Machine learning picks out fleet’s low performers

Danish technology leader ZeroNorth says the only way to stay on top of fleet performance is through constant remote monitoring as this picks up vessel inefficiencies earlier than any other methods.

The technology company, well known in the industry for its software-heavy and hardware-light solutions, has announced the launch of its new Vessel Optimisation service, which it says will simplify the process of identifying inefficient vessels within a fleet in real time for ship owners and operators.

ZeroNorth has identified two easy wins when it comes to optimising vessel performance. Tackling the twin evils of hull fouling and auxiliary boiler consumption ensures that vessels are operated efficiently whether at sea or in port. The company’s stated ethos is to, wherever possible, utilise readily available data, with no hardware installation required.

Hull fouling and damage are key areas for vessel performance management due to their significant impact on potential excess fuel consumption, which increases emissions and costs. ZeroNorth’s product rejects more traditional approaches to hull monitoring in favour of real-time risk assessments. As marine biofouling is much better able to gain a foothold on a hull when it is not moving through the water quickly and regularly, the system provides alerts for long idle periods. The service not only identifies the best time to clean a hull, but also proactively prevents severe fouling due to idle stays.

Efficient utilisation of energy and fuel consumption on passage is another critical factor in vessel performance, affecting both costs and environmental impact. With this in mind, the service presents detailed data benchmarked on current and past auxiliary generator and boiler consumption for the same vessel.

To maximise outputs, the new Vessel Optimisation service integrates with ZeroNorth’s Vessel Reporting functionality to provide a more holistic approach to reported data management – and particularly noon reports – placing them in an operational context. This makes it easier to detect and address detrimental reporting patterns, which helps to ensure vessel performance is accurately reported, understood and actioned.

ZeroNorth describes its Vessel Reporting Platform as a cloud-based application enhancing fuel data alignment, transparency, and trust between all parties, while lowering manual work both onboard and ashore.