Wartsila Voyage and Japanese Weathernews (WNI) have combined their respective offerings in a bid to improve shipping safety as well as sustainability.
The collaboration will see WNI’s weather forecasting data and Optimum Ship Routing (OSR) service integrated with Wartsila’s products and solutions.
This will enable Wartsila’s Fleet Operations Solution (FOS) to make use of WNI’s forecasting models. Wartsila’s FOS optimises a vessel’s route automatically by offering the latest complete voyage data. It also notifies and informs onboard and shore-based workers.
The effectiveness of the FOS can be increased with the incorporation of Weathernews’ weather information, noted Wartsila. Navi-Planner, a complete voyage planning and optimisation system by Wartsila, is also expected to be improved as a result of the latest partnership.
This solution is connected via the ship’s electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS).
Further plans include adding advanced weather forecasting into future sustainable systems and innovative technologies developed through the companies’ alliance.
The collaboration aims to enhance navigational safety, reduce fuel consumption and support decarbonisation efforts of vessel owners and operators.
With automated navigation and route planning functions through weather avoidance technology, vessel operators will be able to minimise risks.
It will also enable seafarers to concentrate on other operational needs. After completing the integration of the WNI weather service, the partners will work together to develop additional features, including route overlays and charts.
Wartsila Voyage product, fleet operations solutions and optimisation head Kay Dausendschoen said: “Sailing through bad weather has numerous downsides. Containers can get lost overboard, fuel consumption increases and schedules can be compromised.
“By having the fastest and most accurate advance warning of weather situations integrated into our navigational and voyage systems, these losses can be avoided.”
In a statement, Wartsila said: “With the addition of frequent state-of-the-art weather information, FOS can be even more effective in increasing navigational safety, reducing fuel consumption and optimising the voyage leg.”
