Exploration Ship Named NOVA in Focus: Insights and Updates on Its Latest Mission
University of Duisburg-Essen's Floating Laboratory: NOVA Launched
The research vessel NOVA, boasting solar panels on its roof and a sparsely populated bridge, is anything but ordinary. This catamaran serves as a floating research platform, hosting scientists from the University of Duisburg-Essen and the Institute of Shipping Technology and Transport Systems (DST) as they explore innovative concepts to minimize environmental impact and ensure safe, autonomous shipping.
NRW Minister of Transport, Oliver Krischen, launched the NOVA today in Ruhrort. The vessel's primary objective is to investigate autonomous ship navigation in real-world environments, where MDVs (Narrow, confusing, and crowded) conditions are prevalent. Prof. Dr. Bettar el Moctar from the Institute for Sustainable and Autonomous Maritime Systems (INAM) at the University of Duisburg-Essen shed light on this, stating, "The NOVA is designed to make decisions autonomously, even in fog, darkness, or high traffic density."
The vessel will be equipped with advanced technology for fully autonomous navigation, including complex maneuvers such as lock passages. According to Dr. Jens Neugebauer, senior engineer at INAM, the NOVA will analyze various driving styles' effects on energy consumption, while automation could save fuel and emissions.
NRW Minister for the Environment, Oliver Krischen, highlighted the project's significance, stating, "The NOVA's innovative research will strengthen North Rhine-Westphalia's position as a leading research location for sustainable inland shipping. This contributes to climate protection and enhances the economic efficiency and competitiveness of inland shipping as a modern means of transport."
Mayor of the City of Duisburg, Sören Link, and Rector of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert, praised the project, emphasizing its potential for science, economy, and showcasing Duisburg's commitment to smart and sustainable progress. The project receives funding from the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia, with an allocation of 1.17 million euros.
Autonomous shipping technology, such as sensors, AI, and communication systems, is designed to improve safety and reduce environmental impact by optimizing routes and operations. Key benefits include collision avoidance, real-time monitoring, route optimization, and energy efficiency. For more details about the University of Duisburg-Essen's Floating Laboratory NOVA, media inquiries can be directed to Juliana Fischer at 0203 379 1488 or juliana.fischer@uni-due.de.
Contact:- Juliana Fischer, Phone: 0203 379 1488, juliana.fischer@uni-due.de- Dr.-Ing. Jens Neugebauer, Phone: 0203 379 1168, jens.neugebauer@uni-due.de
- The research on the University of Duisburg-Essen's Floating Laboratory, NOVA, focuses on applying innovative technology from both science and finance to reduce environmental impact in the shipping industry.
- The NOVA, fitted with advanced technology and solar panels, is designed to make decisions autonomously, demonstrating the integration of environmental-science and technology for safe, autonomous shipping.
- With funding from the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia, the NOVA project aims to strengthen the region's position as a leading research location, contributing to the growth of the environmental-science and technology sectors.
