The Oslo-based global shipping company, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, has adopted a fully AI-based approach to voyage optimization, so as to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%, and in turn, vessel emissions. The adoption of this technology by the Athens-based maritime technology company Deepsea is in line with their aim to reduce emissions by 27.5% by 2030.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has been working with DeepSea to rigorously test and further develop its vessel performance software over the last 18 months and has implemented live streaming of vital data onboard 65 vessels.

Geir Fagerheim, SVP of Marine Operations at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, stated that: “It is a significant step on our way towards zero emissions. Half of this reduction will have to come from existing vessels. We are diligently working to find emission-friendly solutions for our existing fleet. This partnership is one of several that will help us reach the reduction target. We aim to implement this next-generation voyage optimization solution for increased vessel efficiency across our entire fleet.”

“We can now harvest this data using cloud technology, then run it through a complex mathematical model which, with the help of AI technology like that from DeepSea, ultimately provides the vessel captain with detailed instructions regarding the optimal route and vessel speed. These tools give instructions for foreseeing sailing conditions with great precision when correlated with weather forecast prognosis updates. No human being, no matter how many years of experience they have, can compete with these automated sailing instructions. It reduces emissions, it reduces fuel consumption, and it increases safety during operation,” continues Fagerheim.

Roberto Coustas, CEO at Deepsea, also stated that: “It has been a pleasure working with Wallenius Wilhelmsen on this – it is a milestone moment for the real-world application, and proven impact, of AI in maritime. Not only are we becoming a key part of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s decarbonization strategy, we are also working with professionals who truly want to contribute towards reducing fuel consumption, thus promoting a greener shipping industry altogether.”