The Danish Innovation Fund invests in new, groundbreaking ShippingLab project

With an investment from the Innovation Fund of over 31 million DKK, ShippingLab now launches SLGREEN, a project aimed at paving the way for future green shipping.

With SLGREEN, ShippingLab will over the next three years develop new tools to predict ships’ performance under realistic conditions, implement methods to optimize hull maintenance to avoid biofouling, monitor engine condition and wear to ensure reliable operation, introduce remote navigation systems to improve safety and efficiency, and develop solutions to enhance crew comfort and health on board the ships.

In addition to the support from the Innovation Fund, the project is also backed by the Danish Maritime Fund and Lauritzen Fonden.

A catalyst for maritime innovation
ShippingLab is the Blue Denmark’s joint platform for maritime research, development, and innovation, and here, shipping companies, technology providers, universities, GTS institutes, organizations, and authorities work closely together to develop Danish maritime competencies and solutions, support Danish maritime entrepreneurship, and attract technical talents to the Blue Denmark.

ShippingLab serves as a catalyst for maritime innovation, and SLGREEN is a crucial component in ShippingLab’s ongoing commitment to develop and implement green technologies that not only transform shipping but also strengthen Danish maritime innovation.

Thus, the launch of SLGREEN marks the beginning of a new, ambitious initiative in ShippingLab aimed at increasing energy efficiency, accelerating the green transition of the maritime sector, and positioning the Blue Denmark as a global frontrunner in decarbonization.

“ShippingLab is fouded on many years of good and fruitful collaboration across the Blue Denmark. I am very pleased that we now, with SLGREEN, can build on this success with new, groundbreaking initiatives. The many partners in the project are characterized by high ambitions, great commitment, and world-class skills. So, I know that SLGREEN will make a real difference for the maritime industry,” says Morten Vejlgaard-Laursen, chairman of ShippingLab.

“Danish maritime companies and maritime technology are globally recognized for innovative, high-quality solutions. It’s imperative that we not only maintain but also build upon this position. We won’t merely follow the global shift towards greener shipping; we want to drive it. That’s the objective of SLGREEN. Moreover, the project will play a pivotal role in job creation and attracting new talent to our dynamic industry.” adds Jenny N. Braat, CEO of Danish Maritime.

The enthusiasm is shared by Danish Shipping:

“Danish shipping companies have long set course for climate neutrality, and our shipping companies and equipment manufacturers are leading the way for global shipping. But we cannot rest on our laurels, so I am pleased that ShippingLab can now launch SLGREEN, which will help develop the green and secure solutions of the future in shipping. It will be exciting to follow,” says Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping.

The Innovation Fund’s support for SLGREEN means that ShippingLab can strengthen its foundation by increasing the level of competence in the Blue Denmark, creating value and new business opportunities for Danish maritime actors, and increasing interest among technical students for a career in the maritime sector.

Goals within digitization, decarbonization, and security
The steering group behind ShippingLab consists of MAN Energy Solutions, DFDS, TORM, A.P. Moller-Maersk, Hempel, DTU, FORCE Technology, Danish Maritime, Danish Shipping, the Danish Maritime Authority, and the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping.

ShippingLab is supported by the Innovation Fund, the Danish Maritime Fund, DS Norden, and Lauritzen Fonden. In addition, the project’s partners contribute with self-financing.

SLGREEN focuses on digitization, decarbonization, and security. The project brings together 20 partners and consists of seven work packages, including five technical ones, which together aim to meet the following goals:

  1. Develop tools for predicting ship performance to improve wave navigation.
  2. Develop models for predicting biofouling to manage hull performance.
  3. Condition monitoring and wear prediction model for marine combustion engines.
  4. Develop an integrated system for digital piloting enabling remote navigation.
  5. Develop a system to improve crew comfort and health on board.

Contact
Morten Vejlgaard-Laursen, Chairman of ShippingLab and Head of Process Development, Two-Stroke R&D, MAN Energy Solutions
Phone: +45 20 28 48 93, mail: morten.vejlgaardlaursen@man-es.com

Magnus Gary, Project Director for ShippingLab
Phone: +45 40 95 07 14, mail: mg@shippinglab.dk

Sophie B. R. Dyrskjøt, Investment Officer, Grand Solutions, Innovationsfonden
Phone: 61 90 50 77, mail: sophie.bogoe.rahbek.mortensen@innofond.dk

Partners in SLGREEN:

A.P. Møller-Mærsk
Aerotak
Aprendio
DanPilot
FORCE Technology
Hapag-Lloyd
Hempel
MAN Energy Solutions
MHo-CO
NORDEN

 

OSK Design
Svendborg International Maritime Academy – SIMAC
Technical University of Denmark – DTU
Torm
University of Aarhus
University of Copenhagen – KU
University of Southern Denmark – SDU
Vessel Performance Solutions
WeatherNews Inc.
World Maritime University