Page 212 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

FLEET OPTIMISATION

cess to ensure comprehensive data collection. The becoming more important in the maritime indus-
company has established a dedicated sustainability try, all companies need to prioritise environmental
department focused on optimising vessel perfor- responsibility and use technologies that reduce fuel
mance and reducing environmental impact. use and GHG emissions.
Notably, the company has a track record of early Success in fleet optimisation depends on organisa-
adoption, as evidenced by the installation of flow- tional culture, leadership vision, and a strong com-
meters and torque meters onboard vessels as early mitment to sustainability. By promoting a culture of
as 2017. environmental stewardship and investing in innova-
By staying ahead of the curve, Seanergy demon- tive technologies that support global sustainabil-
strates its proactive approach to adopting new tech- ity goals, companies can excel operationally while
nologies and solutions. It is the first Greek-based reducing their environmental impact.
shipping company to accomplish a strategic part-
nership with the EU-funded SAFeCRAFT Project How can shipping capitalise on AI? Are there any specific
Consortium, a breakthrough initiative concerning applications particularly relevant to fleet optimisation?
the utilisation of alternative fuels. Safecraft aims to Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shipping oper-
demonstrate the safety and viability of Sustainable ations offers many ways to boost efficiency and
Alternative Fuels (SAFs) in seaborne transporta- optimise fleet performance. One great use of AI
tion, accelerating the adoption of SAF technologies. is predictive maintenance. By analysing data from
Seanergy’s participation in the SAFeCRAFT Project sensors and machinery, AI can predict equipment
Consortium highlights its commitment to exploring issues before they happen, allowing for proactive
sustainable propulsion systems, including hydrogen maintenance and less downtime.
technology. Another key benefit is route optimisation. AI can
Under Safecraft, Seanergy will provide one of its process large amounts of data on shipping routes,
existing conventionally fueled Capesize vessels weather, sea conditions, and fuel prices to find the
as a demonstration vessel, which will be retrofit- best routes for ships, thus reducing fuel use, cutting
ted to utilise hydrogen (H2) as the primary energy costs, and lessening their environmental impact.
source for electric power generation. This system is AI can also improve cargo handling by optimising
expected to cover a portion of the vessel’s propul- cargo loading to maximise stability and reduce time
sion requirements and, therefore, reduce reliance on spent in ports. By analysing past and real-time data,
conventional fuels. AI can streamline loading and unloading, making
Despite the challenges of integrating the latest operations more efficient.
technological developments with the human ele- Finally, AI-driven analytics can offer insights into
ment, Seanergy places emphasis on adaptability and market trends and demand patterns. Shipping com-
readiness. Close collaboration between departments panies can use this data to plan vessel deployment,
within the company and onboard personnel ensures schedule cargo, and make strategic decisions that
the seamless integration of new technologies into improve efficiency and competitiveness.
daily operations. By fostering a culture of innovation However, it’s important to remember that AI lacks
and continuous improvement, Seanergy strives to human critical thinking skills, which are vital in
optimise its fleet while prioritising sustainability and shipping. While AI can enhance operations, human
operational excellence. supervision remains crucial for safety and effective
decision-making.
Do you believe that larger companies have an advantage
in implementing fleet optimisation strategies? How efficient and safe is the interoperability of the new
Based on our experience from pioneering the estab- digital platforms for monitoring ship performance, ensur-
lishment of a Sustainability Committee as well as ing compliance, and facilitating reporting?
the creation of an Energy and Sustainability Depart- New digital platforms that monitor ship perfor-
ment, we have concluded that, despite larger com- mance ensure compliance, and facilitate reporting
panies’ advantage of scale, which often translates have great potential to improve efficiency and safety
into increased financial resources and economies in the maritime industry. These platforms have the
of scale, success in fleet optimisation is not solely potential to streamline operations, improve data
determined by company size. accuracy, and promote real-time decision-making.
Larger companies can invest in advanced technolo- However, the efficiency and safety of interoperability
gies and initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce depend on various factors, including data integrity,
their environmental impact. However, smaller com- cybersecurity measures, regulatory compliance, and
panies can also optimise their fleets effectively by industry standards.
focusing on specific markets, making quick deci- Efficiency in interoperability is achieved when digital
sions, and promoting innovation. With sustainability platforms seamlessly exchange data and informa-

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