Behind the scenes of a cruise ship: Masters in logistics

Jul 31, 2023
In addition to environmentally friendly propulsion systems, ship owners are competing for enticing highlights in entertainment, leisure activities, and the attractiveness of the shared facilities on board. The logistical challenge is enormous for many amenities on a ship. 
 
Today part two of our three-part series on cruises with the focus on "Masters in logistics":
A lot goes on behind the scenes that passengers are unaware of.
A lot goes on behind the scenes that passengers are unaware of.
So much goes on behind the scenes, unnoticed by passengers. The crew discreetly transports laundry, groceries, and trash; the kitchen amazes with its almost-invisible organization. Autonomously driving robots serve cocktails to guests and accompany them on the way to their cabin. Baggage has to be transported via many decks until it reaches the right cabin door, and is also picked up again from the cabin when guests check out. The pressure to perform quickly, yet with an extremely high degree of accuracy, is tangible and makes logistics systems more crucial than ever. 
 
Automated baggage handling only functions efficiently, reliably, and safely with the appropriate sensor technology. SICK provides the perfect solutions for this. With automated guided vehicles (AGVs), equipped with the TiM781S 2D LiDAR sensor, bags can be transported quickly and efficiently. This makes the work of the personnel easier and automates repetitive tasks on board. The sensor is attached to the automated guided vehicle and reliably detects protective fields in a predefined radius. The vehicle stops immediately in case of a hazard. Gripper arms on the vehicle deposit baggage right in front of the cabin door – provided that the bags can be clearly allocated. SICK bar code scanners or track and trace systems reliably identify baggage labels, regardless of where the label is attached to the bag. The reading algorithm detects and decodes even damaged, poorly printed, or half-covered bar codes.
Automated baggage loading on cruise ships
Automated baggage loading on cruise ships
Automated baggage loading on cruise ships
Automated baggage loading on cruise ships
Automatic reading of the luggage label
Automated baggage label reading
Automatic reading of the luggage label
Automated baggage label reading

If groceries or operating materials are to be delivered by helicopter, the helicopter must keep the required safe distance to ship superstructures. The ship must hold its course to ensure this safe distance, which also means that supplies can be lowered down gently. Inclination sensors and 3D LiDAR sensors transmit course-correction information to the ship’s steering system. If goods are to be transported via wire ropes, the necessary correction information is also transmitted to an intelligent winch control to keep the transport rope taut.

Helicopter positioning on ships
Helicopter positioning on ships
Helicopter positioning on ships
Helicopter positioning on ships
Stabilizers noticeably compensate for rough seas. The TMS inclination sensor registers the ship’s inclination and transmits data, using which the stabilizers can be optimally aligned. This ensures that the ship lies as still as possible in the water: A ship position optimally adapted to the driving resistance also results in reduced fuel consumption. Another plus: Fewer seasick passengers. 
Inertial sensors
High-precision inclination measurement for harsh ambient conditions.
TMS/TMM88

 

Read the other part of our series on cruises:

Cruise boom continues unabated: Making cruises greener with SICK

Part 1: Making cruises greener with SICK