Nordic MiL Project To Create Digital Simulation Platform For Future Maritime Systems

With support from the Swedish Energy Agency, a new simulation initiative is being launched to help maritime stakeholders test future vessels, operations, and energy systems before real-world deployment. The Nordic Model-in-the-Loop (MiL) project aims to reduce risk, improve decision-making, and accelerate the transition to more efficient and sustainable maritime operations through advanced digital modelling.

Building an Open and Neutral Maritime Simulation Platform

Led by technology company Cetasol, the Nordic MiL project brings together vessel operators, technology suppliers, research institutes, and universities. The objective is to develop an open and neutral simulation environment that can be used across the maritime sector. The platform will integrate validated vessel, driveline, and lifecycle models with Digital Twin representations created from real operational data, including AIS, ECDIS, historical weather information, and onboard energy and motion measurements. This combination allows stakeholders to realistically assess how vessels and systems perform under different conditions.

Supporting Smarter Decisions on Energy and Operations

The MiL platform is designed to simulate vessel performance, energy consumption, emissions, and long-term cost impacts across a range of operational scenarios. According to Cetasol, the system will help users evaluate choices related to propulsion technologies, alternative fuels, routing strategies, and supporting infrastructure. To ensure broad accessibility, the project will offer both a free public version and a commercial version, extending its use to ship operators, ports, municipalities, and policymakers.

The Nordic MiL project represents a significant step toward data-driven and future-ready maritime planning. By providing a realistic digital testing environment, the platform will enable stakeholders to explore innovative solutions with confidence, supporting more sustainable investments and informed decisions across the maritime value chain.