Stena Lines pilot project using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to predict the most fuel-efficient way to operate a vessel is claimed to have been successful.
The results show a reduced fuel consumption by 2-3 % per trip. As a result, this technology will now be launched on more vessels.
Stena Line has a target to lower the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 2.5 % annually. Fuel is also one of the largest costs for a ferry company, such as Stena, at around 20% of total costs.
In 2018, Stena Line started a pilot project on board the ‘Stena Scandinavica’ on the Gothenburg/Kiel route using AI technology to predict the most fuel-efficient way to operate a vessel.
The results showed that the project was successful, enabling the vessel to save 2-3 % fuel per trip with AI assistance. The software is now named Stena Fuel Pilot and will be installed on five more Stena Line vessels during the autumn.
Stena’s ambition is to undertake a complete fleet wide roll-out on all 37 vessels in Europe next year.
“Stena Line aims to become the worlds first cognitive ferry company; assisted by AI in all areas by 2021. This project is using AI technology to support our captains and officers to save fuel. By improving the efficiency, we reduce both our costs and our environmental footprint. It really embodies Stena Line’s vision of Connecting Europe for a Sustainable future,” said Jari Virtanen, Stena Line CTO.
“This is a result of a successful collaboration between man, woman, and machine; between people and technology; between a team of skilled software developers, data scientists and finally a committed captain and his crew on ‘Stena Scandinavica’,” said Virtanen.
Working on this project, Stena Lines Head of AI, Lars Carlsson, and ‘Stena Scandinavica’s’ Senior Master, Jan Sjöström, were key players in the success of the project.
“Planning a trip and handling a vessel in a safe and, at the same time, fuel efficient way is craftsmanship. Practice makes perfect, but when assisted by AI a captain or officer can improve how to optimise fuel quicker, in return, this contributes to a more sustainable journey,”, Capt Sjöström said.
