In this expert discussion on INTERGEO TV, the focus is on the evolution of maritime solutions. Thomas Dehling and Jann Wendt, leading experts in the domain, share their insights on the future of maritime technology and how the oceans are affected by these advancements.
As part of INTERGEO 2023, a new thematic area is being introduced focusing on unmanned systems in the realms of air, water, and land. This INTERGEO Expert Talk delves deep into Maritime Solutions, emphasizing the importance of our oceans and marine conservation.
The Experts shed light on the crucial role our oceans play, not just environmentally but also in terms of trade and human well-being. Both guests bring unique perspectives and emphasize the importance of innovation, research, and conservation in the maritime sector.
Understanding and conserving our oceans are pressing issues, and hydrographers play a pivotal role in this mission. With technological advancements like the S-100 and passionate individuals dedicated to the cause, there is hope for sustainable navigation and marine conservation.
THOMAS DEHLING
* Current Role: Head of the Nautical Hydrography Department at the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency in Rostock, Germany.
* Previous Roles: Oversaw the Department of Surveying and Hydrography and the Division of Surveying and Wreck Search from 1998 to 1999.
* Accomplishments: Chairman of the German Hydrographic Society and represents Germany at the International Hydrographic Organization in Monaco.
* Education: Studied surveying at the University of Federal Armed Forces in Munich.
* Origins of passion: is intrigued by geosciences from a young age, experimented with Sextants and astronomical navigation. He also values international cooperation at sea.
*Professional mission : He emphasizes the importance of seas for mankind, noting that over 90% of world trade passes through the seas. His mission revolves around the sustainable use and protection of the seas.
JANN WENDT
* Current Role: Founder and managing director of north.io in Kiel, Germany, and initiator of Marispace-X.
* Passion: Innovation through cloud technologies, geo data, and maritime solutions.
* Education: Holds a Master's in environmental geography and management from Christian Albrechts University in Kiel.
* Origins of passion: Being born and raised in Schleswig-Holstein and surrounded by oceans, he was always fascinated by the mysteries of the sea, especially the topic of ammunition in the ocean.
* Professional Mission: focuses on geo data and has been doing so for over 15 years, works on the potential of application development using cloud technologies, and creates a "blue data economy".
HYDROGRAPHY AND MARINE CONSERVATION: A DEEP DIVE
When we think about the ocean, we often imagine its vast expanse and mystery. But few realize the importance of hydrographers in understanding our oceans and ensuring their sustainability. In a recent interview, we gained insights into the world of hydrography and marine conservation.
What is Hydrography?
At its core, hydrography involves understanding the structure and depth of the ocean floor and the water column above it. Some hydrographers produce nautical charts, essential for mariners to navigate safely, while others focus on coastal protection, offshore industries, and more. In Germany, there are about one to two thousand professionals in this field. The unique aspect of this profession is its international scope; seas aren't bound by national borders, offering hydrographers the opportunity to work globally.
Unlocking the ocean´s secrets
Thomas Dehling describes hydrography as the "key to the sea". Without it, numerous marine activities like sailing, fishing, and building offshore infrastructures are impossible. He mentions that while hydrography might not be a well-known profession, it's the linchpin for all activities at sea.
Jann Wendt, views hydrographers as key to unlocking the ocean's secrets. He contrasts terrestrial geo-data, which is mostly optical, to the acoustic world of the ocean. Hydrographers provide data that is transformed into valuable information. Despite our advanced technological era, much of our oceans remain unexplored, presenting a unique challenge for hydrographers.
Marine Conservation: Current Challenges
Marine conservation faces significant challenges, from plastic waste and ocean warming to potential threats like deep-sea mining. Jann highlighted the coming "industrialization" of our oceans, as we lean more on them for renewable energy solutions. With massive investments flowing into offshore wind farms, understanding our oceans has never been more critical.
To address these challenges, we need accurate and comprehensive data. Thomas, another hydrographer, stressed that despite covering 70% of the earth, we lack adequate information about our oceans. Hydrographers are at the forefront, utilizing advanced platforms like autonomous service vehicles, unmanned underwater vehicles, and satellite-derived bathymetry to gather data.
MARITIME SOLUTIONS
Technologigal advancements
The New S-100 Standard: A Game-Changer
One of the significant advancements on the horizon is the introduction of the S-100 standard, which promises to revolutionize nautical navigation. This system offers a tailor-made experience, combining various data types to provide individualized information. For example, by understanding the precise depth, currents, and water levels, ships can navigate more efficiently, reducing emissions and saving fuel. The International Maritime Organization has adopted the S-100, with a planned full implementation by the end of the decade.
Blue data economy
Jann Wendt and his team are working on a new kind of software-as-a-service solution for the maritime sector, particularly focusing on underwater data. The software addresses the complexity of handling big data from the maritime domain, given the multiple formats and types of data such as optical, video, and acoustic. Jann’s platform is especially beneficial for the offshore wind domain, assisting big energy companies in consolidating, analyzing, and distributing their data. Jann's vision also encompasses a "data economy" where surveying companies can trade their data. This would increase the value of expensive maritime data by allowing it to be reused for various purposes. He highlighted the importance of making underwater data accessible and usable for both commercial and scientific applications.
The Future of Shipping
Thomas Dehling anticipates a significant evolution in shipping, moving away from a two-dimensional approach to multi-dimensional systems. He predicts a future where the majority of buoys and navigational aids will only exist virtually, using technology to improve navigational safety. The combination of autonomous vessels with manned ones is a complex challenge that needs addressing. He also emphasized the importance of diverse data-gathering methods, such as using satellites, drones, and unmanned underwater vehicles.
LOOKING AHEAD
The experts highlighted the increasing usage of the oceans, stressing the importance of finding a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.
Autonomous systems are seen as a crucial driver for cost reduction and innovation in ocean surveys.
Both experts appreciate the introduction of the maritime solutions topic at INTERGEO and believe it's essential to bridge the gap between the oceanic and geospatial worlds.
Both experts eagerly anticipate the event, hoping it will provide an opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing between the land and sea-based sectors.