Since April 2024, the maritime company CORSICA linea has been utilising an innovative voyage optimisation solution developed by the French start-up Spinergie, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of their fleet's operations. Spinergie, renowned for its application of big data and artificial intelligence in the maritime sector, has crafted a state-of-the-art tool to monitor and optimise the performance of ships.
The introduction of this technology forms a crucial part of CORSICA linea's broader environmental strategy, as the ferry operator targets a notable 40% reduction in its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by the year 2030. The Voyage Optimizer aids this goal by providing a robust decision-support mechanism that facilitates selecting fuel-efficient and CO2-reducing voyage plans. It operates by analysing a wealth of data sourced from onboard sensors and up-to-date meteorological reports. This analytical approach yields consumption models specific to each vessel, enabling real-time tracking of their activities and performance.
Captains of CORSICA linea's vessels are empowered by fuel consumption simulations that guide them in making informed choices among various route and speed scenarios. These choices are not made in isolation but take into consideration operational constraints such as scheduling, port times, and logistics, alongside unpredictable weather conditions. This capability ensures that the optimum decisions are made prior to departure, enhancing both environmental and operational efficiency.
Besides benefiting individual voyages, the tool enhances overall fleet management from a shore-based perspective. It allows for a detailed examination of consumption sources, identifies potential avenues for reducing fuel usage, and ensures precise control over schedules and port times. Collectively, these improvements contribute to an estimated 4% reduction in fuel consumption per crossing and facilitate the avoidance of approximately 10,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Looking to the future, the partnership with Spinergie and the use of its Vessel Performance module will enable CORSICA linea to undertake a comprehensive energy performance evaluation of its entire fleet. This encompasses assessing the impact of technical modifications designed to curb consumption and offering an intricate analysis of energy efficiency losses.
In alignment with these technological and ecological advancements, CORSICA linea has further extended its commitment to sustainability by incorporating new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ships into its fleet. The first of these, named A Galeotta, was introduced in 2023 to service routes to Corsica. A second LNG-powered vessel, Capu Rossu, is currently under construction and is slated to join the fleet by spring 2026.
This blend of innovative technology and environmentally conscious practices underscores CORSICA linea's effort to meet its ambitious emission reduction targets while maintaining efficient and reliable maritime transport services.
Source: Noah Wire Services