The history of voyage optimisation

Optimisation has been known since antiquity. Aristotle even wrote about it in his Physics Book II (384–322 B.C.), where he emphasised the pursuit of the optimal rather than the final, a principle that continues to inspire contemporary scientific and engineering advancements. This enduring quest for excellence is particularly relevant in the evolution of maritime technologies.

Scientists and engineers are constantly looking for new ways to better their theories and creations. It’s how the internal combustion engine increased its efficiency from around 6% at the beginning of the 20th century to more than 50% in the present day (Frangopoulos, 2020).

Similarly, in shipping, the concept of voyage optimisation is nothing new. In the early days of maritime, captains relied on their experience and manual calculations to navigate and manage resources effectively and keep ships, their cargo, and crew safe.

However, voyage optimisation is no longer simply about reaching the destination safely and on time. It has become a far more competitive and complex endeavour.

The evolution of maritime operations

Over the past century, the maritime sector has witnessed a steady rise in its contribution to the total value of global trade. Maritime transport now facilitates approximately 90% of the movement of goods worldwide (Walker et al, 2019). This dominance is further underscored by the surge in shipbuilding, which has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. With continuous improvements in technology and fleet efficiency, shipping is a highly competitive industry.  

Along with this massive growth has come an increase in levels of pollution. While shipping remains the most fuel efficient mode of transport, vessels account for around 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually. To combat the rapid growth in GHG emissions, the industry has committed to reducing its carbon footprint by at least 40% of 2008 levels by 2030 (IMO, 2023). This global push for greener practices in shipping has seen international regulatory bodies, such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the EU, introduce stringent CO2 regulations.

The role of technology in modern shipping demands a nuanced balance. While traditional maritime methods, rooted in the deep-seated expertise of seasoned mariners, have served well, the current era calls for a more holistic, data-driven approach. This shift doesn't diminish the mariner's role, but enhances it by combining the knowledge and wisdom of their experience with the power and precision of advanced algorithms, data analytics and real-time monitoring. These technologies expand our understanding, offering broader insights and improved efficiencies in voyage planning, weather analysis and fuel consumption. By integrating these two approaches we can achieve a more sustainable, economically viable and environmentally friendly future in maritime operations.

When harnessed correctly, data and insights can aid captains in route planning, weather analysis, and fuel consumption prediction, helping to enhance overall voyage efficiency, reduce fuel costs and lower emissions.

Despite the enhanced effectiveness of vessel optimisation, big data has concurrently made the landscape more complicated. As a result, much of the industry remains resistant to the digitalisation of maritime processes. This resistance can be attributed to several key factors, as discussed below.