Wärtsilä Voyage shares tech update at SMM
(Posted on 04/02/21)
From unconnected traditional sails to data-driven intelligent ships and ports that make voyages safer, greener and more efficient — this is the vision behind Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine Ecosystem drive shared Wärtsilä Voyage’s Head of Technology at this year’s SMM digital conference.
So far, the maritime industry has had a sluggish and fragmented approach to digitalisation. But 2020 made it evident that shipping needs to pick up its pace towards smarter operations. And Wärtsilä Voyage is bringing that transformation.
“Looking at the upsides — safety, cost-effectiveness, operational and fuel efficiency — the case for maritime digitalisation is not just strong, it is inevitable,” said Guillemin. “Now, it’s only a matter of implementation, and we have a roadmap drawn for it.”
The tech is futuristic, but it is targeted at solving very real problems being faced by the industry presently. Leveraging effective A.I. technologies, Wärtsilä Voyage’s solutions address a comprehensive range of key shipping operations. There is a plethora of practical solutions that can create immediate and quantifiable economic value for customers, such as:
- Optimised route planning
- Real-time vessel tracking
- Vessel performance systems to manage speed, propulsion and trim optimisation
- Improved ship-to-shore connectivity
- Predicting and saving fuel consumption
- Eliminating human error to enhance safety
- Reducing emissions for better environmental compliance
“To support the marine industry in meeting its decarbonisation targets, Wärtsilä Voyage is constantly researching, developing and investing in a wide range of products and solutions that enable a variety of vessel classes to substantially reduce their emissions,” said Guillemin.
‘For instance, our Fleet Operations Solution (FOS) and other smart optimisation applications gather real-time data to ensure efficient ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship operations, optimise routes, reduce fuel consumption through trim, speed and propulsion management, while solutions like Wärtsilä Navi-Port ensure 'just-in-time' arrival to avoid unnecessary near-shore anchorage.’
‘The data also helps us to continuously learn, improve and update the vessel engine, fuel and propulsion systems.’
“While these solutions are already in place and being implemented, the bigger picture is to rapidly move towards a seamless and interconnected marine ecosystem,” added Guillemin.
Moving from silos to integrated ecosystems
Digitalisation is happening but the applications have mostly remained in silos, underutilised. Or completely unexplored due to a hesitation in committing to futuristic tech that may not be compatible with other operations.
Wärtsilä Voyage, therefore, has designed an incremental approach. Customers can start climbing the A.I. ladder with retrofitted solutions and slowly move towards digital-native new builds.
“Our simulators and latest cloud-based training solutions are also a step towards making the transition to A.I. easier for both existing and future crews,” adds Guillemin.
Also, digitalising a vessel or a port is just a stepping stone towards building a holistic Smart Marine Ecosystem. Wärtsilä Voyage has developed a unique integrated infrastructure that combines bridge systems, cloud data management, data services, decision support tools, and access to real-time information — resulting in a smarter voyage.
Latest News
GSM and Neuero launch Argentina’s first floating grain terminal
(Posted on 15/08/25)Grupo Servicios Marítimos (GSM), in partnership with Neuero, has delivered a groundbreaking solution... Read more
Welcome Maritime Wi-Fi praised in global crew survey
(Posted on 15/08/25)Elcome International’s WELCOME Maritime Wi-Fi, now marking one year of service, has emerged as... Read more
DNV and RSI complete study on decarbonising short sea dry bulk fleet
(Posted on 11/08/25)Amid increasing pressure on shipping to achieve the IMO 2050 decarbonisation targets, the Responsible... Read more
MacGregor strengthens leadership under Triton’s ownership
(Posted on 04/08/25)MacGregor continues to serve its maritime and offshore customers with its wide portfolio of cargo and... Read more
Jonas Gustavsson appointed CEO of MacGregor
(Posted on 04/08/25)The board of directors of MacGregor Group AB has appointed Jonas Gustavsson Chief Executive Officer... Read more
Liebherr collaborates with Indian terminal to streamline bulk operations
(Posted on 30/07/25)Strategic lifting capacity meets India’s east coast logistics growth. The LHM 550s selected for... Read more
Inauguration of Wärtsilä’s advanced simulators in Malaysia
(Posted on 30/07/25)A new advanced simulation suite supplied by technology group Wärtsilä for the Akademi Laut... Read more
New nuclear for maritime is a “geopolitical imperative”
(Posted on 30/07/25)The New Nuclear for Maritime European Summit, the world’s largest international summit on maritime... Read more
Steelpaint contract with Winning International to protect capsize bulker
(Posted on 21/07/25)Steelpaint GmbH has received its first order from Singapore-based Winning International Group to supply... Read more
Anemoi and Lloyd’s Register publish landmark wind propulsion paper
(Posted on 21/07/25)Anemoi Marine Technologies, a leader in wind-assisted propulsion technology, has developed an in-service... Read more
