Weathernews’ ‘all-in-one’ platform gets stamp of approval at key Green Forums
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Clients and business partners applaud weather intelligence specialist’s new one-stop service solution at key gatherings in Denmark and Greece focused on improving target emissions management as digital innovation spearheads shipping’s transition to a more sustainable future.
The IMO regulations on Carbon Intensity Index (CII) compliance, due to enter into force in only a months’ time, means shipowners and operators globally are now in the frontline of the battle to decarbonize shipping. A common CII challenge will be to maintain vessels’ Annual Efficiency Ratio (AER) at an optimal level while not reducing asset values.
Weathernews (WNI)'s new online platform is designed to collect, analyze and optimize all environmental and ship performance data in support of customers’ CII target management, providing an ‘all-in-one’ solution to ensure improved safety and performance and, ultimately, more sustainable operations.
The tool has been developed and in close cooperation with clients and business partners, and was launched and successfully demonstrated at two Green Forums in Athens and Elsinore in October.
Comprehensive functionality
Featuring unmatched data quality, and an industry-leading CII simulation engine, it combines Weathernews’ proven Navigational Assessment and Routing (NAR) service with Voyage and Fleet Monitoring. The latter is a new functionality that combines nautical charts and Tropical Cyclone Strike probability.
“The platform also enables each operator to check their fleet status in real time, with AIS monitoring at up to two-minute intervals, updated charts, safety weather alerting system and global port forecasts up to seven days in advance, including precipitation and tides,” said Niels Christian Kjærgaard, Director EU Business Development at Weathernews in Copenhagen.
The expanded suite of safety features Passage Plan Assessment, which has not previously been included in Weathernews services but now incorporates an assessment of the vessel, the route and potential threats relevant to the planned voyage.
“The safety features were particularly well received, and we will continue to fine-tune all components, listening closely to customers, asking the right questions and adding value wherever we can,” said Elias J Makris, Director EU Business Development based in Athens. He emphasizes the platform continues to be backed up by Weathernews’ industry-leading team of meteorologists and expert voyage planners on the ground at its global operations centres.
Long-term technology partner
The collaboration pathway to decarbonization is going to be largely digital as the industry unites to invent increasingly smart tools to capture operational efficiency. “Working together in an unprecedented way is central to tackling emissions using the limitless possibilities of big data and machine learning to support human decision making,” added Kjærgaard.
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Weathernews has a long track record of involving its customers in evaluating products and services, but will be engaging with them even more going forwards. “We see ourselves as partners over the lifetime of their assets. Open communication, and sharing knowledge and experiences, is key to building trust and driving creativity,” said Makris.
The Elsinore and Athens Forums – under the title ‘Smarter operations for a greener tomorrow’ – addressed key operational questions including future CII ratings and how to improve them, how the rating is impacted by weather data, why accurate forecasts and routing services are essential to improve performance and how Weathernews latest algorithmic innovation, Probabilistic Forecasting, can contribute to tackling the impacts of climate change on shipping.
Discussions also touched on business sustainability and ensuring vessels remain attractive to charterers and cargo owners, many of whom are themselves under increasing pressure to ensure their logistics supply chains comply with ESG requirements.
In tune with shipping companies
“[The Elsinore Green Forum] was a great day spent with like-minded shipping people with good discussions. Weathernews hosted the forum very well and their platform has undergone significant changes to better cater for the future requirements of shipping companies,” said Søren Vilhelmsen, Head of Commercial Operations at Navigator Gas.
Gabriel Poritz, Business Partner Sustainability & Decarbonization at Stolt Tankers, commented: “We are still processing the learnings from the Green Forum. As I shared during the event itself, it was the first time we felt we had conversations with people who were actually digging into the various topics for real, rather than superficially reiterating basic statements. [It was] a refreshing and welcome change!”
Other key clients who shared insights and strategies included Michell Abdu Canales, Head of Performance at Golden Ocean Group, and Helge Røttingen, Vessel Performance Manager at Saga Welco.
Expectations exceeded
“We envisioned the Green Forums to be an open, collaborative environment where we could work together to find solutions to key operational challenges. Thanks to everyone for making it amazing day that far exceeded my already high expectations. I’m very optimistic for the future,” said Kjærgaard. He also praised his colleagues who worked hard on the preparations.
“After the hiatus of Covid-19 it was a great to assemble our Greek clients face to face in Athens. Many thanks to all those who took part, and especially to Capt. Nikolaos Nikoloaou, Operations Manager at Alpha Bulkers Shipmanagement, and Alexandros Zymaris, Senior Performance Engineer at Thenamaris Ships Management, for their valuable contribution to what turned out to be dynamic arena,” Makris concluded.