Is it possible to combine machine learning with operational data from aquaculture vessels and provide operators with relevant tools to operate the vessel more energy-efficiently?
In this project, the partners Blue Ctrl, Frøy, and SINTEF Nordvest will develop a set of data-driven decision support tools for energy-efficient operation of aquaculture service vessels.
These tools will help crews and shipping companies identify feasible energy-saving measures for various operations and weather conditions. In this way, they can reduce costs and environmental footprint while increasing competitiveness in the aquaculture industry.
Why is this important?
Aquaculture vessels perform many types of operations under highly variable conditions. For this reason, it is challenging to interpret whether an operation is carried out efficiently and to identify the root causes of observed energy consumption.
Commercially available systems exist for monitoring a vessel’s energy consumption, but there is a lack of knowledge on how to provide specialized operational decision support for aquaculture vessels.
What will the project do?
The main goal of the project is to develop relevant and user-friendly decision support tools that can be used both onboard and from shore to reduce fuel and energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from aquaculture service vessels.
The tools will provide measures that are easy to interpret and implement, increasing operational efficiency while maintaining essential functionality and safety.
To achieve this goal, the project will develop efficient data collection, identify the applications with the greatest impact, determine interpretable and actionable measures for improved operational efficiency, research data-driven methods for enhanced operational efficiency, and implement these methods in Blue Ctrl’s systems so they can be deployed at Frøy.
The project is closely linked to an RFF project where data-driven methods are used to assess the potential for reduced fuel consumption and emissions when transitioning to electric aquaculture vessels.
Header image: Well boat and service vessel by the fish cages. Photo courtesy of Frøy AS.