When we first began developing AI-driven solutions for shipping, we imagined a future where every vessel would operate at its full potential, truly minimising waste and environmental impact. This wasn’t just a technological ambition; it was about redefining what efficiency and sustainability mean for an industry that moves over 90% of global trade. Now, through our partnerships with many of the world’s most advanced operators (most recently with Eastern Pacific Shipping) we’re not just imagining this future… we’re building it, one fleet at a time. 

Why AI?

Shipping is often perceived as a traditional industry, but the complexity of vessel operations demands cutting-edge solutions. To optimise a ship’s performance, one must first understand it – down to the last detail. This is where AI shines. In fact, it’s the only tool we have for this job.

Traditional methods of vessel performance modelling rely on static, generalised metrics that fail to capture the nuances of real-world operations. Fuel tables, for instance, offer a rough approximation of performance but fall short when it comes to delivering actionable insights. Machine Learning now allows us to take a fundamentally different approach.

Through new data manipulation techniques, we can create dynamic, AI-driven digital twins for each vessel. These models don’t just represent a series of given data points – they truly understand how a particular vessel behaves, accounting for every variable, from wind conditions to engine parameters. The result? A level of accuracy that enables precise, data-driven decision-making across all facets of fleet management.

A transformative partnership

Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) embraced this technology wholeheartedly, recognising its potential to revolutionise fleet operations. Following a rigorous trial period, during which the AI demonstrated model accuracy within the 99th percentile, EPS made the bold decision to implement our platform across their entire fleet.

This fleet-wide rollout is not just a technological upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift. For the first time, EPS can understand how every vessel is performing in real time – on a technical and commercial level – making informed decisions that reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This is particularly crucial as the industry grapples both with a new level of commercial pressure and increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

But the benefits extend beyond compliance. By optimising performance, EPS is also expecting to achieve significant cost savings, strengthening their position as a leader in the global shipping market.

Looking ahead

Partnerships like this are an irrefutable example that technology, when paired with bold leadership, can drive extraordinary change today. EPS is the latest industry leader to demonstrate what’s possible when a company decides to embrace change and actively seek out innovation. Our work together is not just a case study in AI adoption; it’s a glimpse into the future of an industry on the brink of transformation. At DeepSea, we’re driven by the opportunity to support more forward-thinking partners and to continue pushing the limits of what’s achievable in shipping. With collaboration and a shared commitment to progress, the shipping industry can rapidly transform from an environmental basket-case into a beacon of efficiency.

Source: By Konstantinos Kyriakopoulos, CEO & Co-founder of DeepSea