger 1)

Answer 4

1. Static lift/Buoyancy support = weight of vessel displaces water which wants to return to original position. Weight of water is a factor that limits the carrying capacity on ships. This is why ships have different deadweight capacity. These ships called displacement ships
2. Dynamic Lift of submerged wings = forward motion converted to vertical lifting of ship out of water, by lifting ship it reduces wetted surface of ship .:. reducing resistance.
3. Move through water powered by power lift (e.g. hovercraft) = frictional resistance very low allowing high speed of ship

Question 5

Geographical condition triggers

Answer 5

• Geographical conditions can limit shipping (e.g. draught restrictions or ice barriers)
• Manmade conditions can occur such as Suez and Panama Canals
• Wave height and water type (salt or fresh) can have an impact on ship design.
• These restrictions need to be analysed and understood when designing a ship
• Engineers must understand conditions may change over time (i.e. expansion of canals)

Question 6

Economic Parameter Triggers

Answer 6

• these triggers consist of maximising revenue, economies of scale, cost reduction of capital investment, running costs, voyage costs and cargo handling costs (will all be discussed in detail)

Question 7

Maximisation of revenue (Parameter 3)

Answer 7

• achieved through design of flexible multipurpose ship which carries various cargo - e.g. OBO carrier.
• This type of ship no longer popular due to more maintenance plus addition expenses and time losses due to time needed to switch from dry to liquid bulk.

Question 8

Economies of Scale (Parameter 3)

Answer 8

• Major trigger for innovation triggered by cost reduction objectives
• Large ships have lower investment per ton as well as lower voyage and running costs
• Oil tankers first major ones

Question 9

Capital Investment (Parameter 3)

Answer 9

• Reduction of capital cost can be achieved through economies of scale and standardisation
• Shipyards will have standard designs and save costs by optimising their one design and producing only those designs

Question 10

Running Costs (Parameter 3)

Answer 10

• major item = crew cost
• Related to training level of crew, size of ship, complexity of engine room, flag of registration and nationality of crew
• often only 13 members on 14 000 TEU Emma Maersk

Question 11

Voyage Cost (Parameter 3)

Answer 11

• Two major costs -> bunker and port costs
• Bunker: Can be influenced by dwt and speed reduction
• Port: not all costs are same over world. Most costs relate to measurement of vessel

Question 12

Cargo Handling (Parameter 3)

Answer 12

• Stevedoring costs major in short sea trades.
• Two aspects form triggers here: Increase in labour productivity & Making ships independent from availability of terminal labour.
• Labour productivity: Achieved through efficient cranes on shore and ship, use of standard units such as containers etc
• Independence: Automise ships and have stuff on ship which does not need port labour

Question 13

Regulation triggers

Answer 13

• Environmental, political and administrative restrictions
• Understand what these can impact on the ships as are all decisive

Question 14

Related sector triggers

Answer 14

• triggers by innovation in other sectors
• i.e. innovation in other fuel

Question 15

Design Concept Triggers

Answer 15

• Shipping innovation trigger methodology presented later in book helps designer search for innovative ideas to help create competitive advantage
• Extension of existing methodologies