The maritime industry is at a crossroads, facing mounting pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. With the sector responsible for roughly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, the urgency for innovative solutions has never been more pronounced. Enter the TwinShip project, a game-changing initiative backed by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, where ASSIST Software, a Romanian leader in digital transformation, is stepping up to the plate. This ambitious project aims to harness the power of digital twin technology to slash greenhouse gas emissions and steer the maritime industry toward net-zero by 2045.
At its core, TwinShip seeks to revolutionize how ships operate through digital twin technology. As Adrian Onu, Chief Operating Officer of ASSIST Software, explains, “A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical entity, such as a ship. The technology allows real-time data monitoring, scenario testing, and performance optimization.” By creating a virtual mirror of actual vessels, stakeholders can simulate various operational scenarios without disrupting ongoing processes. This means that decisions regarding route planning and fuel management can be made with precision, helping to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency.
The project’s goals are nothing short of ambitious. With the International Maritime Organization pushing for a 30-40% reduction in emissions by 2030, the consortium behind TwinShip—led by The Arctic University of Norway—has set its sights on achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. The collaboration includes a diverse range of organizations, from SINTEF to Wärtsilä, all pooling their expertise to create a data-rich platform capable of handling the complexities of maritime operations. As project coordinator Lokukaluge Prasad Perera puts it, “I firmly believe that when academia and industry work closely together, we achieve good results quickly.”
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The implementation of digital twin technology is not without its hurdles, including data management, cybersecurity, and integration costs. Reports from McKinsey and Deloitte highlight these complexities, yet TwinShip aims to tackle them head-on. By developing a secure platform enriched with domain-specific AI tools, ASSIST Software is uniquely positioned to navigate these challenges. Irina Petrariu, Vice President of Research and Machine Learning Specialist at ASSIST Software, emphasizes this potential: “Digital twins and AI represent pathways to a sustainable, efficient future.”
The significance of ASSIST’s involvement in TwinShip extends beyond environmental impact; it showcases Romania’s growing prowess in the field of green technology. This project could serve as a springboard for future innovations, positioning Romanian tech expertise as a formidable player on the European and global stage. The success of TwinShip could pave the way for similar digital twin applications across various industries, reinforcing the notion that data-driven strategies are essential in the battle against climate change.
ASSIST Software is no stranger to the maritime sector, having already made strides with its Seaplify platform, which connects maritime companies with talent. However, TwinShip represents a transformative leap, illustrating the potential of digital twin technology to reshape not just maritime operations but also broader industry practices. The project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets environmental responsibility.
As the maritime industry grapples with the pressing need for sustainability, initiatives like TwinShip signal a hopeful shift toward greener practices. With ASSIST Software at the helm, the project is poised to leave a lasting impact, setting a precedent for how technology can be leveraged to tackle one of the most pressing global issues of our time. For those in the maritime sector, the message is clear: the future is digital, and the time to act is now.
