Smart ecosystem thinking is the way forward for the marine industry

Creating sustainable societies with smart technology is something that is in the DNA of many Finland-based companies, as the recent global listing of the 100 most sustainable corporations highlights.

In the marine industry, we have now begun to remotely control ships, from distances up to 8 000 kilometres away. But the scope of our thinking should be far broader than simply vessels – even automated vessels. Everything that happens from port to port – where the ship is just one element of the ecosystem – is in focus here. This includes the entire process, from allocating the vessel to unloading at the destination port.

If you take this value chain from end to end, the optimal ecosystem would be one in which every process takes place flawlessly. In principle, there would be no challenges of any kind to overcome, and no delays whatsoever at either end of the voyage.

Between the ports there would also be no inefficiency, and no waiting time due to other vessel traffic. Furthermore, the fleet capacity would be optimised, with efficient loading and the best possible utilisation of the ships.

In short, the application of smart technologies will deliver three essential benefits: efficiency, a carbon-free ecosystem and enhanced safety. Efficiency allows operations with the minimal use of resources, while automation gives crew members the resources to run the vessel at its optimal capacity. We also should aim at a carbon-free ecosystem with the least possible impact on the environment. Plus, with the advent of smart technology, enhancing marine safety becomes easier than ever.

Finland has a well-earned reputation for technological innovation. Finnish companies are building on this heritage to create a new era for shipping where efficiency and environmental sustainability are the norm.