GSTS to develop world’s first AI-based berth schedule management system

Maritime intelligence company Global Spatial Technology Solutions (GSTS) has been contracted by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster’s Core Technology Leadership Program to further develop and implement a predictive, dynamic berth schedule management system.

Under the deal, GSTS will advance the capabilities of its proprietary, AI-powered SaaS platform, OCIANA.

This initiative will thus deliver “the world’s first dynamic, fully collaborative, integrated, berth schedule management system”, equivalent to air traffic control for ships and ports.

As explained, the solution will facilitate digital collaboration and enhance global supply chain efficiency through reduced vessel emissions and fuel use.

Working in partnership with maritime innovators including Canada Steamship Lines, Montreal Port Authority, Laurentian Pilotage Authority and Clear Seas, OCIANA’s latest capability will streamline vessel berthing through AI predictive analytics to support Just-in-Time Arrivals (JIT).

OCIANA’s berth schedule management system will connect ships, pilotage authorities and ports to support green digital shipping corridors and environmental protection thus promoting the overall efficiency of the maritime supply chain.

“On a daily basis we see events that have an impact on vessel routing and schedules. These include the Red Sea Crisis, Panama Canal issues, weather events, like hurricanes and labour events such as strikes. OCIANA’s novel capability will allow vessels to respond to events and identify optimal routes and arrival times by coordinating with ports and pilotage authorities thereby reducing emissions, fuel use and transport costs,” Richard Kolacz, Chief Executive Officer, GSTS, commented.

“As the first shipowner to participate in the Ocean Supercluster project, we are excited to support GSTS’ development of the OCIANA™ platform,” Jean Fahmy, Vice President – Digital, Canada Steamship Lines, said.

“By contributing real-time data from our Canadian fleet, we aim to help advance efforts to leverage artificial intelligence to support decarbonization in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway by optimizing Just-in-Time routing and voyage ETAs.”

“We are particularly proud of the work accomplished by our multidisciplinary team, in close collaboration with GSTS. This collaborative effort has resulted in a significant advance in port management. I congratulate the multidisciplinary team of experts in information technology, the environment, research, and port operations management, who worked together at every stage of the project to create a collaborative platform dedicated to dock occupancy management,” Julie Gascon, Chief Executive Officer, Montreal Port Authority, noted.

“Our approach began with the aim of improving the predictability of ship arrivals at the port, and then expanded to integrate the operational needs of stakeholders on the ground. This approach enabled us to develop an innovative tool that facilitates collaboration among all stakeholders, with the goal of optimizing the entire supply chain and the efficiency of maritime trade corridors,” she added.

“The Laurentian Pilotage Authority is pleased to join GSTS and the Ocean Supercluster project and thus contribute to the protection of the environment on the waters under its jurisdiction,” Marc-Yves Bertin, Chief Executive Officer, Laurentian Pilotage Authority, said.

“This initiative is directly in line with the Authority’s mission to provide a safe, effective, and efficient pilotage service with strong willingness to protecting human health, property and the environment, by innovating and using state-of-the-art technology that will improve the fluidity of the supply chain.”

“Clear Seas is excited to collaborate on this new initiative to develop a more efficient and intelligent maritime system in Canada,” Paul Blomerus, Executive Director, Clear Seas, stated.

“Better information leads to better decisions, enabling marine shipping to continue its critical role in the supply chain while reducing its impact on the ocean.”

OCIANA provides maritime vessel and port optimization as well as maritime risk management solutions for the global maritime market. The AI platform ingests a wide range of operational and oceanographic data sets and through proprietary analysis, supports decision making related to the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on all of the world’s waterways.