Danaos Research centre on overview 01.24

Danaos Research Centre

2023 Summary report

A Hypertext cyberspace navigator for funded projects’ abstracts sites and videos

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Danaos EU Research centre | Αn overview

This year was rich in activities. Our team members travelled abroad participating in projects’ general assemblies, giving speeches in conferences, workshops, universities and symposia, presenting research papers in academia, from Helsinki to Sao Sebastian, from Nantes to Cambridge, from Syros Island to Ioannina. They also authored of 20+ peer-to-peer papers communicating to academia their contribution results in projects In knowledge sharing era, we are constantly involved in several activities. So we participated in Erasmus+ knowledge alliance SMARTSEA project of IoT in maritime M. Sc. design, implementation and pilot run (from which three colleagues from our team graduated). We are also coordinating the SMARTSHIP a 4 years RISE (Research and Innovation Exchange Marie Curie DA) European program and we are proud for our Dr. D Kaklis, which awarded with Ph.D for his outstanding work with excellence from Harokopio University. We plan to support three industrial doctorates the next years partially funded by EU (Greece 2.0 sustainability program).

The closure of 2023 finds DANAOS holding a leading role in bona fide maritime research and innovation. For several years, it is embracing international research collaboration through an active engagement in joint initiatives and synergies, reflected today in the participation of DANAOS in 31 research projects co-funded by the European Union Particularly 8 projects were completed with success while 5 new projects were added in our portfolio. The organization keeps the rank of first profitoriented private entity in Greek-Cypriot maritime research, investing a value-driven effort in research activities to enjoy benefits in energy efficiency, vessel operational sustainability, environmental awareness and service quality. Our research interests are focused on alternate fuels (LPG, cells, H2, NH3 ,CH3OH) and energy sources (wind, solar, waves, electricity) assessment and feasibly, retrofits for energy efficiency (Waste heat recovery, bulbous modification, propellers optimization and appendages, antifouling, SCR ). Maritime 4.0 revolutionists, we are working on IoT, big data analytics, AI, deep learning, robotics, autonomy, underwater vehicles, simulation, maritime digital twin, augmented reality, cybersecurity and safety (mass evacuation system and vessel design). Our work is focused also on the development of decision support systems and models (bunkering, weather routing, anomaly detection, benefit of doubt, etc) and LCxA (Life cycle assessment for x: performance, cost, efficiency).

The abstract of the three awarded for funding new EU research programs named AUTOASSESS, BlueBADGE and EcoShipYard as well as the projects started in 2023 COPROPEL, RESHIP and EO43U, are demonstrated in the folowing projects presentation section.

Αnother new project is awarded for funding From Innovation Norway funding named EcoMaRE aiming to empower maritime market and motivate all related stakeholders to realize ICT-based approaches. On that end, a holistic integrated ICT-based solution will be built for the sustainable and completely automated fuel consumption optimization and emission control maritime environment.

It is worth underlining our participation in HECC as co-founder. It is a cluster, partially funded by GSRT, which aims to support and promote innovation, entrepreneurship and technical competencies among enterprises operating in the energy sector – a fundamental pillar of the Greek economy (view video : https://youtu.be/srlpeYQRZoI)

Among the others Danaos is a major participant of DT4GS is aimed at delivering an “Open Digital Twin Framework” for both shipping companies and the broader waterborne industry actors to tap into new opportunities made available through the use of Digital Twins (DTs). The project will enable shipping stakeholders to embrace the full spectrum of DT innovations to support smart green shipping in the upgrade of existing ships and new vessels. DT4GS will cover the full ship lifecycle by embracing federation of DT applications as well as utilising DTLF policies and related shared-dataspace developments for the sector. DT4GS applications will focus on shipping companies but will also provide decarbonisation decision-support system for shipyards, equipment manufacturers, port authorities and operators, river commissions, classification societies, energy companies and transport/corridor infrastructure companies.

DANAOS is advancing research in energy efficiency and emission reduction by selecting projects that develop and apply revolutionary technologies. The recently completed AIRCOAT project is developing a self-adhesive fouling release foil, a passive air lubrication technology that utilizes the biomimetic Salvinia effect. This effect enables trapping air through a combination of hydrophobic micro-structured surface with hydrophilic pins Applying a ship with such an AIRCOAT foil will produce a thin permanent air layer, which reduces the overall frictional resistance while acting as a physical barrier between water and hull surface. The air barrier further inhibits the attachment of fouling, the release of biocide substances (of underlying coatings) to the water and mitigates the radiation of ship noise. A prototype patch of the foil has been installed in CATHERINE C at a dry-dock in Constanta, Romania. The foil will be monitored in service for the validation of benefits and the quantification of the operational value.

DANAOS promotes sustainable shipping in the medium and long term taking part in EMERGE EU project, which has been granted a flagship status for the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea region. The Flagship status attracts attention and visibility especially to the recommendations and guidance for the stakeholders and decision makers. The objectives of EMERGE are (i) to quantify and evaluate the effects of potential emission reduction solutions for shipping in Europe for several scenarios, and (ii) to develop effective strategies and measures to reduce the environmental impacts of shipping. EMERGE objectives will be achieved through real-world test cases involving measurements and modelling on actual vessels, along main shipping routes and in sensitive European marine regions. To meet the objectives project collects and synthesizes experimental evidence on waste streams to water and emissions to air originating from ships, for different emission control technologies. The measurements are focusing on abatement techniques and including emissions to, and concentrations in water, air and marine biota. The project is especially investigating how effectively available scrubbers reduce the effects of key pollutants. In this context, DANAOS orchestrated a mobile on-board case study deployed in various European sea regions by applying a comprehensive measurement campaign in LEO C, a vessel equipped with an open-loop scrubber unit. The roadmap for decarbonisation in shipping is going hand-in-glove with the exploitation of alternative green fuels. DANAOS is studying and investigating the application of renewable and fossil-free fuels for sustainable and zero-emission waterborne transport. This investigation follows an integrated multidimensional life cycle assessment (LCA) where lifecycles of the alternative fuels are analysed in classifications of Well-to-Tank,

Figure 1: AIRCOAT foil installation in CATHERINE C

Tank-to-Wake phases. DANAOS applies LCA methodology assessing products of two EU-funded projects that explore alternative fuels and other energy efficiency technologies. e-SHyIPS project conducts studies in ship design, safety, material and components, and bunkering procedures for different maritime Hydrogen systems. The project will formulate a pre-standardization plan for an updated IGF Code for hydrogen-fuel ships and a roadmap to promote the hydrogen economy in the maritime ecosystem. ENGIMMONIA project targeting decarburization by proving the capabilities and the key role of ammonia as the most promising clean fuel for the future of the shipping sector. An ammonia dual-fuel engine concept on a standard marine engine platform will be validated and implemented with minimum changes to the base design. To prove the Ammonia Engines decarburization potential and guarantee ultra-low GHG emissions profile, an innovative dedicated exhaust aftertreatment system (EATS) handling N2O, is developed Performance of ammonia as carbon-free energy carrier is coupled with clean energy solutions for on-board electricity and HVAC (PV composite surface installations, waste heat recovery solutions based on ORC and adsorption chiller), thus fostering replicability at business, regulatory, policy and naval classification.

DANAOS always explores benefits in retrofit applications in order to reduce operating costs and make energy consumption sustainable. The GATERS project introduces a very promising and novel propulsion system, which could establish a game-changing technology in the industry. Gate Rudder System is a cost-effective retrofit solution for marine shipping and provides substantial improvements regarding environmental impacts and life cycle cost. Initial testing of the rudder system has already indicated substantial advantages (a max of 14% in trials and 30% in-service) in fuel saving and manoeuvrability.

The shipping community is looking to make the leap from today’s vessels to the interconnected and automated ships of tomorrow. The successful utilization of sensors and IoT in the industry requires a forward-thinking approach to leverage the benefits of Industry 4.0 in a more comprehensive manner. This concept underlies DANAOS’s research culture. Concepts of maritime 4.0 are materialized through several applications under development in a band of EU projects. BugWright2 project designs and implements an adaptable and integrated autonomous robotic solution for servicing ship structures. By combining the survey capabilities of autonomous Micro Air Vehicles (MAV) and small Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), with teams of magnetic-wheeled crawlers operating directly on the surfaces, the project inspection and cleaning system will be able:

to seamlessly merge the acquisition of a global overview of the structure with performing a detailed multi-robot visual and acoustic inspection detecting corrosion patches or cleaning the surface as necessary – all of this with minimal user intervention. Sleekship project is developing a semi-autonomous underwater vehicle that will both detect slime at early stages using a multispectral camera and clean it softly with cavitation jetting SleekShip comprises a Semi-Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (SAUV) carrying a hyperspectral camera that captures light wavelength bands where light backscattering is less and the slime is easier to distinguish despite contamination.

MOSES project focuses on bridging autonomous components in port-ship interface. The project’s innovations consolidate in a sEt-ship-shipping (SSS) network a hybrid electric autonomous feeder vessel, outfitted with a

robotic container-handling system that is self-sufficient in terms of handling containerized cargo, with a arm of autonomous tugboats that automates manoeuvring and an automated docking system (MOSES Auto Dock).

PALAEMON project is progressing the development of a sophisticated mass centralized evacuation system, based on a radical re-thinking of Mass Evacuation Vessels (MEVs) combined with an intelligent ecosystem of components providing real-time access to sensor-based critical information on-board establishing appropriate evacuation strategies whilst optimizing the operational planning of the evacuation process on damaged or flooded vessels.

DrC leads conglomerates of multi-disciplinary researchers with skills and competencies that adds value to existing practices. SMARTSHIP project, under Marie-Curie European action, fosters research cooperation across borders, sectors and disciplines. DANAOS coordinates project work with a team of four researchers. SMARTSHIP aims to leverage DANAOS business intelligence and analytics platform for fleet performance monitoring, to circular economy design.

Most our Applied Research products are classified as TRL7+ technological readiness level. In this direction, we schedule to apply and transform Life cycle assessment models, federal learning framework, big data analytics developed or under development within the content of corresponding OPTISHIP, ORISMA, ECOMARE projects, for ready to use products. We are also in process of simulation and evaluation of ‘Gater, propeller, crawler, drones, UWV vehicles antifouling, heat, organic cycle pumps, and Photovoltaic panels’ technologies for greener and efficient energy

Projects’ presentation section is followed. It could be utilized as hypertext navigator to visit their home sites, to view corresponding videos and you may visit the EU official project page by using the cordis link. For convenience, you may find an index table at the end of the document.For information and brainstorming, we invite you to visit our site (http://www.danaosrc.com)

Figure 2: MOSES autonomous SSS network

Projects

Figure 3: 2023 projects in progress infographic

01. HOLISHIP

Holistic optimisation of SHIP design and operation for life cycle Development of innovative design methodologies, integrating design requirements (technical constraints. performance indicators. life-cycle cost. environmental impact) at an early design stage and for the entire life cycle in an integrated design environment.

cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/689074

video: https://youtu.be/e8ZF_HjFiRU

url : http://www.holiship.eu

02. ENGIMMONIA

Sustainable technologies for future long distance shipping towards complete decarbonisation studies the benefits of using a carbon-free fuel like ammonia in vessel engines also coupling its benefits/ performances with other clean energy technologies like. Waste heat recovery solutions based on ORC and adsorption chiller for the production of electricity and space cooling respectively

Renewables integration on board thanks to the installation of PV composite surface easily installable on vessel structural parts and on board fuel/energy/heat management optimization via real time Energy Management System; towards the creation of ENGIMMONIA polygene ration energy hub. cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/955413

Video: https://youtu.be/qzqCjdzfDmU

url: https://www.engimmonia.eu

03. SLEEKSHIP

Spectral Imaging Powered Ship Hull Biofouling Detection and Cleaning comprises a Semi-Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (SAUV) carrying a hyperspectral camera that captures light wavelength bands where light backscattering is less and the slime is easier to distinguish despite contamination. The inspection can take place in port waters while the ship is docked for other operations thus no additional charter-off time is incurred. An integrated cavitation-based cleaning tool allows for 100% paint-safe cleaning. cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/950854

url: https://www.facebook.com/SleekShip/ video: https://youtu.be/YX-hQgc4Q0w

04. MOSES

Automated Vessels and Supply Chain Optimisation for Sustainable SSS MOSES aims to significantly enhance the SSS component of the European container supply chain. A two-fold strategy will be followed for reducing the total time to berth for TEN-T Hub Ports and stimulating the use of SSS feeder services to small ports (hub and spoke traffic) that have limited or no infrastructure cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/861678

url: https://moses-h2020.eu/

video: https://youtu.be/nqUsgFfj6m8

05. EMERGE

Evaluation, control and Mitigation of the EnviRonmental impacts of shipping Emissions EMERGE develops an integrated modelling framework to assess the combined impacts of shipping emissions on the aquatic and atmospheric environments, and the effects on marine ecosystems. The assessment will include the benefits and costs of control and mitigation options affecting water quality, air pollution exposure, health impact, climate forcing and bioaccumulation of pollutants. EMERGE will provide recommendations and guidance for stakeholders and decision-makers on cost-beneficial options for sustainable use of shipping on the medium and long term. cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/874990

url: https://emerge-h2020.eu/

video: https://youtu.be/WJgrlzjQ-tsh

06. BUGWRIGHT2

Autonomous Robotic Inspection and Maintenance on Ship Hulls and Storage Tanks. The objective of BUGWRIGHT2 will be to bridge the gap between the current and desired capabilities of ship inspection and service robots by developing and demonstrating an adaptable autonomous robotic solution for servicing ship outer hulls. By combining the survey capabilities of autonomous Micro Air Vehicles (MAV) and small Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), with teams of magnetic-wheeled crawlers operating directly on the surface of the structure. The project inspection and cleaning system will be able to seamlessly merge the acquisition of a global overview of the structure with performing a detailed multi-robot visual and acoustic inspection of the structure, detecting corrosion patches or cleaning the surface as necessary – all of this with minimal user intervention.

cordis: https://www.cordis.europa.eu/project/id/871260

url: https://www.bugwright2.eu/

video: https://youtu.be/-5_fusIqlbM?

07. GATERS

GATE Rudder System as a Retrofit for the Next Generation Propulsion and Steering of Ships.

GATERS proposes the first retrofit application of a novel propulsion and manoeuvring device for ships, called “Gate Rudder System”. It specifically addresses at the call text “to develop and demonstrate to TRL6 and higher innovative, cost-effective retrofit solution for marine shipping to provide substantial improvements regarding environmental impacts and life cycle cost. The goal of FIBRESHIP is to enable the construction of the entire hull and superstructure of large-length seagoing and inland ships in fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials by overcoming several key technical challenges.

cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/860337

url: https://www.gatersproject.com/

video: https://youtu.be/ItjvoBpntLU

08. FIBRESHIP

Engineering, production and lifecycle management for the complete construction of large length FIBRE based SHIPs. The goal of FIBRESHIP is to enable the construction of the entire hull and superstructure of large-length seagoing and inland ships in fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials by overcoming several key technical challenges.

Cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/723360

URL: www.fibreship.eu

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ7k7N78l-0&ab_channel=Fibreship

09. BIGDATASTACK

High-performance data-centric stack for big data applications and operations BigDataStack delivers a complete high-performant stack of technologies addressing the emerging needs of data operations and applications. The stack is based on a front-runner infrastructure management system that drives decisions according to data aspects thus being fully scalable.

Cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/779747

URL: https://bigdatastack.eu/

Video: https://youtu.be/Wa4AHna7_jI

10. THREAT-ARREST

Cyber Security Threats and Threat Actors Training - Assurance Driven Multi-Layer, end-to end Simulation and Training develops an advanced training platform incorporating emulation, simulation, and serious gaming and visualization capabilities to adequately prepare stakeholders with different types of responsibility and levels of expertise in defending high-risk cyber systems and organizations to counter advanced known and new cyber-attacks.

Cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/786890

URL: https://www.threat-arrest.eu/

Video: https://youtu.be/1RItd1ps_Ds

11. SMARTSHIP

A data analytics, decision support and circular economy – based multi-layer optimisation platform towards a holistic energy efficiency, and emissions management aims to bring together Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) of focused Universities, Research Institutions and Companies oriented into the maritime sector .Builds a holistic integrated ICT-based framework for the sustainable, individualized and completely automated energy management of ships.

URL: https://www.smartship2020.eu/ Cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/823916

Video: https://youtu.be/SiYE-373mmE

12. SMARTSEA

Surveying & MARiTime internet of thingS Education. The project aims to develop an advanced interactive / Joint Specialization course on ICT Maritime & Surveying Masters Degree (MSc) that will train technicians & engineers in the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the Maritime industry of the future and especially in the use of IoT systems (Internet of Things). The degree will follow the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits standards for certification recognition across the EU. In total, the degree will have 60 ECTS credit courses.

url: https://www.smart-sea.eu/ video: https://youtu.be/rN6OaCv9uB0

13. VESSELSLIFE

Holistic Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Platform for the Shipping Industry delivers a TRL9 product to the market via a very clear concept & approach, as follows: A) Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a state-of-science and an Operational Decision Support Tool (interlinked models and algorithms) for economic and environmental optimization of maritime structures and ships

url: https://www.vesselslife.com url: https://shippingsaas.eu/

14. PALAEMON

A holistic passenger ship evacuation and rescue ecosystem is intending to propose an independent, smart situation-awareness and guidance system for sustaining the active evacuation route for large crowds making EU passenger ships more seaworthy. PALAEMON’s approach is focused on the analysis of both physical and manmade vulnerabilities of a passenger ship, including the combination of both real situation awareness and ship status awareness within the operating environment

URL: https://palaemonproject.eu/ Cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/814962

Video: https://youtu.be/AERFypfgu3g

15. AIRCOAT

Biomimetic hull coating that reduces the frictional resistance of ships project to enhance a passive air lubrication technology that utilises the biomimetic Salvinia effect. This effect enables trapping air through combination of a hydrophobic micro-structured surface with hydrophilic pins. The project will technologically implement this effect on a self-adhesive foil system.

Cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/764553

URL: https://aircoat.eu/

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEO2KXS-VRo&ab_channel=REVOLVE

video1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1UUhYIwvxE&ab_channel=REVOLVE

16. E-SHyIPS

Eco systemic knowledge in Standards for Hydrogen Implementation on Passenger Ship will define a pre-standardization plan for IGF code update for the hydrogen-based fuels passenger ships and a roadmap for the boost of Hydrogen economy in the maritime sector.

Cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101007226

URL: e-SHyIPS | On the wave of hydrogen

17. SEAHEALTH

E-Learning platform for Seafarers for first aid and health issues

The aim of the project is the development of an asynchronous training platform that includes elementary basic knowledge, examples, video, and animation as well as realistic scenarios through which on-board personnel will receive credible and structured knowledge on how to deal with medical incidents on board.

url: https://www.seahealth.net

video: https://youtu.be/iKnIwpmOgY0

18. ORC4SHIP

Development of optimized ORC technology for waste heat recovery in ships

The project focuses on the development and optimal design of a heat-to-power system based on the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology, for recovering the waste heat from the cooling circuit of ships’ engines and converting it into electricity. The benefit of the shipping companies that will adopt this technology is to reduce the fuel consumption of their fleet by 3-4%.

At the same time, this new solution contributes to the enhancement of the ship's energy efficiency and to the reduction of pollutant emissions, which are subjected to strict regulations by the IMO

url: www.orc4ship.com

19. DT4GS

Open collaboration and open Digital Twin infrastructure for Green Smart Shipping DT4GS is aimed at delivering an “Open Digital Twin Framework” for both shipping companies and the broader waterborne industry actors to tap into new opportunities made available through the use of Digital Twins (DTs). The project will enable shipping stakeholders to embrace the full spectrum of DT innovations to support smart green shipping in the upgrade of existing ships and new vessels. DT4GS will cover the full ship lifecycle by embracing federation of DT applications as well as utilising DTLF policies and related shared-dataspace developments for the sector. DT4GS applications will focus on shipping companies but will also provide decarbonisation decision-support system for shipyards, equipment manufacturers, port authorities and operators, river commissions, classification societies, energy companies and transport/corridor infrastructure companies

cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101056799

video: https://youtu.be/dJNr5q_cpvAcpvA

url: http://www.dt4gs.eu

20. COPROPEL

Composite material technology for next-generation Marine Vessel Propellers

CoPropel puts forth a holistic approach towards the realisation of marine propellers made of advanced composite materials. Compared to their traditional counterparts, marine composite propellers offer efficiency gains in propulsion efficiency, noise reduction and weight savings.

cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101056911

url: https://www.copropel.com

21 RESHIP

Redefine energy efficiency solutions for hydrogen-powered ships in maritime and inland transport

The project, RESHIP, aims to redefine onboard energy saving solutions with disruptive technologies in Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) and onboard hydrogen managementin order to propose a hydrogen compatible solution for a seamless transition of zero-emission marine and inland shipping. The implementation of the developed technologies will be validated in technical, environmental, cost economical, safety and regulatory levels to propose tailored solutions for new builds and retrofits in marine and inland waterway.

cordis: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101056815

url: https://reship-project.com

22. HP4SHIP

High-temperature heat pump for waste heat recovery on-board ships

The new product is a high-temperature heat pump that recycles the waste heat at 90 ⁰C from the on-board auxiliary engines (jacket water) and then upgrades this heat for low-pressure steam production at a temperature of over 120 ⁰C for covering the ship’s heating services. This product leads to a payback period of 3 years or even later in case fuel prices continue to increase or high-cost distillate fuels are used. The result is to reduce the fuel consumption of oil-fired boilers by up to 90%, achieving net fuel savings of 50%. At the same time, the ship’s energy efficiency is increased by up to 4%. The HP4SHIP will be demonstrated on-board a ship towards large-scale dissemination activities to all key stakeholders.

url: www.hp4ship.com

23. iCREW

Intelligent small craft simulator for advanced crew training using Virtual Reality techniques

The purpose of this project is to adequately cover this emerging training requirement through the iCREW system, which will simulate with high levels of realism and immersion the driving needs of a small boat. In many different weather conditions at all longitudes and latitudes around the globe, simultaneously with other vessels traffic of various sizes and with requirements for safe docking in a large number of ports. The skipper trains in complete safety in an as-close-to-life experience: ultra-realistic real-time graphics, full multi-channel audio coverage, a real open or closed cabin with all the controls and instruments with full functionality, and three-axis motion that fully responds to turbulence and waves of the natural environment.

24. OPTISHIP

Optimization of Life Cycle in the Shipping industry

Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a state-of-science and an Operational Decision Support Tool (interlinked models and algorithms) for economic and environmental optimization of maritime structures and ships. An “LCA for Shipping” must consider all “Three-Phases” of the life-cycle of a ship (design/construction (phase-I), operation/ maintenance (phase-II), and end-of-life/scrap (phase-III).The LCA can be used for optimal design of the ship, its optimal operation, and can deliver decision for “what to do” in multiple cases (e.g. scarp or no-scrap). Clients are shipyards, shipping companies, brokers, banks, insurance companies, engineering houses and others. Clients of the Platform can be the shipyards, shipping companies, brokers, banks, insurance companies, engineering houses and others.

url: https://www.optiship.eu

25. EO4EU

AI-augmented ecosystem for Earth Observation data accessibility with Extended reality User Interfaces for Service and data exploitation

A vast amount of Earth Observation data is produced daily and made available through online services and repositories. Contemporary and historical data can be retrieved and used to power existing applications, to foster innovation and fairly improve the EU citizens’ lives. However, an undersized audience follows this activity, leaving huge volumes of valuable information unexploited. EO4EU aims to provide innovative tools, methodologies and approaches

that would assist a wide spectrum of users, from domain experts and professionals to simple citizens to benefit from EO data. EO4EU strives to deliver dynamic data mapping and labelling based on AI adding FAIRness to the system and data. EO4EU introduces an ecosystem for holistic management of EO data, bridging the gap among domain experts and end users, bringing in the foreground technological advances to address the market straightness towards a wider usage of EO data. EO4EU envisages boosting the Earth Observation data market, providing a digestible data information modeling for a wide range of EO data, through dynamic data annotation and a state-of-the-art server less processing by leveraging important European Cloud & HPC infrastructures.

video: https://youtu.be/wlZ0Ik-X2wo

cordis: https://doi.org/10.3030/101060784

url: https://www.eo4eu.eu

26. SAFENAV Safer Navigation

SafeNav’s ambition is to develop and test a highly innovative digital collision prevention solution that will significantly reduce the probability of collisions, grounding, and contribute to safer navigation by a) faster reliable real-time detection of a variety of obstacles (other vessels, fixed installations, submerged/semi-submerged objects, and marine mammals) in the marine environment. It uses data from state-of-the-art sensors and other relevant sources, and b) effective visual representation of the multi- source data to the navigators for quick COLREG-based decision-making support. To this end, SafeNav unites 10 key partners from the maritime industry and academia, including renowned SMEs, R&D institutes and universities to address the ‘Navigational Accidents’ aspect of the work program . We will design collision avoidance algorithms built on multi-sensory data input from propriety (LADARTM sensor suite) and off-the-shelf sensors already installed on vessels, extensive statistics of navigational accidents, and other sources (AIS and route exchange services) to create a holistic decision support system (DSS). Processed information from the automatic DSS will feed into SafeNav collision-avoidance algorithms and generate real-time COLREGs-compliant suggestions for the navigator when an obstacle is detected.

cordis: https:/doi.org/10.3030/101077026

url: https://www.safenavsystem.com

video: https://youtu.be/XsVGXr14vQs?

27. AUTOASSESS

Autonomous aerial inspection of GNSS-denied and conFed critical infrastructures

Autoassess is a radical new approach for monitoring dangerous and dirty conFed GNSS-denied areas using unmanned aerial systems (UAS or drones), by combining the latest developments in collision-tolerant UAS, multi-modal SLAM, path planning, autonomous drone racing, aerial Manipulation, miniaturized NDT sensors, and ML-based defect identification. Only through a complete integration of these technologies is it possible to address the challenges of deploying aerial robots in these challenging conditions. Equipped with automated AI-based scanning, mapping, navigation and contact-based NDT, this has the potential to completely remove the need for human inspection. Using a digital twin approach brings “superhuman” results: comprehensive semantic-aware detailed 3D mapping (1 cm resolution) of large structures (>300 m), high resolution visual and NDT analysis (100um) and improved traceability with automatically generated trend analysis. The ML for system mapping and NDT is trained with sociotechnical inputs from experienced human inspectors.

cordis: https://doi.org/10.3030/101120732

28. BLUE BARGE

BlueBARGE will design, develop and demonstrate an optimum power-barge solution to mainly support offset power supply to moored and anchored vessels, limiting local polluting emissions and global GHG footprint in a life cycle perspective, following a modular, scalable, adaptable and flexible design approach, which will facilitate its commercialization by 2030. The proposed power-barge solution will consider different alternatives as containerized power supply modules in a variety of configurations, where battery modules will serve as basis due to their high-energy efficiency and readiness level. The project will address electrical integration issues, interfacing challenges of the barge with ships, ports and local grid, operational safety and regulatory compliance aspects, delivering a high readiness and complete “power bunkering” solution. In overall, the BlueBARGE project’s full-integrated system aims at contributing to the shift of the maritime industry towards the goals of electrification and decarbonization at an EU and international level.

29. ESY | ECOSHIPYARD

Objective of ECOSY is to provide stakeholders and shipyards of various sizes and dealing with vessels of all types of construction materials (steel, aluminum, composites) a dependable and affordable toolset in the form of a flexible and extendable cloud-based platform. So end users will enable to perform (by themselves) continuous monitoring and assessments (including ranking of options) related to the sustainability of their operation.

ECOSY will utilize AI during its development. According the OpenAI/ ChatGPT: Shipyards can benefit from the use of AI in several ways, including:

• Quality control: AI can help ensure that ships are built to high standards by automatically checking for defects and deviations from specifications. This can reduce the need for manual inspections and save time and resources.

• Predictive maintenance: By analyzing data from sensors and other sources, AI can identify when equipment is likely to fail and schedule maintenance before a breakdown occurs. This can prevent costly downtime and improve safety.

• Design optimization: AI can help ship designers optimize the design of vessels for efficiency, stability, and safety. By analysing large amounts of data and simulating different scenarios, AI can identify the best designs for a given set of requirements.

• Supply chain management: AI can help manage the complex supply chains involved in shipbuilding by optimizing logistics and identifying potential bottlenecks or delays.

• Autonomous ships: AI can enable the development of autonomous ships, which could operate more efficiently and safely than manned vessels. This could potentially revolutionize the shipping industry and reduce costs and environmental impact.

© Text and Image generated via OpenAI and ChatGPT

30. ECOMARE

ICT-based innovative platform for emission control and fuel optimization in MaRitimE sector

EcoMaRE will develop and implement activities related to the “Development of products and solutions related to maritime transport”. It will design and deploy a set of innovation tools and services that will facilitate multi-layer optimization of fuel consumption; energy efficiency and emissions control management, with full respect to the

implementation of the requirements of maritime sector regulations as well as considering applications of circular economy concept in the maritime field.

url: www.ecomare.eu

31. ORISMA

ORchestating Integrated Smart MAritime services

The project with 2 M€ total budget awarded approval for funding from Greece 2.0 digital transformation action| Maritime Smart digital Services with two years duration. The project novelty is the development and commissioning of a specialized maritime digital ecosystem for the collection, processing and distribution of digital services (Maritime Smart digital Services) as SaaS solutions for the current challenges of shipping. These are regulatory compliance improving the environmental friendliness, quality, safety, the digitalization trend of the market, the investment in integrated solutions in a cloud based environment and the need to find optimal energy management practices towards to operational efficiency. The mentioned multi-tenant environment based on a crowdsourcing and federated learning architecture will be hosted on Danaos' private computing cloud and will manage information, data, best practices and intelligent models which:  will be contributed by providers of shipping services and related sectors of the market  will be enriched by intelligent algorithms and systems of DANAOS and will be transformed into value-added digital services (Orchestrator) which will evolve cyclically through the dynamic feedback of the providers.  will be consumed either by the existing providers or by independent members (Consumers), through the provision of personalized subscription maritime digital services or as add-on(s) enhancing the company's existing portfolio of applications.

DWho we are:

We are members of a creative, spiritual dream team, either distinguished scientists coming from academia majored in information and comms science, naval architecture, mechanical, environmental engineering, operational research , Fancial , maritime management or professionals from shipping industry experts in waterborne transportation operations. Our belief is that dominance and leadership require innovative thinking, teamwork spirit, extroversion and continuous awareness applying the golden rule

What we dream what we do:

We envisage a maritime entopia, an ecosystem where visionaries, dreamers, designers, technicians, scientists, innovators, intuitivists, developers and on equal level, users harmoniously will deFe roadmaps to the future Revolutionists of fourth industrial generation, we embarked proactively on digitalization ship and we design, implement and deploy novelties, innovative models, systems to evolve optimally dynamically and holistically the twisted pair and its covalent bonds of the maritime digital twin.

What we did:

We created and maintain a knowledge, memories and deliverables repository including toolkits for long term crew planning, bunkering, energy efficiency, resilience performance, chartering and voyage planning optimization, Internet of thinks, Artificial Intelligence, deep learning, cybersecurity, augmented reality, robotics, retrofits, big data analytics, UAV, didactics , alternate fuels, crawlers and drones ready for use already utilized from thousands of users worldwide. We also maintain a rich library of our papers, articles, presentations, models, books and programs.

How we did it

We extrapolate our memories in the future and generate creative novelties. In this direction, we transform them to proposals, cooperate with organizations, academia and institutes, respond in high competitive European calls, eventually they are awarded with funds, implement projects and exploit results. We currently participating in totally 31 RIA (research and innovation actions), FTI (Fast track innovation) EU Projects and JIP (joint industry projects) with 200 ME total fund proud to keep the first place among national large entities. We are focused to improve our Resilience Engineering Abilities. We Learn, Anticipate, Respond and Monitor as individual members of team, organization and networks to be Better (RE-ALARM methodology)

Bona Fide and Applied Research is in our DNA (Danaos Nautical Adventure)

How well do it: Excellence

DrC has been awarded with the most prestigious awards for its innovative activities. In 2007 was nominated for EU ICT (Information and communication) award. In 2010 was awarded for innovation as national representative from EBA (European Business Awards). In 2011 gained the applied research award in «Greece innovates» PanHellenic competition. In 2012 Dr.C won the highest worldwide distinction, the «Nobel» in Operation Research and management The Franz Edelman award among with INTEL, HP and TNT from Institute of Operation Research and Management science (INFORMS). The national award of excellence in applied operational research was going to DrC director as well as the RINA safety award on 2016. The Technical award from Greek Lloyds 2020 went to ORC4SHIP project etc.

What we will do

We will be focused on implementation research and innovation proposals to EU, JIP and maritime industry, evolution of Danaos digital twin with twist 4th industrial revolution tools based on IoT – AI – Deep learning - Big data analytics applied on Robotics, Drones Crawlers , UA WV, ROV, autonomy. We will activate our participation in in Attica hub of innovation and in the recently EU co-funded energy competence centre. We will continue work in bona fide and applied operational research focused on DEA, DP and MADM to transform digitation to digitalization and without doubt, we will constantly invest energy in education participating in knowledge alliances and Research and Innovation Staff Exchange projects. The main objective for this year is to orchestrate the amalgamation in one digitalized productive optimized ecosystem our maritime research disciplines (industry, business and operations).

Projects Table as per Dec 2023 with navigational links (site and video)

# Name T W M

1 aircoat E F 48 www.aircoat.eu

2 autoassess E N 48

3 bigdatastack E F 36 www.bigdatastack.eu

https://youtu.be/HEO2KXS-VRo

https://youtu.be/Wa4AHna7_jI

4 BlueBARGE E N 36 BlueBarge

5 bugwright2 E W 51 www.bugwright2.eu

6 copropel E W 36 https://www.copropel.com

7 dt4gs E W 36 http://www.dt4gs.eu

8 emerge E W 52 https://emerge-h2020.eu

9 engimmonia E W 48 https://www.engimmonia.eu

10 eo4eu E W 36 https://www.eo4eu.eu

11 e-ships E W 48 https://e-shyips.com/

12 esy E N 36

13 fibreship E F 36

https://youtu.be/-5_fusIqlbM?

https://youtu.be/dJNr5q_cpvA

https://youtu.be/WJgrlzjQ-ts?

https://youtu.be/qzqCjdzfDmU

https://youtu.be/wlZ0Ik-X2wo

https://youtu.be/YZ7k7N78l-0

14 gaters E W 36 www.gatersproject.com https://youtu.be/ItjvoBpntLU

15 holiship E F 52 www.holiship.eu

https://youtu.be/e8ZF_HjFiRU

16 moses E W 42 www.moses-h2020.eu https://youtu.be/nqUsgFfj6m8 17 palaemon E 44 https://palaemonproject.eu https://youtu.be/AERFypfgu3g

18 reship E W 36 https://reship-project.com

19 safenav E W 36 https://www.safenavsystem.com/ https://youtu.be/XsVGXr14vQs

21 sleekship E F 28 http://www.facebook.com/SleekShip/ https://youtu.be/YX-hQgc4Q0w

22 smartsea E + F 60 https://www.smart-sea.eu/ https://youtu.be/rN6OaCv9uB0

23 smartship E W 36 https://smartship.eu https://youtu.be/2enPyTOiTTM

24 threat-arrest E F 36 https://threat-arrest.eu https://youtu.be/1RItd1ps_Ds

25 vesselslife E F 17 www.vesselslife.com

26 Orc4ship G F 36 www.orc4ship.com 27 Hp4ship G W 32 www.hp4ship.com

28 Optiship G W 12 www.optiship.eu

29 ICrew G W 30

Ecomare

https://youtu.be/brErfV3lfD0.be/ brErfV3lfD0

Danaos Research Centre awards infographic