Marlink, the smart network solutions company, has signed an agreement with leading research institute Fraunhofer CML (Center for Maritime Logistics and Services) to identify Key Performance Indicator (KPI) data to accelerate digitalisation and define the Return on Investment (ROI) scenarios for long term operational efficiency.
Within this agreement, Marlink will leverage its BridgeLink solution to deliver data from core engine room and bridge systems including VDR, ECDIS, Radar, AIS, AMS, engine control systems, cargo systems, propulsion and sensors. The outcomes will enable shipowners to better understand how to optimise voyages, reduce fuel consumption and optimise operational maintenance. Fraunhofer CML develops and optimises processes and systems for the maritime supply chain. The institute supports private and public sector clients, including ports, logistics services providers and shipping companies, implementing innovation using practice-oriented research.
The joint research project reflects the importance of data collection to the transformation needed to achieve long term efficiencies and compliance with decarbonisation targets, optimising investments to reflect vessel lifespan. To do so, shipping companies will need to shift from reactive or procedural operations to centralised and data-driven work processes if they want to maximise the expected optimisation and efficiency savings and comply with regulations and commercial terms.
Using quantitative analysis techniques and industry-specific knowledge, Fraunhofer CML will produce a unified dataset that will be used as a reference model by owners who want to improve efficiency in data-driven use cases but whose technical departments may require additional support. Feedback already collected by Marlink suggests that operators of all sizes would benefit from assistance in gathering the harmonised data that they can use to develop a practical digital decarbonisation strategy.
The KPIs generated will be measured against a baseline of historical data which will define and set out the new data to be collected. From the data and supporting information provided, Fraunhofer CML and Marlink will produce representative data on ROI scenarios for shipowners’ different use cases. Owners will use the results to make operational improvements and plan strategic investments in energy saving devices based on ship type, age and fleet profile.
Decarbonisation is challenging for many shipping companies, as it represents a fundamental change to their operations and a transformation in their customer relationships, said Nicolas Furgé, President, Digital, Marlink. This research project will help shipowners implement their decarbonisation and optimisation strategies and help them plan investment and make decisions on a shorter timeline.
Fraunhofer CML has vast experience in addressing shipping industry challenges using interdisciplinary teams of engineers, economists, mathematicians, computer scientists and navigators to create customised solutions, said Dr.-Ing. Anisa Rizvanolli, Team Leader at Fraunhofer CML. This project will fill a vital need by providing actionable KPI data that companies can adopt into their daily processes and use to plan for a low carbon future.
About Fraunhofer CML
The Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services (CML) develops innovative solutions for the maritime sector and the maritime supply chain. We support companies and institutions from shipping, port management and logistics in initiating and implementing future-oriented technologies and processes.
Starting from everyday challenges, our interdisciplinary teams develop customer-specific solutions for private and public clients. In the four research fields of Maritime Logistics, Port, Shipping and Autonomous Maritime Systems, our employees transfer the latest scientific findings from the diverse research activities into practice-oriented applications. The focus is on solutions for end-to-end digitalization and process automation, service concepts, and AI-supported data analysis, as well as autonomous maritime systems and sustainable shipping. The innovative concepts are tested and improved at the CML through simulation, models and in real operation.
Fraunhofer CML was founded in 2010 as part of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML in Hamburg.
About Marlink
Marlink is the trusted partner in fully managed smart network solutions, based on an intelligent hybrid network and unrivalled digital solutions.
The company provides Smart Network Solutions, connecting people and assets around the globe and across all markets where conventional connectivity cannot reach or is not available. Marlink’s Intelligent Hybrid Network combines global satcom and terrestrial technologies via a proprietary global infrastructure.
The Marlink Smart Edge, an integrated service delivery platform, orchestrates and optimises all network elements and applications, from data handling and IT to application-based routing (SD Wan), cloud and Digital Solutions, including remote data and IT, cyber security as well as IoT/OT solutions.
This provides customers with full ‘Peace of Mind’ that their chosen network solution is fully optimised, integrated and has the security required to operate more profitably and sustainably, increasing their efficiency and safety through operational optimisation, tracking and routing, monitoring and reporting.
Marlink’s Smart Network Solutions are provided as Managed Services meeting the highest quality standards and service level agreements. The company proactively monitors and supports network solutions, providing alerts, reporting and insights on performance and usage of connectivity, systems, and applications as well as advice and consultancy on how to further optimise customer networks.
 to identify Key Performance Indicator (KPI) data to accelerate digitalisation and define the Return on Investment (ROI) scenarios for long term operational efficiency.The project outcomes will enable shipowners to better understand how to optimise voyages, reduce fuel consumption and optimise operational maintenance Within this agreement, Marlink will leverage its BridgeLink solution to deliver data from core engine room and bridge systems including VDR, ECDIS, Radar, AIS, AMS, engine control systems, cargo systems, propulsion and sensors. The outcomes will enable shipowners to better understand how to optimise voyages, reduce fuel consumption and optimise operational maintenance. Fraunhofer CML develops and optimises processes and systems for the maritime supply chain. The institute supports private and public sector clients, including ports, logistics services providers and shipping companies, implementing innovation using practice-oriented research. The joint research project reflects the importance of data collection to the transformation needed to achieve long term efficiencies and compliance with decarbonisation targets, optimising investments to reflect vessel lifespan. To do so, shipping companies will need to shift from reactive or procedural operations to centralised and data-driven work processes if they want to maximise the expected optimisation and efficiency savings and comply with regulations and commercial terms. Using quantitative analysis techniques and industry-specific knowledge, Fraunhofer CML will produce a unified dataset that will be used as a reference model by owners who want to improve efficiency in data-driven use cases but whose technical departments may require additional support. Feedback already collected by Marlink suggests that operators of all sizes would benefit from assistance in gathering the harmonised data that they can use to develop a practical digital decarbonisation strategy.){kind=link}