Summary:
Nowadays, bunkering operations in ports are not free of congestion problems, leading in some cases to delays in these operations. There is also a lack of visibility, coordination and real-time operational awareness of these operations, resulting in waiting times and unnecessary fuel consumption by vessels. Consequently, higher GHG emissions in port facilities, overrun costs and increased operational risks.
In this sense, this proof of concept (PoC), JIT Bunkering Operations, is part of the objective of the Port of Algeciras to become a “Just in Time” facility, where operational excellence and service quality are paramount. All this, as part of the implementation of the concept of the Next Generation Algeciras Port, as established in the vision of its Innovation Strategy.
The project is developed in collaboration with the technological scale-up Navozyme, based in Singapore and focused on the development of deep-tech enabled digital solutions for the maritime sector, especially with blockchain technology and artificial intelligence.
The scope of the project consists of the development of a digital planning and decision support tool, based on an optimisation model combined with artificial intelligence predictive analytics and machine learning techniques, to optimise bunkering operations in the anchorage areas of the Port of Algeciras.
Specifically, the tool will be able to provide an optimal operational window, based on an optimised Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), both to shipping companies and bunkering service providers, to optimise the arrival of vessels. Therefore, when vessels arrive at the designated anchorage area at an optimum speed, they are guaranteed the availability of pilotage and bunkering services, as well as an anchoring place. Thus reducing waiting and idle times for both operators, while at the same time reducing the emissions generated by optimising both navigation speeds towards the Port and the movements of the service providers.
Expected results:
- Improved planning of bunkering services, by means of a decision support tool for operational synchronisation.
- Reduced waiting and idle times of vessels waiting for anchorage and/or bunkering services
- Reduced waiting and idle times of bunkering barges between back-to-back service operations.
- Reduced operational costs for vessels and barges due to lower fuel consumption.
- The reduction of emissions generated as a result of optimised navigation, contributing to the decarbonisation of the maritime industry
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