Yara Marine Technologies has introduced a new cloud-based AI-powered ship operation support system called Route Pilot AI, utilising high-frequency data to calculate the optimal propulsion settings for upcoming voyages.
The AI system uses digital twin modelling to simulate operational parameters, enabling ship and shore-based personnel to calculate optimal working parameters to lower fuel consumption and execute the most energy-efficient voyage.
“Upcoming EEXI and CII regulations will require shipowners and operators to implement immediate, future-proof solutions that ensure long-term operational efficiency and reduced emissions,” said Mikael Laurin, Head of Business Line Vessel Optimisation at Yara Marine.
“The need is further exacerbated by other developments within the industry, such as rising costs, fuel shortages, and the ongoing crewing crisis. At Yara Marine, we believe that a data and automation system like Route Pilot AI offers an effective and flexible solution that allows operators to remain competitive and advance the industry’s transition to Net Zero.”
Route Pilot AI builds on Yara Marine’s existing propulsion optimisation system FuelOpt, as well as the associated performance management system Fleet Analytics, with the AI-powered system’s digital twin modelling drawing on existing vessel data from previous voyages and historical sea conditions.
These data are used to assess forecasted environmental conditions and calculate peak operational parameters for the vessel and route in question when carrying out the same transport work. Additionally, by employing machine learning, the system is able to improve the AI-model’s fuel optimisation capabilities with each new voyage.
On the shore side, the AI compares a variety of estimated times of arrival and departure and evaluates which vessel in the operator’s fleet would be most suitable for the specific route in question. These optimised parameters are then fed into the FuelOpt system to adjust propulsion while accounting for changing internal and external surroundings.
