A Q&A with a Cargo Sampler and Drone Surveyor
Frank Zhu, Cargo Sampler and Drone Surveyor at work.
Have you ever wondered how much technology is influencing the marine sector? Well, we recently had a conversation with Frank Zhu, who shared with us his passion for the technological facets of marine.
Frank Zhu -- a second-year undergrad student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario – jokes about how his degree is a bit of an odd one. Frank is pursuing a Combined Honours in Arts and Science - a liberal arts program, and Business. Through this course of study, he hopes to develop a unique mixture of critical thinking, communication skills, and business acumen.
Professionally, Frank has served 3 years in the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve as a supply technician. He currently works as a cargo sampler and drone surveyor. Frank helps ensure that cargoes are safe for transportation, and he streamlines the loading process by tracking the tonnage of cargo both onboard ships and in stockpiles on the pier.
He has also been involved with a number of volunteer efforts. As a ship visitor with the Mission to Seafarers, Frank provides hundreds of foreign seafarers with transportation, SIM cards, and welfare support. Most recently, having become a member of the port Wi-Fi working group of the Transport Canada National Seafarers’ Welfare Board, he will be collaborating with shipping stakeholders across the country to expand internet access for seafarers.
Frank Zhu -- a second-year undergrad student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario – jokes about how his degree is a bit of an odd one. Frank is pursuing a Combined Honours in Arts and Science - a liberal arts program, and Business. Through this course of study, he hopes to develop a unique mixture of critical thinking, communication skills, and business acumen.
Professionally, Frank has served 3 years in the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve as a supply technician. He currently works as a cargo sampler and drone surveyor. Frank helps ensure that cargoes are safe for transportation, and he streamlines the loading process by tracking the tonnage of cargo both onboard ships and in stockpiles on the pier.
He has also been involved with a number of volunteer efforts. As a ship visitor with the Mission to Seafarers, Frank provides hundreds of foreign seafarers with transportation, SIM cards, and welfare support. Most recently, having become a member of the port Wi-Fi working group of the Transport Canada National Seafarers’ Welfare Board, he will be collaborating with shipping stakeholders across the country to expand internet access for seafarers.
Q: How did you first learn about the marine industry, and what inspired you to pursue a career in this field? Can you share your personal journey and experiences?
Up until last year, I never knew that I would become so involved in the marine industry. Being born and raised in Calgary, it’s safe to say I was a stranger to water. Though I served in the Naval Reserve, everything I did was strictly shore-based. My interest in shipping originated from my passion for the Arctic. I had been intrigued by the North for several years, so I knew a bit about Arctic shipping. The ball started rolling once I came to Hamilton for university. I remember walking out of the Navy base one evening and noticing a lake freighter docked at the neighboring pier. Curious about what life might be like on board, I combed through the Port of Hamilton’s directory and came across the Mission to Seafarers where I kicked off my marine industry adventure as a ship visitor. The moment you climb up a gangway, you become part of a wholly different world. Witnessing the crew at work, their camaraderie, and hearing how much they miss their families back home were all profound experiences.
After building numerous industry relationships through my work with the Mission, I earned a spot in the national port Wi-Fi project, and I was able to put my technology skills to use in drone surveys.
My marine colleagues have all been overwhelmingly kind, supportive, and generous. I have learned to remain adaptable and to tackle each problem with enthusiasm. Most importantly, having interacted with everybody from deckhands to executives, I’ve gained an appreciation of the scale of the industry. It takes decades of consistent diligence to gain a full-formed understanding of shipping, which serves a powerful reminder to remain humble and work hard each and every day.
After building numerous industry relationships through my work with the Mission, I earned a spot in the national port Wi-Fi project, and I was able to put my technology skills to use in drone surveys.
My marine colleagues have all been overwhelmingly kind, supportive, and generous. I have learned to remain adaptable and to tackle each problem with enthusiasm. Most importantly, having interacted with everybody from deckhands to executives, I’ve gained an appreciation of the scale of the industry. It takes decades of consistent diligence to gain a full-formed understanding of shipping, which serves a powerful reminder to remain humble and work hard each and every day.
Q: How are drones and technology currently being used in the marine industry, and what do you see as the potential for their future advancements?
The marine industry is inseparable from technology. From software that automatically controls engine thrust for optimal fuel efficiency, to eco-friendly propulsion systems such as LNG and methanol, to autonomous vessels, technology continually transforms shipping, making our supply chains ever faster, more resilient, and more environmentally sustainable.
Working with McDonald Marine Surveys here in Hamilton, I’ve been using a drone to record the draft markings on ships. This process, which otherwise would require a surveyor to climb down a ladder along the side of the vessel, allows us to accurately determine the cargo tonnage onboard the ship. This is one of many examples of how technology can save time and improve safety. Another drone application I’ve been making use of is the measurement of stockpile volume. Many dry bulk materials, including coal, sugar, and minerals, are arranged in stockpiles on piers prior to loading. The mass of this material must be determined so as to identify shortages and avoid delays. This is a challenging task, as it is difficult to measure the volume of irregularly-shaped stockpiles. But, using images taken by my drone, there is software that can build a 3D model of a stockpile and accurately calculate its volume and mass. A task that once relied on guesswork can now be performed with precision, potentially averting hours of costly delays.
In the future, drones can even assist with ice navigation up in the Arctic. Researchers have tested running drone photos through image recognition software to detect and analyze sea ice. This could prove tremendously useful for safe sailing in northern regions. I would love to help introduce these technologies to the Canadian marine industry.
Regardless of the application, flying a drone feels like magic, and I always look forward to being up in the sky.
Working with McDonald Marine Surveys here in Hamilton, I’ve been using a drone to record the draft markings on ships. This process, which otherwise would require a surveyor to climb down a ladder along the side of the vessel, allows us to accurately determine the cargo tonnage onboard the ship. This is one of many examples of how technology can save time and improve safety. Another drone application I’ve been making use of is the measurement of stockpile volume. Many dry bulk materials, including coal, sugar, and minerals, are arranged in stockpiles on piers prior to loading. The mass of this material must be determined so as to identify shortages and avoid delays. This is a challenging task, as it is difficult to measure the volume of irregularly-shaped stockpiles. But, using images taken by my drone, there is software that can build a 3D model of a stockpile and accurately calculate its volume and mass. A task that once relied on guesswork can now be performed with precision, potentially averting hours of costly delays.
In the future, drones can even assist with ice navigation up in the Arctic. Researchers have tested running drone photos through image recognition software to detect and analyze sea ice. This could prove tremendously useful for safe sailing in northern regions. I would love to help introduce these technologies to the Canadian marine industry.
Regardless of the application, flying a drone feels like magic, and I always look forward to being up in the sky.
“The marine industry is inseparable from technology. From software that automatically controls engine thrust for optimal fuel efficiency, to eco-friendly propulsion systems such as LNG and methanol, to autonomous vessels, technology continually transforms shipping, making our supply chains ever faster, more resilient, and more environmentally sustainable.”
Q: What experiences have you had up North, and how did it spark your interest in Arctic shipping?
You can’t put the Arctic into words. Many people become obsessed with it. Once you’ve made it up there, life will never be the same. My personal encounter with the North came last summer, when I volunteered for a month at the Arctic Chalet, a husky ranch and wilderness resort in Inuvik, the Northwest Territories.
Having been to the North, you quickly see the challenges of keeping the population there fed and warm. Arctic community resupply is not only a national responsibility and a source of pride, but also the most daring niche in the Canadian marine industry. Every aspect of Arctic shipping, from the limited sailing season, to the lengthy journey between southern ports and northern destinations, to unpredictable weather and ice conditions, to the unloading of cargo in communities without port infrastructure, entails foresight and adaptability.
Not only must marine professionals meticulously plan ahead to ensure sufficient shipments of goods and fuel are made during the summer months; they also have to account for the delicate ecosystems of the North. As the climate warms and northern waters become increasingly accessible, it has never been more crucial to invest in safe and sustainable Arctic shipping. We need people who are well-versed in both the technical components of the marine industry and the cultures and values of those who call the North home. The Arctic will always be a part of me. I will pour my heart into this venerable region.
Having been to the North, you quickly see the challenges of keeping the population there fed and warm. Arctic community resupply is not only a national responsibility and a source of pride, but also the most daring niche in the Canadian marine industry. Every aspect of Arctic shipping, from the limited sailing season, to the lengthy journey between southern ports and northern destinations, to unpredictable weather and ice conditions, to the unloading of cargo in communities without port infrastructure, entails foresight and adaptability.
Not only must marine professionals meticulously plan ahead to ensure sufficient shipments of goods and fuel are made during the summer months; they also have to account for the delicate ecosystems of the North. As the climate warms and northern waters become increasingly accessible, it has never been more crucial to invest in safe and sustainable Arctic shipping. We need people who are well-versed in both the technical components of the marine industry and the cultures and values of those who call the North home. The Arctic will always be a part of me. I will pour my heart into this venerable region.
“Every aspect of Arctic shipping, from the limited sailing season, to the lengthy journey between southern ports and northern destinations, to unpredictable weather and ice conditions, to the unloading of cargo in communities without port infrastructure, entails foresight and adaptability.”
Q: Can you tell us a bit about the Mission to Seafarers organization and the work you do with them?
The Mission to Seafarers is an international charity organization that provides welfare and advocacy services to international seafarers. We operate welfare centres with free internet and lounge facilities at every major port across Canada, and our chaplains and volunteer ship visitors provide seafarers with counselling, local transportation, and SIM cards. We also place seafarers facing labour issues such as repatriation and lost wages in touch with the relevant authorities. As a member of this wonderful organization, I help ensure that seafarers have ready access to local stores and services, a comfortable space to relax and contact their families, and a listening ear and open mind in times of need. I heartily recommend anybody interested in the wellbeing of seafarers to volunteer at the Mission.
Q: What challenges do you see regarding internet access for international seafarers, and what opportunities do you think exist? What initiatives are currently underway or being planned?
I think cost and accessibility are the main barriers. Although some shipping lines provide internet access for their crews at sea, there are sometimes set data limits on free usage, and the internet signal can be slow when multiple seafarers are connected at once. When ships are docked at port, international crew members typically head to the local seafarers’ welfare centre for free internet access. Otherwise, they could purchase SIM cards to connect to local cellular data. Given the high costs of wireless plans in Canada, a SIM card could be worth a day’s wages for many foreign seafarers.
The Maritime Labour Convention, an international seafarers’ rights agreement of which Canada is a signatory, states that seafarers should be provided with internet access while in port; this requirement will likely come into effect at the end of 2024. To fulfil this obligation, the Transport Canada National Seafarers’ Welfare Board has formed a port Wi-Fi working group. The group will engage with port authorities, welfare organizations, and shipping representatives to identify potential technologies and funding sources for port internet access.
One promising option for port Wi-Fi, as seen through the Port of Montreal, is the expansion of existing private networks. Many port authorities already have wireless systems in place for operations and employee use; these networks could potentially be expanded for access by seafarers.
The Maritime Labour Convention, an international seafarers’ rights agreement of which Canada is a signatory, states that seafarers should be provided with internet access while in port; this requirement will likely come into effect at the end of 2024. To fulfil this obligation, the Transport Canada National Seafarers’ Welfare Board has formed a port Wi-Fi working group. The group will engage with port authorities, welfare organizations, and shipping representatives to identify potential technologies and funding sources for port internet access.
One promising option for port Wi-Fi, as seen through the Port of Montreal, is the expansion of existing private networks. Many port authorities already have wireless systems in place for operations and employee use; these networks could potentially be expanded for access by seafarers.
“One promising option for port Wi-Fi, as seen through the Port of Montreal, is the expansion of existing private networks. Many port authorities already have wireless systems in place for operations and employee use; these networks could potentially be expanded for access by seafarers.”
Q: What are your career goals within the marine industry, and where would you like to see yourself in the future?
I’m honestly not sure! I could never have predicted a year ago that I would be here today, so I can’t foretell what the future has in store. I want to build upon my present work with drones, and get involved with transport optimization. There is software that can calculate the most fuel-efficient route between ports and determine the optimal schedule for a fleet of ships. I believe this technology will be of great use to Arctic shipping, and because there remains much unknown about the future infrastructure and climate conditions of the North, this technology has ample room for improvement. Besides having the physical tools for safe navigation through ice, the marine industry needs access to the most accurate and timely data to make cost-effective and environmentally responsible decisions in the Arctic. This is a key area that I see myself working in.
Being fluent in Mandarin and proficient in Norwegian, and given the involvement of those respective countries in Arctic shipping, I aim to advance the marine industry in collaboration with stakeholders around the world. I hope to work stints in industries closely tied to shipping, like natural resources, energy, and agriculture to understand vessels and be attuned to the needs of cargo owners and the market forces that drive the trade.
I’ll also keep up my seafarers’ welfare efforts. The national port Wi-Fi project is quickly ramping up, and I’ll do everything I can to help see it through. I also look forward to promoting marine careers with the great people at the CMCF!
I’ll also keep up my seafarers’ welfare efforts. The national port Wi-Fi project is quickly ramping up, and I’ll do everything I can to help see it through. I also look forward to promoting marine careers with the great people at the CMCF!
Q: From your experience, what do you think young people are looking for in a career, and how does the marine industry stack up in meeting those expectations?
I’d say that purpose and impact are the top priorities of young people, followed by opportunities for growth. We want to finish each day knowing that we’ve made a difference in our communities, and we hope that our diligence and talent are recognized and rewarded. The marine industry stacks up superbly against these expectations. 90% of all goods are transported by sea; which other industry can lay such a claim on nearly everything we touch? The shipping industry and its myriad of roles provide unparalleled opportunity for one’s abilities to shine. The world simply cannot run without ships.
In spite of its importance, most of my peers are unaware of the shipping industry. We call this “Sea blindness”. Those who do know about ships tend to think of shipping as an isolated field, one that has little to do with the familiar realms of technology, engineering and business. This couldn’t be further from the truth! We must encourage young people to think of fields like emission reductions, public advocacy, and trade as indispensable pieces of the marine puzzle. “You can apply what you already love doing to the marine world” is an important message to deliver to young professionals.
In spite of its importance, most of my peers are unaware of the shipping industry. We call this “Sea blindness”. Those who do know about ships tend to think of shipping as an isolated field, one that has little to do with the familiar realms of technology, engineering and business. This couldn’t be further from the truth! We must encourage young people to think of fields like emission reductions, public advocacy, and trade as indispensable pieces of the marine puzzle. “You can apply what you already love doing to the marine world” is an important message to deliver to young professionals.
“The shipping industry and its myriad of roles provide unparalleled opportunity for one’s abilities to shine. The world simply cannot run without ships.”
Speaking to Frank about how he paved his way into the marine sector was exceptional. His story really tells the tale of how anyone can “Imagine Marine.”
Find out more about how you can begin your own marine journey here.
Find out more about how you can begin your own marine journey here.
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Imagine Marine, a CMCF Initiative. © 2022, Canadian Marine Careers Foundation, all rights reserved.
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