Maritime technology company Yara Marine Technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) application developer Morflow, social science experts from Chalmers University of Technology and Halmstad and Gothenburg Universities have collaborated for over three years to create an AI-based semi-autonomous voyage planning system. was developed and tested. . Launched in August 2020, the Via Kaizen project explores how AI and machine learning can enable more energy-efficient voyage planning for ship operators.
Funded by the Swedish Transport Authority Trafikverket, the project utilized existing tools to enable advanced digitization and automation of ship operations. These include Yara Marine’s propulsion optimization system FuelOpt, performance management and vessel data reporting tool Fleet Analytics, and Molflow’s vessel modeling system Slipstream. Existing working practices and user needs on board were analyzed during the design process to ensure that technology drives processes and decisions that have the greatest impact on energy efficiency.
The resulting system was tested on two vessels, a PCTC car carrier and a Rederiet Stenersen product tanker operated by UECC. Widespread results indicate successful energy efficiency optimization based on Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), with one of her two test vessels choosing to continue using the system. bottom.
Mikael Rollin, Head of Vessel Optimization, Yara Marine Technologies, said: “The Via Kaizen project speaks directly to the current state of shipping: the intersection of digitization, decarbonization and crew will determine our success in addressing climate change.” AI and Machine Learning Using to plan and forecast energy efficient voyages is important for industries looking to reduce emissions while coping with rising fuel costs. Similarly, new technologies can streamline operations, but require collaboration and buy-in from all stakeholders, crew familiarization and training, proactive design, and new corporate strategies. As a result, the insights and information gained from this project are of broader importance for the future of our industry. ”
Lean Ocean Imagery – AI – Digital Twin – Test
The Via Kaizen project demonstrated that incorporating machine learning algorithms to improve predictive modeling of vessel propulsion enables more accurate performance prediction and optimization. This has also demonstrated the need for constructive cooperation between technology developers and users, and between ship operators and their customers.
Moflow CEO Joakim Möller said: “The Via Kaizen project has provided a unique opportunity to explore and advance industry understanding of the role that big data, data processing and model development can play in supporting emissions reduction strategies and maximizing fuel efficiency. Recent advances in ship data tracking and analysis, weather information, and more can be used to determine where operations can be streamlined.The maritime industry needs great data to inform decision-making. As we seek to leverage, AI and machine learning can play a key role in processing and simplifying available data for clear and actionable results.”
Throughout the trials, the crew played a key role in determining the success of the energy efficient voyage. This demonstrates the need to give ship crews and management every opportunity to engage, understand and embrace the value of AI-powered vessel operational support technologies that support their daily operations on board and onshore.
“A maritime company’s ability to successfully decarbonise will depend on its highly skilled workforce, building seafarer support for digitalization and decarbonisation,” said Martin Viktorelius of Halmstad University. We need to invest in it,” he said. Clean tech should prioritize intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and understand existing operations to maximize crew support and adoption of AI-powered solutions. The Via Kaizen project worked with the crew to investigate and establish key parameters that the crew identified as hindering support for nautical efficiency. ”
“The Via Kaizen project has documented potential challenges in implementing energy-efficient voyages, in particular promoting the effective use of AI tools for efficiency gains,” said Simon Larsson of the University of Gothenburg. Or the impact of crew training and corporate processes that hinder.” These findings are not unique to this project and have broader implications for an industry seeking advanced solutions to rapidly reduce emissions. Crew training provides a much-needed bridge to increase understanding and support of AI-powered nautical efficiency solutions among seafarers, but also effective communication channels with management and corporate processes. It is equally important to ensure that ”
Following the completion of this project, additional funding was secured from Swedish innovation agency Vinnova to further explore some of the findings.
Source: Yara Marine
