ESL Shipping and QMill explore quantum computing for complex shipping decisions
(Posted on 22/05/26)
Leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region, ESL Shipping, has launched a multi-year research and development project, Smart Fleet Optimisation, focused on improving fleet-level planning and decision-making through advanced optimisation methods, including the exploration of quantum computing applications for complex shipping operations.
Partially funded by Business Finland, the project addresses challenges arising from managing cargo flows, capacity constraints, emissions and commercial priorities simultaneously. By combining operational data, optimization models and new approaches to pricing and information sharing, the Smart Fleet Optimization project aims to deepen understanding of how emerging computational methods could support more advanced decision-making in shipping.
“Fleet optimization in tramp trade shipping is highly complex with many variables that change dynamically. Our goal is to understand how far advanced and emerging optimization methods can meaningfully support operational planning and emission reductions,” says Kirsi Ylärinne, Environment & Sustainability Director at ESL Shipping.
In the project, ESL Shipping has partnered with QMill to assess quantum computing suitability for optimization problems, using ESL Shipping’s real operational data. The work will include modelling, validation and close collaboration between technical specialists and business stakeholders.
"ESL Shipping’s use case is a particularly compelling optimization challenge. By integrating QMill's quantum-classical hybrid optimization algorithms with ESL Shipping’s operational data we can deliver real business value already today, while unlocking greater value as quantum hardware matures. This hybrid approach, which bridges classical and quantum computing, is pioneering within the field,” says Ville Kotovirta, CTO at QMill.
“Quantum computing offers long-term potential for solving highly complex optimization challenges in shipping. With Business Finland funding, we can investigate these possibilities in a structured and realistic way, closely connected to our operational needs,” says Kirsi Ylärinne.
QMill is a quantum-algorithm and software company making quantum computing practical and accessible for real-world industrial use cases on existing and near-term quantum computers. The company develops algorithms especially geared towards the NISQ era, supporting quantum researchers and developers as well as industrial sectors such as defence, energy, telecom, and transport.
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