The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched the Decarbonization through Digitalization in Shipping (DECARDIS) project in collaboration with Awake.AI, ABB, and Wallenius Marine.
Led by Awake.AI and funded by ESA, DECARDIS aims to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by enhancing coordination between ships and ports through an optimized port call system.
Despite advancements in ship and port technologies, the industry still faces significant inefficiencies due to limited data-sharing between vessels and ports. Ships often encounter delays upon arrival despite punctual departure, resulting in wasted fuel and increased emissions.
DECARDIS seeks to address this by creating an interoperable platform to synchronize ship routing, speed, and port arrival, focusing on the optimization of entire voyages rather than just individual segments.
The project aligns with global climate goals, including the International Maritime Organization’s target for net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 and the EU’s aim to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030.
DECARDIS combines ABB and Wallenius Marine’s voyage optimization platform, OVERSEA, with Awake.AI’s port call technology into a single web-based interface, enabling vessel operators to make more sustainable and cost-effective decisions. This initiative is part of ESA’s broader commitment to fostering sustainable maritime solutions that meet evolving European and international standards.