Van Oord has signed partnership agreements with Heliorec and LexX, two start-ups scouted through the innovation platform PortXL. The first designs floating solar power plants, the second offers digital intelligence for optimised maintenance.
Van Oord is one of the founders of PortXL and a main sponsor of the programme. The port and maritime accelerator platform is one of the ways that Van Oord encourages innovation in the global maritime industry. This year, the company focused on two innovation themes: sustainability and digitalisation.
The signing ceremony witht the start-ups took place during the shakedown event on 2 December marking the end of this year’s PortXL programme.
Jörg Liebe, head of sales Europe at LexX: ‘The PortXL programme allowed us to extend our reach from our original market in the airline and aviation industry to the maritime sector. It helped us to redefine our market approach and build our knowledge of that sector. In addition, the PortXL programme provided networking opportunities, access to and support from PortXL partner organisations in the maritime industry, research organisations, and the vibrant Rotterdam ecosystem.’
Floating solar and digital intelligence
In collaboration with Van Oord, Heliorec will be investigating the use of floating solar to power an electric charging station. This station is ultimately meant to charge Van Oord’s electrical unmanned survey vessels.
Also read: [VIDEO] Van Oord acquires second autonomous survey vessel
The Australian start-up LexX will develop a tool for Van Oord’s Survey Department to provide better access to more relevant and up-to-date data and documentation for employees, boosting productivity and safety worldwide.
‘Working with Van Oord gives us the chance to develop a new kind of technology: an electric charging station powered by floating solar,’ says Polina Vasilenko, CEO and Founder at Heliorec. ‘It’s a great opportunity to develop a new concept in collaboration with Van Oord’s world-class experts, implement that concept around the world and accelerate decarbonisation in the maritime sector.’
Picture: One of Van Oord’s unmanned survey vessels (by Van Oord).
Also read: Van Oord orders methanol-powered mega ship to install 20-MW wind turbines
