ClassNK joins AI voyage optimisation project with Evergreen and Samsung Heavy Industries

ClassNK has joined a project with Evergreen Marine, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and Weathernews to assess the fuel and emissions savings of AI-based voyage optimisation.

The project will use an Evergreen-operated commercial vessel to test the technology under real operating conditions.

The four companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the framework for the project.

AI technology to be tested on Evergreen vessel

The project will use the Samsung Autonomous Ship (SAS) system developed by Samsung Heavy Industries.

SAS will provide speed optimisation and real-time vessel control.

Weathernews will provide high-resolution weather and ocean forecasts. It will also develop baseline voyage routes and provide historical data.

Evergreen will provide the vessel for the demonstration. The carrier will also supply operational and fuel consumption data, while the vessel’s crew will support the trials.

The partners will then analyse the vessel’s performance to determine how AI-based voyage optimisation affects fuel consumption and GHG emissions.

ClassNK to independently evaluate results

ClassNK will review the methodology used to measure the technology’s performance.

The classification society will also independently evaluate the results and issue a Statement of Fact (SoF).

The aim is to provide an objective method for measuring the benefits of AI-based voyage optimisation.

According to ClassNK, this is important because fuel savings can vary significantly depending on weather, sea conditions, vessel condition and operational requirements.

Project targets measurable GHG reductions

Voyage optimisation is increasingly being considered as a way to improve vessel efficiency without relying solely on changes to fuels or propulsion systems.

However, the partners want to establish how much benefit AI-based optimisation can deliver during actual commercial operations.

By combining autonomous navigation technology with weather and ocean data, the project will assess whether voyage decisions can reduce fuel consumption and associated GHG emissions.

ClassNK said it will continue supporting the practical deployment of technologies aimed at decarbonising maritime transportation.

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