UltraShip opts for Wärtsilä Fleet Operations Solution

Wärtsilä Fleet Operations Solution (FOS) by Wärtsilä Voyage is to be employed by Denmark-based UltraShip for its entire fleet of LPG tanker vessels. [Image © UltraShip]

Gentofte, Denmark, based UltraShip is to install the Wärtsilä Voyage Fleet Operations Solution (FOS) across its entire fleet of 18 LPG tankers.

The solution automatically optimizes the route and speed of vessels, saving costs and increasing safety. It also provides the fullest and latest voyage data, keeping both onboard and onshore personnel informed and notified.

The contract was signed in fourth quarter 2020 and roll-out of the solution will take place during the first and second quarters of 2021.

As part of the contract, Wärtsilä Voyage will upgrade the ships’ onboard electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) to support the FOS. The upgrade includes chart delivery service and weather route optimization software.

“The digitalization, currently underway in the shipping industry, is something we actively participate in, to raise the efficiency of our operations. We see Wärtsilä’s FOS as an important enabler in reaching our goals, and recognize the potential benefits it offers,” said Kaj S. Pilemand, Chief Technical Officer at UltraShip Aps.

“Efficiency is central to everything in today’s marine business, and the efficiency of voyage planning, tracking, management, and reporting is considerably enhanced with the Wärtsilä FOS. The technology digitally connects the ships to their shore base, eases navigation, and supports the crew in selecting the optimal route,” said Alex Van Knotsenborg, Global Sales Director at Wärtsilä Voyage.

The Wärtsilä FOS is an integrated service that combines individual processes that are otherwise separate from each other. It features a unique platform that integrates with the ship’s planning station and ECDIS using immense cloud computing power, machine learning, data analytics, and mobile applications to efficiently connect the vessel, its manager, operator, and the port.

Among the many benefits offered are a four-hour reduction in voyage planning time, automatic weather optimization pop-up alerts, remote ECDIS diagnostic support, and fuel cost savings through better route and speed selection.