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.
Latest News
BAR Technologies appoints Panmarine to support Greece and Cyprus growth
(Posted on 29/05/26)BAR Technologies has appointed Panmarine & Industrial Services Ltd. as its commercial consultant... Read more
ClassNK releases Guidelines for 3D Model-Based Approval
(Posted on 29/05/26)ClassNK has released the “Guidelines for 3D Model-Based Approval (3DMBA)”, which summarizes... Read more
IRS awards Type Approval Certification to GRSE for Marine Hull and Line Valves
(Posted on 29/05/26)Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is pleased to announce the handover of Type Approval Certificate to... Read more
Superior’s Patriot Cone Crushers gain more horsepower options
(Posted on 29/05/26)Superior Industries, Inc., a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing and... Read more
Partnership creates secure digital backbone for maritime cyber security
(Posted on 25/05/26)A strategic partnership signed between Cydome and Rakuten Maritime aims to provide shipping companies... Read more
Liebherr opens Digital Solutions Campus in Hamburg during TOC Europe
(Posted on 25/05/26)At TOC Europe, Liebherr presented a comprehensive maritime portfolio combining digital tools and its... Read more
Third electric LPS 550 strengthens PD Ports bulk handling capability
(Posted on 14/05/26)An LPS 550 fitted with an electric drive has been delivered to Middlesbrough from Liebherr’s Baltic... Read more
‘Smart ships’ failing to turn data into real intelligence, warns SmartSea
(Posted on 13/05/26)The maritime industry’s push towards “smart shipping” is falling short, with many... Read more
Steelpaint completes trial coating on Mur shipping bulker
(Posted on 11/05/26)Steelpaint GmbH, the German manufacturer of high-performance single-component moisture cure polyurethane... Read more
Wärtsilä joins EU-funded consortium to further accelerate zero-carbon shipping
(Posted on 11/05/26)Technology group Wärtsilä has joined H4PERION, an EU-funded Horizon Europe project led by... Read more
