Each year, EU ports process more than 3.7 billion tons of freight, with an additional 400 million passengers passing through the EU’s seaports. Fraunhofer scientists are developing technologies to make shipping operations, shipbuilding and logistics more efficient, as well as working to improve services and researching ways to make the exploitation of marine resources safer and more environmentally friendly.
The Northwest Passage is becoming navigable for longer periods of the year. Ship traffic, however, still bears hazardous risks. A German-Canadian research team co-initiated by Fraunhofer wants to change that. In the project PASSAGES, it is conducting the preparatory work for a safe navigation through the icy waters.
Ships of the future will soon be steered across the Seven Seas – unmanned. A new simulator is helping propel these plans forward. Partners from five different countries engineered the design of the autonomous freighter.
One of the most important means of connecting with foreign countries is by sea, especially for the transport of freight. Researchers are assessing harbor safety using simulations in order to help provide smooth and efficient navigation.
Das Unterwasserfahrzeug über der Forschungsplattform Maritime Systeme mit Schwenkkran, Portalsystem und Druckkammer im Hintergrund links.
Autonomous underwater vehicles are essential for tasks such as exploring the seabed in search of oil or minerals. Fraunhofer researchers have designed the first robust, lightweight and powerful vehicle intended for series production.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft