🚢 Milestone 3 - Demonstrators started

From Simulation to Sea: WP4 in Action

Work Package 4 (WP4) is the heart of the GASS validation effort. It is structured in two phases:

• WP4.1 – Deployment and Validation: Focused on simulation-based testing using digital twins and historical data.

• WP4.2 – Demonstrators and Impact Assessment: Now underway, this phase brings the GASS solution onboard real vessels to measure its effectiveness in live operations.

Prototype Demonstration: Building Confidence in AI

In WP4.1, the GASS team conducted extensive hindcast simulations using digital twins of vessels. These simulations compared baseline routes (shortest navigable paths) with WROS-optimised routes, factoring in environmental conditions like wind, waves, and currents.

A key test scenario, the prototype simulation demonstration, involved a trans-Pacific route from Vancouver to Yokohama, applying a 4-meter wave height constraint has been conducted.

The evaluation focused on:

• Runtime cost and computational efficiency

• ETA accuracy

• Safety and regulatory compliance

• Solution diversity (range of route options)

• Static vs. dynamic vessel models

The weather routing was tested with a generic ship matrix using genetic algorithm to demonstrate and benchmark the solution. Then the weather routing is currently being tested using the Digital Twin matrix to quality assure and validate the output measured against the first method.     

Demonstrators Begin: Real-World Trials on 7 Vessels ⚓ 

When the simulation groundwork is complete, seven vessels will be equipped with the GASS solution. These vessels, selected for their diverse operational profiles and seasonal route exposure, will test the WROS in live conditions.

Each voyage will be evaluated against:

• Baseline routes (great-circle paths)

• Benchmark trajectories (industry-standard routes from existing weather routing services)

Testing Across Seasons

To ensure robustness, trials will span summer and winter conditions in the Northern Hemisphere, capturing the full spectrum of environmental challenges.

Measuring Impact: KPIs That Matter

The demonstrators aim to validate the following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• 20% reduction in fuel consumption

• 20% reduction in GHG emissions

• 30% reduction in waiting times for tramp operations

• 10% average reduction in voyage costs

These KPIs will be benchmarked against today’s un-optimised voyages, providing a clear picture of the GASS solution’s value.

🔭 What’s Next?

As WP4.2 progresses, the focus will shift to impact assessment and system refinement. Insights from the demonstrators will guide final adjustments before full-scale deployment. Future enhancements include:

• Demonstration on 7 operating vessels

• Integration of wind-assisted propulsion

• Expansion of digital twin adaptability across vessel classes

• Deeper exploration of Just-in-Time Arrival (JITA) and predictive maintenance