ClassNK has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Evergreen, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), and Weathernews, to establish a project to objectively verify reductions in fuel consumption and GHG emissions achieved in actual vessel operations through the use of an AI-based autonomous navigation system.
The project aims to verify the effectiveness of AI-based voyage optimisation in reducing fuel consumption and GHG emissions under real operating conditions and to establish an objective verification methodology. Using an actual commercial vessel operated by Evergreen Marine Corporation, the project will employ an autonomous navigation system developed by SHI together with meteorological and oceanographic data provided by Weathernews. Through analysis of the vessel’s operational data and fuel consumption, the project will verify the effectiveness of AI-based voyage optimisation technology. ClassNK will contribute to enhancing the objectivity and credibility of the findings through a technical review of the verification methodology and independent evaluation of the project results.
To implement the project, the four parties have established a cooperative framework for verifying the GHG reduction effects of AI-based voyage optimisation technology.
In the maritime industry, various technologies aimed at reducing fuel consumption and GHG emissions are being developed and introduced. Voyage optimisation technologies using autonomous navigation systems and weather routing solutions are expected to contribute to improved operational efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Technologies leveraging rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) have attracted increasing attention. However, the effectiveness of such technologies can vary depending on weather and sea conditions, vessel conditions, and operational requirements for each voyage. Therefore, establishing an appropriate verification methodology is seen as essential for objectively evaluating fuel-saving effects in actual operations.
To this end, the parties have agreed to combine their respective expertise and technologies to verify reductions in fuel consumption and GHG emissions achieved through voyage optimisation technologies integrating autonomous navigation systems and meteorological and oceanographic information.
Image: MoU Signing Ceremony, From left: Dr Yoshiya Yamaguchi, EVP ClassNK; Capt Jack H.M. Yang, Evergreen; Dr Hyun Joe Kim, SHI; Mr Keemoon, Weathernews (source: ClassNK)
