Manchester-based technology firm Grafmarine has launched its latest AI-powered technology, NanoPredict, an advanced energy optimisation and weather management solution designed to revolutionise emissions control in the maritime industry.
The maritime industry is responsible for an average of 3% of global emissions and, at its current growth rate, could represent 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With increasing regulatory pressure, growing customer demand for greener practices, and global sustainability targets, this technology represents a key opportunity for fleet decarbonisation.
Developed in collaboration with AI Foundry, a consortium of leading UK universities focused on AI research, NanoPredict represents a significant breakthrough in sustainable shipping.
Grafmarine’s existing NanoDeck tile systems capture, store and remotely manage clean energy while vessels are at sea. Integrated with AI-powered insights from 20 years of weather data along major shipping routes, the software can optimise engine performance and immediately reduce fuel costs by up to 10%.
Now, with the integration of NanoPredict, vessels could save an additional 20%, a significant reduction considering that ships can spend up to 40% of their operational time either anchored or waiting for port entry.
With over 90% of global trade goods transported by sea, a volume set to increase significantly by 2050, the maritime industry faces growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions. Grafmarine aims to help meet these challenges by cutting fuel consumption, reducing operating costs and steering the sector toward its net-zero goals.
The firm recently took part in a Collaborative R&D programme, delivered by non-profit organisation Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester, designed to create more agile and collaborative ways for businesses and researchers to work together, ultimately working to increase private investment in research and development.
Martin Leigh, Founder and Director at Grafmarine, said:
“Our NanoPredict software will play a transformative role in the maritime industry’s strive towards net zero. Depending on the time of year, ships will leave port and the NanoDeck and NanoPredict technology will work in unison, analysing the weather forecast, tracking energy usage and capture across various points in the journey, and determining the optimal times to utilise stored energy. These technologies working together will ultimately save money and help to protect the environment.”
Nigel Marc Roberts, (CEO) Chief Executive Officer at Grafmarine, added:
“Working with academics, we are looking at the best ways to add additional value to the NanoDeck solution through AI optimisation, which in turn will deliver more energy, lower carbon emissions and return on investment for the client. This is an ingenious solution, as the AI technology will automatically and autonomously help these shipping companies as they target more sustainable ways of operating.”
Liz Scott MBE, Executive Director at Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester, added:
“It’s fantastic to see a promising Manchester business, and a participant in our Collaborative R&D programme, taking great strides to deliver positive global impact – and actively tackle the climate emergency – through AI innovation. The launch of this solution to market, and the ongoing growth of Grafmarine, will be transformative in the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.”
Find out more about Grafmarine and its NanoPredict solution by visiting www.grafmarine.com