International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), a non-profit technical association, has been guiding and guarding the evolving maritime sector, especially in innovating green progress. Francis Zachariae, secretary-general of IALA, in an interview with Maritime Fairtrade, stressed the need to drive the sector to regard zero-emissions transition as a top priority, and analyzed why this path is challenging despite its good intentions and the changes that are rapidly moving throughout the industry.
Francis Zachariae, secretary-general of IALA. Photo credit: IALA
The pressure to decarbonize is putting many stakeholders in the maritime industry at strain. Why is this transition challenging?
It is of course a major challenge for the maritime industry to make the fundamental changes required to reach the greenhouse gases (GHG) goals for 2030 and 2050, which were clearly demonstrated during the Singapore Maritime Week this year. I especially enjoyed listening to the complicated technical challenges with the different new technologies that can replace traditional fossil fuel-powered engines. None of them are perfect and implements a lot of uncertainty related to cost, infrastructure, availability etc.
In IALA, we are focusing on the possible digital developments that can assist the changes. Recent studies suggest that these technologies can help save as much as 38 percent of the fossil fuel used today.
What are some lesser-known problems that your members face when digitalizing, which are hardly publicized or headlined?
In our digitalization endeavors at IALA, a longstanding challenge we have noted is the interoperability and lack of harmonization among technologies. While significant strides have been made in aligning data exchange technologies, an issue has arisen during the implementation phase: the actual data remains inconsistently standardized across different national contexts.
Over a decade ago, IALA embarked on engaging with the development of the S-100 framework at an early stage. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) intends to revise the IMO conventions and performance standards on Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) to expedite the transition, making it mandatory for all new ships to be equipped with the new ECDIS by 2029.
During the testing phases of the S-200 Product Specifications, we encountered significant discrepancies when national data was input into our S-200 testbed—an experimental platform designed to compare national data against a globally standardized format. These gaps in data compatibility underscore a complex problem that is not easily resolved and is rarely discussed among members.
Besides alternative fuels, please share how GHG emissions savings can be achieved through various pathways (digitalization, data collection and energy efficiency).
In addition to exploring alternative fuels, IALA is committed to reducing GHG emissions through strategies that encompass advanced technology applications and digitalization. There are two key pathways we are actively pursuing.
Firstly, IALA is developing guidance on the use of drones alongside technological advancements. We compile best practices for utilizing drones in maintenance activities and for remotely monitoring Aids to Navigation (AtoN) facilities. This approach significantly diminishes the necessity for manned visits, thereby lowering the carbon footprint associated with these operations. Historically, AtoN authorities have been pioneers in adopting sustainable practices, such as integrating solar panels on remote islands to power these facilities, further contributing to our GHG reduction efforts.
Secondly, digitalization and data harmonization are focal areas, as previously mentioned. Our collaboration with the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in developing the S-100 standard is pivotal in enhancing safety and efficiency in maritime navigation. Additionally, IALA actively collaborates with other international organizations to harmonize data elements related to Vessel Traffic Services (VTS). This cooperation supports the Just-in-Time arrival concept, which minimizes the time ships spend idling and waiting at ports, thereby significantly reducing GHG emissions. By ensuring timely data exchange and improving logistical coordination, we streamline maritime operations and enhance overall energy efficiency.
These efforts constitute part of a comprehensive approach to addressing the maritime industry’s environmental impact. While challenges such as data standardization and international cooperation persist, IALA is steadfast in overcoming these through ongoing technological innovation and global collaboration and harmonization.
The 79th session of the IALA Council meeting was concluded in December 2023. What were the key decisions and points at the meeting, and how do they move IALA into a more advantageous position to lead its members?
The Council serves as the governing body of IALA with 21 elected and three non-elected Councilors. It is elected by IALA National Members during a General Assembly and convenes twice a year. During the most recent General Assembly, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2023, a new council was elected.
The council endorsed the work program of the committees, emphasizing key areas such as MASS, digitalization, and sustainability. Additionally, the council approved several important documents, including recommendations, guidelines, and model courses, with some focusing on digitalization and resilient Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT).
The Resilient PNT guideline has been developed to offer insights into the vulnerabilities inherent in PNT systems. It introduces the potential consequences of these vulnerabilities on AtoN services, VTS, and their users. The document further explores strategies to enhance PNT resilience and mitigate risks associated with GNSS failures.
Furthermore, certain maritime investigation reports have highlighted mariners’ insufficient knowledge of the Maritime Buoyage System (MBS). In response, IALA has submitted a paper to IMO to advocate for an update to the STCW Code. This proposal aims to enhance mariners’ awareness and understanding of the MBS, with ongoing efforts in this regard.
Photo credit: iStock/ Suphanat Khumsap
