Grieg Connect, a part of Grieg Logistics, has announced that it is working on a project with the Oslo Port Authority in Norway to implement a new system applying machine learning algorithms to calculate the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for vessels calling at the port.
The system being deployed will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyse historical AIS vessel traffic data, environmental and weather data, and the position, course and speed of vessels in real time to automatically calculate arrival times as accurately as possible.
“This technology not only adds commercial value for us as a port, but also increases efficiency and predictability for our customers, and everybody else who supplies goods and services at the port,” said Jens Petter Christensen, Port Captain Harbour Master at the Port of Oslo.
Grieg Connect says that it started working on an algorithm that could accurately predict ETA back in 2018, as part of a collaborative project involving the Port of Oslo as well as the ports of Stavanger, Ålesund, Kristiansund and Nordmøre, and Bodø.
The development project, entitled ‘Just in Time’, was partly funded by the Norwegian Coastal Administration, with Grieg Connect investing additional capital as technology partner and system owner.
“As a supplier of enterprise system solutions for ports and terminals, it’s vital that we always stay ahead of the game with the latest technology,” said Grieg Connect CEO Vidar Fagerheim.
“This innovation provides an accurate source of ETA information that can boost the competitiveness of the maritime transport industry while at the same time helping the environment. The risk of shipping lagging behind is in losing market share to logistics operators offering freight by road and rail, which are not nearly as energy efficient.”
Grieg Connect notes that the ETA algorithm could also prove useful in triggering real-time warnings of vessels behaving abnormally based on historical data, to help prevent potential groundings, collisions and other accidents. The company intends to offer this added functionality as a product to public authorities, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and other security operators monitoring shipping traffic.
