Studies

In maritime logistics, fleet management systems (FMS) serve as an important IT foundation for shipping companies. These systems, developed by specialized software providers, play a crucial role in streamlining operations, improving processes and ensuring compliance with regulations. The FMS market is characterized by its diversity, with a multitude of vendors offering a wide range of products with different functionalities and focuses. In this issue, we look at the latest trends in the industry and acquaint you with the different vendors, their products and the key features they offer. This study is our sixth survey. We present 40 fleet management system providers, each offering a specific range of solutions. These solutions include specialized software developed by smaller companies as well as comprehensive offerings from established industry giants. 

Here you can find further information and an excerpt for download.

There is currently no procedure for testing nautical ship equipment with artificial intelligence (AI). In a recently published study, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) and the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services (CML) jointly analyzed systems with an AI approach that are already available on the market and developed a corresponding testing and safety concept. In the future, systems with AI on board could be approved to make shipping safer and more efficient.

Download the study.

Autonomous ships are coming to stay. This study aims to show the cost structure of an autonomously operated bulk carrier in the baltic sea in comparison to a traditional bulk carrier. Moreover the possible implications on a supply chain using MASS are explored via a sensitivity analysis of inventory costs. This is based on the hypothesis that autonomous ships will facilitate more reliable travel times and higher punctuality compared to manned vessels.

In the study, the authors Julius Küchle, Hannah Pache and Hans-Christoph Burmeister explain the expected cost savings due to MASS on the carrier side as well as the potential value creation in supply chains using these services. Find here the free download of the extended outline of the study.

The Fraunhofer CML combines knowledge and experience in maritime logistics, mathematical optimization, and quantum computing, making it the perfect candidate to support businesses in adopting this new technology. Read about new applications in our White Paper!

The use of augmented reality offers great opportunities to perform maneuvers even more safely and efficiently than before. Read our new white paper to find out what opportunities are opening up and how we support companies in implementing them.

Exploiting the value of data with machine learning is increasingly important for gaining and maintaining a competitive advantage in all segments of the maritime industry.

At Fraunhofer CML, we have gained experience from numerous projects that use machine learning to optimize processes and systems in the maritime industry. These insights have been consolidated in the White Paper »Machine Learning in Maritime Logistics«.

Starting from basics of AI and machine learning, the White Paper shows important elements for a successful implementation of machine learning in maritime applications. In order to close the gap between theoretical background and a real-world practical use of data-based methods, actual examples of machine learning in maritime logistics are described. Drawing inspiration from these good practices can facilitate the identification of opportunities on a company level.

Order our newest White Paper here (free download).

On board the latest generation of ships, a large amount of data is now collected that maps different functional areas - from the deployment of personnel and cargo to the individual technical components such as propulsion, power supply and auxiliary equipment. As more and more information, measured values and sensor data is collected, the expectations of shipowners, ship managers and the maritime supply industry for an intelligent use of this data increase: Processes should become leaner and more productive, ship operation more efficient, more sustainable and safer. However, it is far less clear today what the necessary prerequisites are for this, with which mechanisms the digitalization of ship operation can create added value and which individual areas of design can be opened up.

Over the past two years, experts from the maritime industry and the scientific community have been working in a group of the Shipbuilding Society e.V. entitled "Ship Operation 4.0" on the question of what value-adding use of digital data could look like in the future in order to increase the profitability of ship operation and further develop ship management functions on board and ashore. The findings obtained are summarised in the form of solution approaches, fields of action and technology trends in the white paper "Ship Operation 4.0" and can serve the maritime industry as a navigation aid for the data-based increase in efficiency of ship operation. The white paper "Ship Operation 4.0" has been published by Fraunhofer-Verlag and can be obtained by interested parties for a nominal fee.