Creating value through autonomous shipping: an ecosystem perspective

The expected benefits of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) include increased safety, reduced costs and increased earning potential due to operational efficiencies and reduction in vessel manning. However, autonomous shipping enabled by such ships bears a greater potential than just replacing humans with machines. Rather, MASS can play a role in transforming supply and logistics chains. The value creation potential of these ships depends on the degree to which they disrupt logistics. Our aim here is to clarify how MASS create value and for whom, as well as how different actors in the maritime logistics ecosystem are able to monetize or otherwise benefit from the innovation. Based on interviews with experts in maritime logistics and autonomous technology, and a desktop study of the opinions of the leaders in maritime innovation, we analyse the different facets of value creation by MASS. We distinguish between the two key sources of value – onboard crew reduction and increased ship intelligence and their effects (cost reductions, earning potential, increased safety and system value) – and explicate for which actors in the ecosystem the value is created. We identify the key changes in the maritime logistics ecosystem, which concern the changing roles of technology providers, shipowners and operators, and we highlight the need for developing complementary infrastructure and activities in the ecosystem.publishedVersionPaid open acces

Key Space and Ground Facilities in GRB Science

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are short and intense flashes of γ-rays coming from deep space. GRBs were discovered more than a half century ago and now are observed across the whole electromagnetic spectrum from radio to very-high-energy gamma rays. They carry information about the powerful energy release during the final stage of stellar evolution, as well as properties of matter on the way to the observer. At present, space-based observatories detect on average approximately one GRB per day. In this review, we summarize key space and ground facilities that contribute to the GRB studies

A transition towards clean propulsion in shipping : The role of PESTLE drivers and implications for policy

In the context of the ongoing green transition within the maritime sector, this study seeks to explore the interplay of factors influencing the development of clean propulsion technologies. We identify the drivers underpinning the shift towards cleaner propulsion in maritime operations and outline the implications for the future of such technologies. This research is a result of industry-academia effort to develop a collective vision and strategy for a consortium of companies within propulsion sector. The market drivers are identified as part of a technology roadmapping process following PESTLE framework. Additionally, we employ the MICMAC method to discern dependencies and influences among these drivers. The findings indicate that certain drivers, such as fuel pricing and economic incentives, wield considerable independent influence, whereas others, including green financing, political will, and emission targets, exhibit substantial influence but are interdependent with other variables. Overall, most of the 30 drivers identified in the study both influence and depend on other drivers, creating a complex and uncertain system. This research contributes empirically to a holistic understanding of the intricate interplay among diverse market drivers in the context of clean propulsion in the maritime sector. Theoretically, it unveils the interdependent structure of socio-technical regimes and its implications in terms of “windows of opportunity” for niche development.© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync-nd/4.0/).fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

Creating value through product-service-software systems in institutionalized ecosystems – The case of autonomous ships

Introducing product-service-software systems (PSSS) to the market requires forming an enabling ecosystem, which can be largely based on incumbent business ecosystems. Creating value through PSSS with autonomous capabilities will likely encounter numerous challenges related to the lock-ins in current ecosystem structure. We use institutional theory as a lens and autonomous ships as the case to shed some light on types and impacts of these barriers. We identify a set of institutional barriers pertinent to regulatory, normative and cultural-cognitive pillars of institutions. We further analyze how institutional barriers affect creating, delivering, and capturing value of autonomous ships, ultimately shaping the ecosystem formation around PSSS. The main contribution of the paper is the depiction of early ecosystem dynamics as the mutual adaptation of the PSSS value proposition and the structure of the incumbent ecosystem.</p

A Concept of Assessment of LIV Tests with THESEUS Using the Gamma-Ray Bursts Detected by Fermi/GBM

According to Einstein's special relativity theory, the speed of light in a vacuum is constant for all observers. However, quantum gravity effects could introduce its dispersion depending on the energy of photons. The investigation of the spectral lags between the gamma-ray burst (GRB) light curves recorded in distinct energy ranges could shed light on this phenomenon: the lags could reflect the variation of the speed of light if it is linearly dependent on the photon energy and a function of the GRB redshift. We propose a methodology to start investigating the dispersion law of light propagation in a vacuum using GRB light curves. This technique is intended to be fully exploited using the GRB data collected with THESEUS

Implications of COVID-19 pandemic on the governance of passenger mobility innovations in Europe

As the passenger transportation sector is disrupted by the emergence of myriad technological and business model innovations such as automated mobility, shared mobility and Mobility-as-a-Service, new and improved governance models are required. The COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as yet another disruption, stressing the need for a more proactive and inclusive governance. This article aims to juxtapose the need for collaborative, adaptive and outcome-based governance models in the mobility sector before and after the pandemic started. First, we analyse the governance needs and trends related to mobility innovations that were identified during two workshops with public and private actors in the mobility sector and through an extensive research of new governance models already applied in many European countries. Second, we analyse the impact of COVID-19 on mobility governance, focusing specifically on mobility innovations. Based on the analysis, we draw conclusions regarding the long-term trends in how the governance of mobility innovations will be affected by the ongoing pandemic

How does Digitalisation Transform Business Models in Ropax Ports? A Multi-Site Study of Port Authorities

This article investigates the relationship between digitalisation and business model changes in RoPax ports. The study is based on six RoPax ports in Northern Europe, examining their digitalisation efforts and the resulting changes in their business models, leading to further digital transformation. The paper offers insights by reviewing relevant literature on digitalisation’s role in business model innovation and its application in ports. The findings reveal that digitalisation supports relevant business model changes concerning port operation integration within logistics chains, communication, documentation flow, and cargo flow optimisation. However, exploring digitalisation’s potential for diversifying value propositions is still limited. Most digitalisation efforts enhance existing operations through automation, monitoring, and decision-making support. The study contributes to understanding port business models and offers practical implications for RoPax ports’ digital transformation

GHG emission reduction measures and alternative fuels in different shipping segments and time horizons – A Delphi study

The bodies governing the global maritime industry have set short- and long-term targets for reducing GHG emissions from shipping. Various emission abatement measures exist, but their applicability in different contexts widely varies. The situation is unclear, especially for the so-called alternative fuels. These fuels hold the biggest emission reduction potential. Conversely, they are expensive, and the feasibility of investments in those technologies has high uncertainty. Despite a growing body of knowledge on the characteristics and potential of alternative fuels, no consensus exists as to which fuels would be best for each segment of the maritime industry – in the near future and the long run. We contribute with a Delphi study to fill this gap. Our results pinpoint the differences between the shipping segments and the short- and long-term choices for alternative fuels.© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

Customer perceptions of COVID-19 countermeasures on passenger ships during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic devastated substantial portions of the tourism industry; the cruise industry particularly suffered from negative publicity as the virus spread rapidly on cruise ships. The pandemic is a disaster that the industry has been forced to adapt to. This study illustrates, through a mixed-methods research design, what factors cruiseferry operators considered in their responses to the pandemic, whether the implemented countermeasures increased their customers’ sense of security, and what countermeasures customers would agree to follow before boarding a ship. The study thereby provides insights into which countermeasures are likely to decrease customers’ perceived health risks and which they are ready to accept or not on cruises during pandemics.</p