The Digital & Green Maritime Coalition takes off
The Digital & Green Maritime Coalition takes off
Chartering a sustainable course
Kick-off event success
On Thursday the 28th of November the Digital & Green Maritime Coalition hosted its first symposium at the Buitensociëteit Paterswoldsemeer. With a full house of key players from the maritime industry in the Northern Netherlands, insightful discussions, and forward-looking panel sessions, the event marked the beginning of a journey towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced maritime future.
The Digital & Green Maritime Coalition unites shipyards, suppliers, shipowners, universities, and government representatives to address the challenges of tomorrow. Together, these stakeholders are laying the foundation for innovations that will shape the ”Ship of the Future”.
A vision for the Northern Dutch maritime industry
The Northern Netherlands has long been a global leader in short sea shipping, sometimes even referred to as the ”Silicon Valley of European Shipbuilding”. However, stricter emission regulations from the EU and IMO, alongside workforce shortages, pose significant challenges. The Digital & Green Maritime Coalition aims to transform these challenges into opportunities by allowing for collaboration of key players across different sectors operating within the maritime industry.
The coalition focuses on two primary pillars:
Green technologies
Pioneering solutions such as emission-free propulsion systems, onboard CO2 capture, hydrogen fuel systems, green methanol and redox flow batteries.
Digital advancements
Embracing innovations like robotized shipbuilding, autonomous vessels, and digital twin technology to future proof the entire maritime industry
Highlights from the symposium
The event brought together prominent voices in the maritime sector, Egbert Vuursteen (Wagenborg) and Guus van der Bles (Conoship), who emphasized that the key to succes is collaboration. Panel discussions explored critical topics, including:
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The role of green methanol in sustainable shipping -
How digitalization can enhance operational efficiency and reduce emissions
Participants were invited to affirm their commitment to the DGMC’s goals, signalling a strong determination to address the industry’s most pressing challenges. Collaboration among partners from various sectors within the industry will be essential. The symposium’s positive and ambitious atmosphere provided a significant boost to these efforts.
The Road Ahead
The DGMC aims to transform the challenges faced by the maritime industry into opportunities for innovation and growth. By accelerating the adoption of green technologies such as green methanol, hydrogen propulsion, and onboard CO2 capture, the coalition is paving the way for a more sustainable future. At the same time, digitalization efforts, including robotized shipbuilding and digital twins, will make the industry more efficient and future-proof.
A Collective Effort
The symposium underscored that collaboration is key to achieving these ambitious goals. Industry leaders, such as Egbert Vuursteen of Wagenborg, called on shipyards, suppliers, and other stakeholders to unite in building the “ship of the future.” The discussions highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge and aligning efforts to address workforce shortages, regulatory challenges, and global competition. Intensive collaboration between northern Dutch knowledge industries and organizations in the maritime industry will allow for large scale innovation projects. Industry wide incentives can speed up the innovation process and enable the crucial SME sector to benefit and contribute to industry-wide efforts.
A Call to Action
Conoship International, as a leading player in the DGMC, invites maritime professionals, companies, and institutions to join this initiative. Together, we can innovate, adopt sustainable practices, and secure the Northern Netherlands’ position as a global leader in shipbuilding. The DGMC is committed to keeping its partners and the public updated on new developments as we steer toward a green and digital maritime future.
Do you want to know more about the initiative or do you want to know what you can do to help the Digital & Green Maritime Coalition?
