NAPA, a maritime software, services and data analysis provider, and ChartWorld, a digital chart agent, have joined forces in an effort to provide artificial intelligence-driven voyage planning and optimization.
As informed, the solution includes modules for evaluating the operational efficiency of past voyages and then using this data to optimize the efficiency of future transits where there are similar variables and trends.
Past voyages are automatically evaluated via datasets collected from ChartWorld’s route network to find improved routes the vessel could have taken.
These voyages are also automatically analysed by NAPA’s algorithms for operational efficiency, taking into account wave conditions, weather, and other factors that affect the voyage.
“In today’s era of constant regulatory change and cost volatility, vessel efficiency and safety are more important than ever,” Oliver Schwarz, ChartWorld’s Business Development Director, commented.
“With the adoption of ECDIS, voyage planning has become increasingly complex. Best-practice risk management requires ‘four eyes’ on voyage planning, with the master verifying the second mate’s plans. Onshore personnel can use the MyRouteAppraisal (MyRA) solution to pre-check onboard navigation planning for additional certainty, as well as comparing different route alternatives for the same voyage,” he continued.
Risto Kariranta, Director of Services, Shipping Solutions at NAPA, explained that the use of AI-based algorithms enables operators to reduce the cost of each voyage, execute it more safely and with less work for the crew onboard.
Under this partnership, ChartWorld has signed a re-seller agreement with NAPA allowing for a range of NAPA services to be provided as an integral part of ChartWorld’s MyRouteAppraisal (MyRA) platform.
MyRA, combined with NAPA’s vessel performance enhancements, provides charterers, ship operators, and onboard personnel with a range of tools related to voyage planning. Charterers, for example, will be able to evaluate the cost of voyages for different destinations with different schedules. They also can share these plans in real-time with ship operators and onboard crew.