23. mai 2025
Simula is a leading research organisation specialising in information and communication technology. In Green AI for Sustainable Shipping (GASS), Simula is playing a crucial role in developing the AI algorithms that will help the project achieve its goal of optimising fuel consumption and reducing emissions from ships.
We asked Dusica Marjian, Chief Research Scientist, and Joachim Berdal Haga, Chief Research Engineer, to describe what they are working on in the GASS project – and why it matters.
What is your main contribution to GASS?
“Simula has the role of a Technical Manager in GASS. We research and perform technical development of AI algorithms for optimising a ship’s fuel demand given its operational conditions and various environmental factors, such as weather, sea state, and traffic.
We also develop novel algorithms for predicting traffic congestion and optimising vessel speed for lower consumption based on traffic information and vessel state. We work closely with NAVTOR on specifying requirements for technology development and preparing for the integration of the GASS technology with NAVTOR’s vessel navigation systems.”
What have you achieved so far in the project?
“We have developed data-driven models that can predict the key fuel and power characteristics of individual ships, in a range of conditions, to good accuracy. These will be continually improved as we learn more.
Apart from pure modelling, this requires using and fusing data from many different sources, and a good understanding of the data itself. As common wisdom says, a data-driven or machine-learning model is no better than the data it is trained on.”
And what’s next?
“Our next step will be to use these models to find better routes. The goal is to reach the destination safely and on time, with lower fuel consumption, and the models are our tools to achieve this. Another key aspect is to understand how a model tailored to one ship can be quickly adapted to use with similar ships.
We have also started developing a model for ship traffic to better understand and predict traffic congestion at sea. In narrow or restricted areas, these congestions may be important for good ETA predictions.”
What is your motivation for being part of GASS?
“GASS aligns with our vision to solve important problems in science and engineering that positively impact society and industry, and to contribute to sustainable development. In GASS, we see great potential for doing exactly that, by developing technological solutions for reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Through GASS, we aim to further increase research competence in the emerging area of AI for green shipping, which will be even more important in the years to come.”
About Simula Research Laboratory
Simula is a research organisation that conducts high-quality research on information and communication technology. In addition to research, innovation is a core component of Simula's mission, where they bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications. Simula's research is concentrated in five key areas: Software Engineering, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Cryptography, Communication Systems and Scientific Computing.
