Odfjell achieves 54% carbon intensity reduction using analytics

Odfjell has used data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to dramatically cut carbon intensity, fuel consumption and emissions across its fleet.

The Norwegian tanker owner and operator has reduced carbon intensity across the fleet by 54% in seven years, remaining ahead of its competition and maritime regulators. This has been achieved using energy efficiency technologies, data analysis, digital twins, weather routeing, online applications and digitalisation.

Odfjell chief sustainability officer Øistein Jensen said using data analytics enables the company to optimise its voyages, reducing energy consumption and emissions. “The climate clock is ticking,” he said. “We use data models and analytics to optimise our operations, including using voyage optimisation and weather routeing.”

Odfjell has installed sails to reduce the load on engines and used data modelling for optimum fuel consumption.

"Odfjell has reduced emissions equivalent to 21 ships from its fleet by utilising existing technologies to enhance efficiency, without the use of low carbon fuels," said Mr Jensen. “The power to decarbonise is in our hands.”

Odfjell operates a fleet of 70 chemical carriers of which 39 are owned by Norwegian company, 18 are on long-term time charters, 10 are on bareboat charter and three are available in a pool.

It works with partners such as Syroco for data analytics, and AI for machine learning and more effective route planning.

Weather routeing is particularly effective for ships fitted with sails as voyages can be planned to maximise the opportunities to use wind to reduce fuel consumption.

“We look at wind patterns and track them for voyage optimisation,” Mr Jensen said. Odfjell also retains seafarers on tankers with these wind-capturing devices on board to learn to how to maximise their use.