ClassNK has joined a joint project with Evergreen, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Weathernews aimed at objectively verifying reductions in fuel
ClassNK has joined a joint project with Evergreen, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Weathernews aimed at objectively verifying reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions achieved through the use of an AI-based autonomous navigation system in actual vessel operations.
As the maritime industry seeks to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, a range of technologies—including autonomous navigation systems and weather-routing solutions—are being developed and deployed to optimize voyages and reduce fuel consumption.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has further increased interest in technologies that can analyze operational, meteorological and oceanographic data to improve voyage planning.
However, the effectiveness of these technologies can vary depending on weather and sea conditions, vessel characteristics and operational requirements. Establishing a reliable and objective methodology for measuring their impact is therefore essential to accurately assess fuel and emissions savings under real-world operating conditions.
As explained, the four participating companies will combine their respective expertise and technologies to evaluate the fuel and GHG reduction effects of AI-based voyage optimization. The project will focus on technologies that integrate autonomous navigation systems with meteorological and oceanographic data.
The project will use an actual commercial vessel operated by Evergreen Marine Corporation (Evergreen). Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (SHI) will provide its autonomous navigation system, Samsung Autonomous Ship (SAS), while Weathernews Inc. (WNI) will supply meteorological and oceanographic data.
By analyzing the vessel’s operational data and fuel consumption, the project will assess the effectiveness of AI-based voyage optimization under real operating conditions.
ClassNK will contribute its technical expertise by reviewing the verification methodology and independently evaluating the project’s results, helping to enhance the objectivity and credibility of the findings.
To launch the initiative, the four parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Evergreen’s headquarters, establishing a cooperative framework to verify the GHG reduction benefits of AI-based voyage optimization technology and develop an objective methodology for assessing its performance in actual vessel operations.
Roles of the parties
Evergreen Marine Corporation
– Provision of the demonstration vessel
– Provision of operational and fuel consumption data
– Cooperation by vessel crews
Samsung Heavy Industries
– Operation of the speed optimization algorithm
– Real-time vessel control using SAS
– Installation and maintenance of SAS Equipment
Weathernews Inc.
– Development of baseline voyage routes
– Provision of high-resolution weather and ocean forecasting data
– Provision of historical data
ClassNK
– Technical review of the verification methodology
– Issuance of a Statement of Fact (SoF)
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