Client: NCE MCT

Through Norwegian Design Councils Design-driven Innovation Programme, we have, in cooperation with NCE MCT and the shipping industry developed a new sea transportation solution - Short Sea Pioneer. The result is a new transport concept, rethinking the logistics and vessel design.

Approach

Stricter environmental regulations and an overloading of the road network are forcing a shift in how we solve logistics in the future.
There is estimated a 75% increase in freight transport by 2020 and the EU wants to move 30% of goods transport from road to sea and rail by 2030

Strategy

We need fresh ideas and concepts for more efficient and environmental friendly cargo-handling / logistics for streamlining unloading or reloading at the terminal / jetty and aboard. With an application of new energy and efficient propulsion systems, and challenging the type of vessel. The solution needs to answer both political regulations and logistical chalenges, and embrace new environmental friendly technology.

The project form - DIP(Design Driven Inovation Program) supports the idea phase with a systematic means of gathering information, through conceptual design to system specifications. The project was user-centered with expert users, and focused on uncovering entirely new solutions.

Solution

The workshops focused on two possible logistical scenarios. Senario 1 focused on one vessel, designed for flexibility in relation to speed, loading
cargo and distances. Senario 2 consisted of a system of two or more vessels, where a mother ship was designed for shipping between
key locations. Smaler daughter vessels carry cargo from the mother vessel to smaller ports, shifting the terminal offshore and reduces the need for major ports.

Result

The chosen solution emphasized the logistics system in terms of frequency and reliability, with fixed route system. This system had increased flexibility, degree of regularity, punctuality and frequency. The new port structure allowed less complex vessels that had the ability to enter multiple smaler ports.

The mother vessel prepared the cargo on board allowing for a speedy transshipment at sea. The vessels carry renewable propulsion systems and have 0 emissions in harbor. The project is still in the works lead by the facilitator for the maritime sector - NCE Maritime CleanTech.

For more information on the project contact:
Sveinung Åkra

Screenshots of scenarios and early working sketches