21. feb. 2025
ScanReach is a pioneering technology company specialising in wireless IOT connectivity solutions for the maritime industry’s complex and confined steel environments. As a partner in the Green AI for Sustainable Shipping project, they have a vital role in collecting the vessels’ Motion Reference Unit (MRU) sensors’ data.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards revolutionising the shipping industry by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), wireless networks, and real-time data analytics, to drive sustainability in maritime operations. ScanReach’s expertise in wireless communication and its focus on safety and efficiency make it an ideal fit for this ambitious, environmentally conscious initiative.
What is the GASS Project?
The Green AI for Sustainable Shipping (GASS) project is an innovative initiative aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of the global shipping industry. With shipping being responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, the GASS project seeks to apply AI-driven technologies to optimise energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and promote sustainability across the shipping sector.
Through advanced data analytics, real-time monitoring, and automated systems, the GASS project strives to enhance decision-making processes, streamline operations, and enable ships to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The ultimate goal is to make shipping more environmentally friendly while improving operational efficiency.
ScanReach’s Role in the GASS Project
ScanReach is playing an essential role in the GASS project by contributing its expertise in wireless connectivity and data-driven solutions. Their innovative technology enables real-time monitoring of various factors that influence energy efficiency and overall sustainability of ships.
Wireless Connectivity for non-intrusive Seamless Data Collection
Our vessel owner partners are already well equipped with fuel sensors and power meters which provide data on the power transfer from the engine to the propellers. This data plays a key role in optimising operations for greater sustainability. However, this level of digitalisation is not yet standard across the global fleet.
One of the major challenges in the shipping industry is the ability to collect and transmit data from all areas of a vessel, especially in marine environments with heavy steel hulls and construction. Traditional wired systems are expensive and present a risk when having to drill through physical barriers to reach other areas of the vessel. ScanReach’s wireless mesh network technology solves the problem by allowing sensors and devices to communicate effortlessly across the vessel without the need for additional and expensive cabling, making it easier to gather real-time data from IOT sensors.
“We have installed the onboard wireless connectivity (OWC) mesh network and Motion Reference Unit (MRU) on board the Grieg Star vessel Star Kinn,” says Inga Helene Vatshelle Bovim, Head of Projects at ScanReach. “The same set-up is on its way to SinOceanic Shipping’s vessel Sealand Los Angeles. The MRU is a device used to measure and record the movements of a vessel or object in all six degrees of freedom. The data is made available to NAVTOR and Simula for further processing, applying machine learning in preparation for the vessel digital twins (VDT).
Inga Helene continues, “As we speak, we are preparing the shipment and installations for another two vessels to be used as demos in the GASS project.”
When the VDT models have been tested and approved, installation of MRUs is not required. However, IOT sensors like fuel flow meters, are essential to utilise and respond to the planned real-time user interface software tool guiding the vessels’ bridge personnel towards optimised propulsion elements.
Real-time Monitoring and Data Analytics
Sustainability in shipping requires real-time data to optimise energy use and minimise emissions. ScanReach’s wireless network enables real-time monitoring of various operational parameters. This data can be processed and analysed using AI algorithms to generate actionable insights for improving efficiency and reducing the vessel's carbon footprint.
By providing the necessary infrastructure for data flow on the maturing global fleet, ScanReach allows more ship owners low investment to retrieve data used to reduce fuel and emissions.
Scalability and Flexibility for the Shipping Industry
The shipping industry is vast and diverse, with vessels of various sizes, types, and operational conditions. ScanReach’s scalable wireless network technology can be easily deployed across different vessel types, making it an adaptable solution for the entire maritime sector. Whether it’s a small cargo ship or a large tanker, ScanReach’s technology can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each vessel.
Together in Making Green AI for Sustainable Shipping Happen
By integrating onboard wireless connectivity, real-time data monitoring, historical noon-reports data, weather conditions, machine learning and AI-driven analytics, the Green AI for Sustainable Shipping is in the making. Sven Brooks, CEO at ScanReach says: “We are honoured to be a partner in the GASS project. It is a pleasure to be part of a team working together towards lowering GHG emissions. This partnership is not only about technological innovation but also about creating a lasting impact on the environment, helping the shipping industry meet its sustainability goals while improving operational efficiency.”
Whichever type of energy to be used for vessel propulsion >> route optimisation by Green AI for Sustainable Shipping will make a difference.
About Scandinavian Reach Technologies AS (ScanReach)
ScanReach is a maritime IoT company based in Bergen, Norway. The company was founded in 2015 with the mission of developing affordable and user-friendly live lifesaving technologies for vessels and offshore installations, particularly for Personnel On-Board (POB) Control.
We have developed a groundbreaking wireless IoT platform for complex and confined steel environments. This means that the inside of vessels and rigs can be wirelessly fully covered. It is not limited to only enabling wireless POB control. All kinds of onboard IoT applications. Some examples to mention are wireless control of assets, equipment, room conditions, and cargo.