Convention aims to explore how technology and digitalisation can improve ferry safety and efficiency
By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
The Worldwide Ferry Safety Association (WFSA) is holding its fifth annual Worldwide Ferry Safety Conference in Bangkok, Thailand on 21-22 February 2019. The convention aims to explore how technology and digitalisation can improve ferry safety and efficiency.
Among the topics up for discussion are the updates to urban river ferries in Bangkok and Manila, Philippines. As such, the conference will also include an award presentation for the International Student Design Competition for a Safe Affordable Ferry. Ideas from the winning entries are being considered by the agency in Manila responsible for an ongoing vessel procurement.
“2019 is a year of promise for ferry safety,” said Roberta Weisbrod, executive director of WFSA. “There are new and upgraded ferry systems coming online in Asia.”
Attendees will also learn about India and Bangladesh’s endeavours with the World Bank and developments of their inland waterways. In addition, “the director general of Shipping in Bangladesh, Syed Ariful Islam, has been invited to present on initiatives to improve safety and efficiency in Bangladesh.”
US Coast Guard captain Kevin Kiefer will discuss an initiative to provide enhanced automatic identification systems (AIS), with the aim of improving communication of hazardous weather to ferry operators. In addition, Karsten Pedersen of Aerial-Maritime will discuss the improvements of weather information and the capture of AIS signals around the equatorial Pacific Ocean due to the launching of nano-satellites.
There will also be presentations by Michael Watts of Marsh Insurance on new maritime insurance offerings; David Meddings from the World Health Organisation on life vests; discussions about ferry accidents by an international panel of experts from Indonesia, China and Italy; and much more.
“This year’s conference combines innovation, serious intent and plenty of good news to create opportunities to share ideas and business practices,” said Weisbrod. “And this unbeatable combination will occur against the superlative backdrop of Bangkok – sometimes called 'The City of Angels'.”