Port of Gothenburg Introduces New Robot To Contain Oil Spills

A new robot has been introduced at the Port of Gothenburg. Its task will be to deploy booms in the event of an oil spill. This new technology will result in more rapid and safer oil spill clearance at the Port of Gothenburg.

The Port of Gothenburg is the site of the largest energy port in Scandinavia. Crude oil is brought in and refined into petrol, diesel, asphalt and other products. Despite very strict safety stipulations, an accident could occur resulting in an oil spill.

“What is most important is that the oil is contained as quickly as possible to allow clearance to begin,” said Dan-Erik Andersson, Head of Operations at the Energy Port in Gothenburg.

For this purpose, the Port of Gothenburg has invested SEK 3.5 million in an automatic GPS-controlled boom. In the event of a spill, a member of staff at the Energy Port office presses a button on the wall. This activates a torpedo-like unmanned craft that travels around the dock towing a 400-metre-long boom. The automatic boom is made of plastic and is half a metre below water and 20 cm above water.

“The robot tows the boom from one pier to another. It could be said that it forms a large bag in which the oil is collected. It has already been in operation once for testing and the results were good,” said Dan-Erik.

Compared with the customary approach – towing booms manually using boats – the automatic boom saves time. It takes approximately 10 minutes to contain a spill compared to half an hour when the booms are towed by boat.

“These are valuable minutes if we are to limit the spill as much as possible,” Dan-Erik Andersson stated.

Unique technology

It is the Gothenburg-based company SP Marine, together with the Port of Gothenburg, that has developed the automatic boom. The project commenced five years ago.

“It has taken a long time to adapt the robot to the conditions in the Göta Älv river and at the Energy Port and that is why it feels particularly gratifying now that development has been completed,” said Dan-Erik Andersson.

Similar robots are used in Malmö and are being developed in Stenungsund. Up to now this technology is unique to Sweden.

Reference: portofgothenburg.com

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Latest Shipping News You Would Like:

U.S Navy And The Philippines Begin Joint Naval Drills In South China Sea Amidst Tensions With China

Posted on October 3, 2023

In a show of force against China amid ever growing tensions in the much-disputed waterway, defense allies the Philippines and the US started conducting combined naval activities on Monday.

Captain Of Cargo Ship Carrying €157million Worth Of Cocaine Appears In Wexford Court

Posted on October 3, 2023

The ship captain of the MV Matthew got a bail rejection after he appeared at the court on being charged over the €157 million cocaine seizure off the country’s south coast.

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Warships Arrive At Port Klang, Malaysia

Posted on October 3, 2023

As part of the Indian Navy’s log-range deployment in Southeast Asia, the vessels of the First Training Squadron (1TS)-ICGS Sarathi, INS Tir, and INS Sujata are visiting Malaysia’s Port Klang.

Environmental Groups Demand Rules To Protect The North Atlantic Right Whale From Ship Collisions

Posted on October 3, 2023

A coalition of environmental groups has been calling on the country’s federal government to have in place emergency rules to safeguard a fast-vanishing species of whale from collisions with large vessels.

U.S Navy And Lockheed Martin Fire Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile With A 4000 NM Range

Posted on October 3, 2023

The Fleet Ballistic Missile — One Trident II D5 Life Extension, was successfully launched on 27 September by Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy, off the coast of California.