Fujitsu announced a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Vessel Fuel Optimization digital web service, enabling maritime firms to cut fuel costs for large vessels and meet new low-sulfur fuel regulations.
The Fujitsu Vessel Fuel Optimization (VFO) service is the first offering resulting from a new partnership between Fujitsu and Kongsberg Digital, a provider of next-generation software and digital solutions to the maritime, oil and gas, renewables and utilities sectors.
The Fujitsu VFO service is easy-to-use and applicable across a broad range of shipping classes. No sensor or software installation is required on vessels, as the service is a web-based application that can be deployed immediately. It uses AI to learn ship captains’ strategies and ships’ performances, combines this with meteorological and hydrographic forecasts, such as wind, waves and ocean currents, and recommends optimal routes to maximize energy efficiency, safety and profitability.
The VFO service, developed by Fujitsu Laboratories, is a cutting-edge AI and data analytics ship route optimization solution, capable of utilizing open-source AIS (Automatic Identification System) data. It allows shipmasters and onshore managers to follow planned and updated routes and maintain dialogue with the crew about the optimal route, helping to save fuel. New value-added advanced services will also be offered capable of taking advantage of input from ships’ VDRs (Vessel Data Recorders), such as the engine log and sensor data from more modern, data-rich seafaring vessels.
“The shipping industry is about to undergo a global shift to a new fuel, with implications so enormous they have been compared to the change from coal to steam,” says Yves de Beauregard, head of digital business solutions at Fujitsu EMEIA. “The Fujitsu Vessel Fuel Optimization service is a quick and straightforward solution that will lead to reduced fuel costs and the ability to maintain profitability, while at the same time contributing to cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions.”
“Kongsberg Digital has responded rapidly to the pressure the maritime transport sector faces to comply with new fuel regulations, and to offer customers innovative digital solutions on Kognifai that deliver tangible results now and offer rapid-payback,” adds Vigleik Takle, senior vice president of maritime digital solutions at Kongsberg Digital. “We chose to work with Fujitsu because of the company’s leadership in AI and advanced analytics, as these present valuable new opportunities to improve fleet operating efficiencies by large margins. Building on the infrastructure provided by KONGSBERG’s Vessel Insight, the new VFO service is the first solution from a partnership that will expand to address a range of important business outcomes for the maritime industry.”
