As a responsible shipping company, Wallenius Wilhelmsen aims to reduce its emission by 27.5% by 2030. Around half of this ambitious target will come from existing vessels and we are already diligently working to find emission-friendly solutions for our existing fleet. We’re also looking to achieve significant reductions through the use of next gen technology.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen is the first global shipping company to adopt a fully AI-based approach to voyage optimisation. Having implemented livestreaming of vital data onboard 65 vessels, this new approach will help reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%. It is a significant step on our way towards zero emissions.

Over the last 18 months we’ve been working with Athens-based maritime technology company, DeepSea, to rigorously test and develop its vessel performance software. The company has a world-class team of researchers, engineers and sector experts, with specialist knowledge of how machine learning and AI can make shipping more efficient.

Heading into the cloud

For the past three years, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has made significant investments in our IT and cloud infrastructure and has been installing sensors aboard vessels to obtain the data needed to reduce fuel use. The resulting data gives insights into a vessel’s operational parameters including fuel consumption, shaft power and speed.

This is then run through a complex mathematic model that, with the help of AI technology like that from DeepSea, provides the vessel’s captain with detailed instructions regarding optimal route and vessel speed. No human, no matter how experienced, can compete with these automated sailing instructions. They reduce emissions and fuel consumption and increase safety during operation. It’s a win-win in all aspects of sailing.