The Blue Visby Prototype Trials, conducted in March/April 2024 with bulk carriers M/V Gerdt Oldendorff and M/V Begonia, aimed to optimize ocean passages for reduced CO2 emissions.
The Prototype Trials resulted in CO2 savings of 28.2% for M/V Gerdt Oldendorff and 12.9% on M/V Begonia meaning on average 17.3%, measured against the Vessels’ respective service speeds of 14 knots. In the case of the M/V Gerdt Oldendorff, the Prototype Trial resulted in CO2 savings of 7.9% measured against the vessels intended voyage speed of 12knots. If the vessel was required to speed up to 14 knots for example to meet a laycan then the potential CO2 savings would have been 28.2%.
All components of the Blue Visby Solution were tested: contracts, software, operations, and the benefit sharing mechanism. While both the Virtual Pilot Program and the Prototype Trials will continue in the coming months, we are on track for commercial deployment this year
… Christian Wounlund, CEO
Furthermore, the level of CO2 savings in the CBH Prototype Trials was reportedly consistent with studies that had been conducted previously: (a) during the Pilot Program in 2023, during which ten voyages produced an average of potential CO2 savings of 18.9%; and (b) in a series of hindcast simulations of 284 voyages in November 2021-August 2023, which had produced potential CO2 savings of 25.6% on average.
The practice of “Sail Fast Then Wait” and the Blue Visby Solution
The Blue Visby Solution is aimed at eradicating Sail Fast Then Wait (SFTW): the operational practice of ships that sail to their destination “with the utmost despatch”, without regard to other ships or to the conditions at the destination. This practice can be justified for various reasons, but is responsible for about 20% of shipping’s carbon footprint.
SFTW cannot be addressed by individual ships, or bilaterally as between an individual shipowner and an individual charterer. It is a systemic challenge that requires a systemic solution.
The Blue Visby Solution combines software, operations and contracts, so as to systemically optimise the ocean passage of participating ships, and thereby reduce CO2 emissions.
The Blue Visby Solution Consortium
Over a period of several years, and with support from 32+ members of the Blue Visby Consortium, which is co-ordinated by Helsinki-based software company NAPA Oy and London-based law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP, the project has progressed iteratively through several stages: from academic studies to proofs of concept, to hindcast simulations in real operating conditions, to virtual pilots with the use of digital twins and, finally, to Prototype Trials.
The CBH Prototype Trials demonstrate that the Blue Visby Solution will be a central element of any successful decarbonisation strategy for all maritime stakeholders: shipowners, charterers, traders, cargo interests, terminals and ports.
… said Haris Zografakis and Pekka Pakkanen, co-ordinators of the Blue Visby Consortium
It was also demonstrated that the Blue Visby Solution does not interfere with weather routing, voyage planning or the timing of berthing – all of which were left in the hands of the participants. Indeed, the robustness of the operational side of the Blue Visby Solution prevented disruption of the Prototype Trial during a time when one of the vessels needed to deviate.
As informed, future steps involve expanding Prototype Trials to more parties and market segments, leveraging the insights gained from the CBH Prototype Trial. These trials represent a significant milestone toward the broader implementation of the Blue Visby Solution, promising substantial emissions reductions while remaining compatible with existing commercial structures in maritime trade.
