Kampus ITS, ITS News – During the Covid-19 pandemic, the maritime sector, as one of the main sectors of Indonesia’s economic development, was also hit by significant activity restrictions. Departing from these problems, the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh November (ITS), through the Directorate of Research and Community Service (DRPM) together with University College London (UCL), developed research related to optimization of maritime activities.

Restrictions on the activity and number of ship passengers are intended to prevent the spread of Covid-19 from becoming more widespread. For anglers, a reduction in crew members will reduce the amount of fish caught so that the selling value of the fish and the income of the fishermen continues to decline. Meanwhile, ship companies are also having difficulty developing their business because the number of ship passengers has decreased by more than half.

ITS Deputy Rector IV Bambang Pramujati ST MScEng Ph.D. while giving a virtual speech

Titled Ensuring the Safety of Indonesian Seafarers and Fishers in the Time of Covid-19 and Beyond, this research project began in March 2021. It was inaugurated in a virtual Kick-Off Meeting, Tuesday (27/4) afternoon. This research has the full support of PT Orela Shipyard, the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, Newton Funding, and several shipping companies in Indonesia.

The research team members consisted of Prof. Giles Thomas from UCL, several ITS academicians, namely Prof. Ir. I Ketut Aria Utama Pria MSc PhD, Dony Setiawan ST MEng, and Soegeng Riyadi ST MT MRINA and Dr. Ir Wolter Roberth Hetharia MAppSc from Pattimura University. Not to forget two students of the ITS Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding Engineering Department, namely Dita Adhelia and Afifah Rofidayanti, who are members of the assistant.

Prof. Giles Thomas, when explaining the research project targets virtually.

Planned to run for two years until February 2023, this project has an output target of developing guidelines for the operation of safe and economical commercial vessels and fishing vessels. First, however, by still paying attention to health protocols and developing new remote monitoring techniques using sensors, machine learning, and algorithms. “Can monitor basic things such as fuel use, location, and many more,” said Prof. Giles Thomas.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Deputy Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and ITS Alumni Bambang Pramujati ST MScEng Ph.D. hopes that this project can run smoothly and can achieve all its goals. “The project which is carried out together with international parties is also expected to be able to lead ITS to become a world-class university,” he said optimistically. (ITS Public Relations)

The research team entitled Ensuring the Safety of Indonesian Seafarers and Fishers in the Time of Covid-19 and Beyond, together with guests

Reporter: Dian Nizzah Fortuna