Yara Marine Technologies, AI application developers Molflow, and Chalmers University of Technology, along with Halmstad University and Gothenburg University have collaborated to develop and trial Via Kaizen, a promising AI-based semi-autonomous voyage planning system
Funded by the Swedish Transport Administration Trafikverket, the Via Kaizen project utilised pre-existing technologies, such as Yara Marine’s FuelOpt propulsion optimisation system and Fleet Analytics performance management and vessel data reporting tool, as well as Molflow’s vessel modelling system Slipstream, to improve digitalisation and automation in vessel operations.
During the design process, Yara Marine, Molflow and Chalmers University analysed existing work practices and user needs to ensure the technology facilitated processes and decisions that could have the greatest impact on energy efficiency.
The resulting AI-based semi-autonomous voyage-planning system was trialled on board a PCTC car carrier operated by UECC and a Rederiet Stenersen product tanker.
Extensive testing and analysis showed the new system could optimise energy efficiency based on estimated time of arrival.
In fact, one of the two trial vessels opted to continue using the system, citing its ability to provide valuable decision-making insights that led to enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.
The project has great potential to reduce carbon emissions from the shipping industry, improve vessel operations and fuel efficiency, and cut costs for ship operators. This technology can help transform the shipping industry and make maritime transport more sustainable.
Yara Marine Technologies head of vessel optimisation Mikael Laurin said, “The Via Kaizen project speaks directly to where shipping is at the moment – where the intersections of digitalisation, decarbonisation and crewing determine our success in addressing climate change.”
He added, “The use of AI and machine learning to plan and predict energy-efficient voyages has significance for an industry looking to lower emissions while addressing rising fuel costs.”
Has your company collaborated on a project worthy of an award. Nominations are open for awards to be presented at the Maritime Decarbonisation, Europe: Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2023 being held 26 September 2023 - 27 September 2023 in Amsterdam.
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