Unifeeder to implement digital twins to monitor performance

Unifeeder is to implement a new performance monitoring system across its fleet based on analysis of digital twins, as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce its ships’ fuel consumption and emissions.

The system will be provided and rolled-out by Dutch company We4Sea following the agreement of a new contract between the parties.

“Unifeeder wants to be an active participant in finding innovative solutions, through different partnerships and by being a business-driven IT organisation,” said Michael Bonde, COO of Unifeeder.

“We are working with AI and machine learning platforms to provide significant operational benefits to our vessels and minimise the environmental impact.”

The digital twin set-up will involve building a digital sister vessel for each ship, with all the relevant technical characteristics of the real vessel. This data is then further enriched from other sources during operations, using data on speed, draught, weather conditions, wave heights, currents and wind.

The software is then used to transform this pool of Big Data regarding what is happening onboard the ships into actionable management information. The technology does not require onboard hardware installation, and can be used to continuously monitor fuel consumption, carbon and sulphur emissions of vessels in real-time via an online dashboard.

“Realtime monitoring and reporting is the first step in improving fuel efficiency,” said Dan Veen, Co-founder and CEO of We4Sea.

“Optimising fuel consumption of Unifeeder’s fleet based on the findings will not only have a direct impact on financial results, but also improves operational efficiency and CO2 and SOx reduction. We are looking forward to working with Unifeeder and getting results fast.”

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Rob O'Dwyer
Rob O'Dwyer

Rob is Chief Network Officer and one of the founders of Smart Maritime Network. He also serves as Chairman of the Smart Maritime Council. Rob has worked in the maritime technology sector since 2005, managing editorial for a range of leading publications in the transport and logistics sector. Get in touch by email by clicking here, or on LinkedIn by clicking here.

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