MOL joins Blue Visby Consortium to cut ship emissions using digital tech

Japanese shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has become a member of the Blue Visby Consortium which aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from vessels by developing a digital technology-based platform.

Led by Finnish maritime software company NAPA, and UK-based law firm Stephenson Harwood, the consortium comprises over 15 organisations from industry, government, academia, and NGOs, NPOs.

The consortium has been developing a solution, Blue Visby, that aims to optimise and distribute arrival times of groups of vessels heading for the same destination port.

The optimal target arrival time is provided for each vessel while maintaining the scheduled arrival order, by analysing the performance of each vessel, conditions such as congestion at the destination, and weather conditions. The consortium also aims to reduce CO2 emissions by recommending the optimum sailing speed of each vessel for maximum efficiency.

Upon verification, enforced in the Prove of Concept process, the consortium expects an average 15% GHG emissions reduction.

Therefore, such an innovative approach is said to have ‘great potential’ to contribute to MOL’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions and boost operational efficiency.

The MOL Group sets mid- to long-term targets to reduce GHG emissions intensity in marine transport by approximately 45% by 2035 (i.e. versus 2019) and achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050 through five initiatives including boosting operational efficiency. Through its participation in the consortium, MOL said it will support the demonstration and practical implementation of the solution and contribute to the realization of a low – and decarbonised society.