Questões de Inglês - Interpretação de texto | Reading comprehension para Concurso

1     Space technology is developing fast, and, with every advance, it is becoming more accessible to industry. Today, satellite communications (satcoms) and space-based data are underpinning new ways of operating that boost both sustainability and profitability. Some projects are still in the planning stages, offering great promise for the future. However, others are already delivering practical results.

2     The benefits of space technology broadly fall into two categories: connectivity that can reach into situations where terrestrial technologies struggle to deliver and the deep, unique insights delivered by Earth Observation (EO) data. Both depend on access to satellite networks, particularly medium earth orbit (MEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites that offer low-latency connectivity and frequently updated data. Right now, the satellite supplier market is booming, driving down the cost of access to satellites. Suppliers are increasingly tailoring their services to emerging customer needs and the potential applications are incredible – as a look at the transportation sector shows.

3    Satellite technology is a critical part of revolutionizing connectivity on trains. The Satellites for Digitalization of Railways (SODOR) project will provide low latency, highly reliable connectivity that, combined with monitoring sensors, will mean near realtime data guides operational decisions. This insight will help trains run more efficiently with fewer delays for passengers. Launching this year, SODOR will help operators reduce emissions by using the network more efficiently, allowing preventative maintenance and extending the lifetime of some existing trains. It will also make rail travel more attractive and help shift more passengers from road to rail (that typically emits even less CO2 per passenger than electric cars do).

4      Satellite data and communications will also play a fundamental role in shaping a sustainable future for road vehicles. Right now, the transport sector contributes around 14% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, of which 91% is from road vehicles – and this needs to change.

5     A future where Electric Vehicles (EV) dominate will need a smart infrastructure to monitor and control the electricity network, managing highly variable supply and demand, as well as a large network of EV charging points. EO data will be critical in future forecasting models for wind and solar production, to help manage a consistent flow of green energy.

6      Satellite communications will also be pivotal. As more wind and solar installations join the electricity network – often in remote locations – satcoms will  step in to deliver highly reliable connectivity where 4G struggles to reach. It will underpin a growing network of EV charging points, connecting each point to the internet for operational management purposes, for billing and access app functionality and for the users’ comfort, they may access the system wherever they are.

7   Satellite technology will increasingly be a part of the vehicles themselves, particularly when automated driving becomes more mainstream. It will be essential for every vehicle to have continuous connectivity to support real-time software patches, map updates and inter-vehicle communications. Already, satellites provide regular software updates to vehicles and enhanced safety through an in-car emergency call service.

8       At our company, we have been deeply embedded in the space engineering for more than 40 years – and we continue to be involved with the state-of-the-art technologies and use cases. We have a strong track record of translating these advances into practical benefits for our customers that make sense on both a business and a sustainability level.

Available at: https://www.cgi.com/uk/en-gb/blog/space/how-space-technology-is-bringing-green-wins-to-transport. Retrieved on April 25, 2023. Adapted.

1           The shipping trends play a vital role in global trade, transporting goods worth trillions of dollars yearly. Population growth and continued urbanization will also lead to an increase in demand for maritime shipping services. The maritime shipping industry must continue to innovate and adopt new technologies to meet this increased demand. The following are some of the most promising trends and innovations currently taking place in the maritime shipping industry:

2       1. Green Technology - One of the most critical trends in maritime shipping is the move toward green technology. With increasing public awareness of the need to protect the environment, it is becoming increasingly crucial for maritime companies to adopt green practices. Maritime companies invest in cleaner-burning fuels such as LNG (liquefied natural gas). LNG produces significantly lower emissions than traditional marine fuels such as heavy fuel oil (HFO) and diesel. Some maritime companies are also experimenting with battery-powered ships to reduce emissions further. While battery-powered ships are not yet commercially viable on long voyages, they show great promise for use on shorter routes.

3       2. Electric Ships - Global maritime transport emits around 900 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, accounting for 2-3% of the world’s total emissions. As the push for decarbonization gathers momentum, it is only a matter of time before electric ships become the norm.

4    3. Autonomous Ships - Another exciting trend in maritime shipping is the development of autonomous ships. Autonomous ships have the potential to revolutionize the industry. They offer many advantages over traditional vessels, including reduced operating costs, increased efficiency, and improved safety by reducing the need for manual labor onboard ships. In addition, automated systems are less susceptible to human error than their manual counterparts. While there are many regulatory hurdles to overcome before autonomous vessels can be deployed commercially, they are expected to eventually become a common sight in the world’s oceans.

5      4. Blockchain - Blockchain technology is also beginning to make its way into the maritime shipping industry. Blockchain offers several potential benefits for maritime companies, including improved tracking of shipments and real-time visibility of their location- this would minimize delays caused by lost or misplaced cargo, reduce paperwork, and increase transparency throughout the supply chain. Moreover, blockchain-based smart contracts could automate many administrative tasks related to shipping, such as documentation and billing.

6      5. Big data and predictive analytics - Another major trend transforming maritime shipping is the increasing use of big data and predictive analytics. The shipping industry generates vast amounts of data that can be extremely valuable if analyzed correctly. Big data analytics can improve everything from route planning to fuel consumption. By harnessing the power of data, shipping companies can optimize their operations, reduce costs, and enhance safety and security. Predictive analytics is particularly valuable for identifying potential problems before they occur, such as equipment failures or weather hazards.

7      6. Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity is a growing concern for maritime companies due to the increased reliance on digital systems and networks. As the shipping industry becomes increasingly digitized, companies must implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect their vessels and cargo from attack. Ships are now equipped with everything from satellite communications to remote monitoring capabilities, all of which create potential cyber vulnerabilities.

8    Conclusion - The maritime shipping news is undergoing a period of significant change, with new technologies and trends emerging that have the potential to revolutionize the way that we ship goods around the world.