- A new consortium has been formed to create a sea voyage and port call optimization solution as part of the DECARDIS project aimed at decarbonizing shipping.
- The initiative will enable ships to optimize their speed and timing for port arrivals, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
- Key partners in this project include the European Space Agency (ESA), Awake.AI, ABB, and Wallenius Marine.
- The project addresses inefficiencies in ship-port interactions, aiming to meet international decarbonization targets.
A consortium has been established to develop a sea voyage and port call optimization solution as part of the Decarbonization through Digitalization in Shipping (DECARDIS) initiative. This innovative solution aims to enable ships to adjust their speed for timely arrivals at ports, eliminating the need to wait for a berth to become available. By optimizing arrival times, vessels can avoid the “hurry-and-wait” cycle, which reduces fuel consumption and minimizes environmental impact. The project represents a significant step toward enhancing efficiency in maritime operations and achieving decarbonization goals, reports ABB.
Collaborative Efforts of Key Players
The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched this flagship project in partnership with Awake.AI, a leading optimization platform company, ABB, a technology innovator, and Wallenius Marine, a shipping company. Funded by ESA and spearheaded by Awake.AI, the consortium will focus on developing a port call optimization solution that addresses greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing the efficiency of ship-port interactions.
Addressing Industry Inefficiencies
Despite advancements in smart ship technologies and automation at ports, there is still a lack of transparency in the relationships between port and ship systems. Voyage and berth management data are often siloed within closed platforms, leading to situations where ships are instructed to proceed without delay, only to find themselves waiting upon arrival, resulting in increased fuel usage and emissions. The DECARDIS project aims to create an integrated and interoperable solution that connects decisions on ship routing and speed with just-in-time arrivals at the berth. This holistic approach seeks to optimize the entire voyage and port calls rather than focusing on isolated segments.
Meeting Decarbonization Targets
This initiative is particularly crucial for the shipping industry, which faces pressures from the International Maritime Organization’s targets for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by around 2050, as well as the EU’s Climate Target Plan, which aims for a minimum 55 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. By adopting this solution on a global scale, DECARDIS partners believe significant emission reductions can be achieved.
Integration of Advanced Technologies
The DECARDIS project will integrate the ABB-Wallenius Marine collaboration’s voyage optimization solution, known as OVERSEA, with port optimization tools from Awake.AI to create a cohesive solution. Users will interact with this web-based interface, which is compatible with existing onboard systems, providing access to an interoperable voyage and port call optimization solution. OVERSEA users will benefit from advanced digital solutions and expert support to enhance vessel operational performance, reduce bunker costs, and lower emissions.
Enhancing Efficiency Through Collaboration
Jesper Lögdström, Head of the Performance Management Center at Wallenius Marine, emphasized that the OVERSEA collaboration is establishing a smart fleet support service designed to improve efficiency. The goal is to foster a shared understanding of data among crews and shore personnel, offering insights and actionable recommendations to optimize vessel operations. Transparency and collaboration with clients are deemed essential for success.
Realizing a Vision for Optimal Shipping Operations
Awake.AI previously completed its first ESA demonstration project, “Smart Port Marketplace,” which automated the buying and selling of port services. CEO Karno Tenovuo expressed the consortium’s shared vision: to eliminate the need for ships to rush only to wait. The collaboration aims to ensure every vessel sails at optimal speeds and takes the best routes. By combining the expertise of Awake.AI in port call optimization with ABB and Wallenius Marine’s strengths in voyage optimization, this vision can become a reality.
The Role of ESA in Maritime Decarbonization
ABB has established a leading position in maritime digitalization, integrating systems development with expertise across power distribution, control, automation, propulsion, and vessel management software. Osku Kälkäjä, Head of Digital Business at ABB Marine & Ports, highlighted the importance of collaboration to tackle inefficiencies hindering the transition to sustainable shipping. The DECARDIS project aligns with ESA’s initiative to support the development of sustainable space-based services that address the challenges of maritime decarbonization and comply with new regulatory frameworks.
Conclusion: Transforming the Maritime Sector
The maritime industry is undergoing significant transformation to meet decarbonization goals, and the DECARDIS project exemplifies how space data and digitalization can be leveraged to effect immediate change without compromising performance. As stated by Nil Angli, Maritime Lead at ESA Space Solutions, this initiative showcases the potential for innovation in the sector while addressing critical environmental challenges.
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Source: ABB
