Neptune Lines deploys AI to cut fuel costs and emissions

Metis Cyberspace Technology has gained a contract to implement AI solutions across Neptune’s fleet of pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This will see Neptune Lines implement Metis data acquisition and advanced analytics platform for vessel management and voyage optimisation.

This platform uses a network of wireless intelligent collectors to harvest machinery, navigation and operational data across these ships.

Metis’ vessel performance analysis also integrates automatic identification system (AIS) information, data collected from ship daily reports, arrival and departure documents and weather forecasts.

It uses AI, internet of things (IoT) and natural language processing (NLP) technology to provide services such as automated noon reporting, analysis of technical and operational domains and weather-related reporting.

Metis outputs include live dashboards showing the condition of main engines, diesel generators, ballast water treatment systems and other machinery, plus power and fuel consumption.

Neptune Lines will use Metis’ platform to monitor key performance indicators, such as power versus speed in all weather conditions.

It uses machine learning models and ‘what if’ routeing scenarios to analyse consequences for fuel and arrival times. Managers can measure performance against charterparty agreements.

• Spliethoff seeks communications mix for IoT fleet rollout
• Royal Arctic Line to expand AI system use after ’significant’ fuel savings
• Delegates report: for many, digitalisation’s advantages outweigh its cost

This is important as PCTCs form an integral part of the automotive industry’s downstream supply chain, said Neptune Lines chief operating officer Nikos Paterakis.

“Over the past few years, IoT devices and NLP technology through the data they collect have become key drivers of higher operational efficiency, which leads to better performance for customers and the logistics industry,” said Mr Paterakis.

“It is time for shipping to quickly adapt to the changes, enwrap the new technologies and get to the next performance level with the sophistication and service quality demanded in our times,” he added.

Neptune Lines will benefit from additional customised functionality from Metis, including continuous speed profile optimisation across its North Europe, Mediterranean and Black Sea routes.

Metis will be used for emissions indicator monitoring, antifouling coatings performance assessment and generator operations reductions in ports to minimise power consumption and emissions.

“Neptune Lines is a new customer and the PCTC sector is a new vessel type for Metis,” said Metis co-founder and chief executive Mike Konstantinidis.

“The ability of AI empowers shipping companies in their journey towards digital transformation, applicable to all kinds of vessel,” he said.

Metis will be applied fleetwide to gain the full benefits to operations and emissions reductions.

“Round the clock data acquisition from all available sources provides a rich, high-resolution picture of ship performance rather than a patchwork of inconsistent datasets,” Mr Konstantinidis continued. “The true value is cumulative as its applied benefits add up to more than the sum of its individual technical, operational and cost gains.”

Metis data acquisition and analytics has been implemented on nearly 250 ships and it is measuring 2.5Bn performance data points.

AI and IoT technologies will be discussed in depth during Riviera’s Vessel Optimisation Webinar Week, 7-11 December - use this link for more details and to register for this week of webinars