The maritime industry is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, and therefore a key barrier to the UK’s mission to become a Clean Energy Superpower. In this article, Dr Arijit De, Prof. Yu-Wang Chen and Prof. Richard Allmendinger outline their research from The University of Manchester on AI-powered maritime solutions that can address these challenges, and the collaboration that is needed to ensure widespread adoption.

• The maritime industry still relies heavily on traditional fuels and is responsible for a large proportion of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.
• AI-augmented solutions are being developed at The University of Manchester to make shipping more efficient, both by supporting the adoption of cleaner energy sources and by cutting vessel fuel usage.
• Policymakers must create regulatory frameworks, invest in infrastructure, and foster collaboration to ensure a sustainable maritime future.

Clean energy superpower vision – and barriers

The maritime industry accounts for approximately 3% of CO₂ emissions, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). IMO has set a target to reduce shipping’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels, which necessitates a shift from traditional fuels to cleaner alternatives such as alternate fuel oils, hydrogen, solar energy, wind-propulsion retrofit, and carbon-capture systems.

However, the adoption of clean technologies faces several barriers, including high upfront costs, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory uncertainties.

It is not just fuel use that is contributing to an unnecessary carbon footprint. Operational inefficiencies, such as long vessel turnaround times and fuel management challenges, intensify the sector’s environmental impact. Furthermore, vessel routing and fuel consumption are often based on static models, overlooking real-time variables like weather conditions and energy availability.

Research in maritime digital innovation: increasing efficiency

The University of Manchester is developing AI-augmented solutions to decarbonise the maritime sector and improve operational efficiency.  By leveraging real-time data and advanced analytics, AI can optimise vessel routing, energy usage, and port operations, reducing both fuel consumption and emissions.

In collaboration with DFDS, Manchester academics are developing an advanced algorithm aimed at optimising vessel turnaround times at the Ports of Dover, Calais and Dunkirk. This system considers variables such as vehicle type, port lane allocation and vehicle weight distribution inside the ferry to streamline the complex ferry loading and unloading process, saving time and reducing fuel.

Manchester researchers have also developed a sophisticated decision-support tool that allows vessels powered by alternative fuels and renewable energy to plan their voyages more efficiently. This tool uses AI techniques to model real-time energy demand, solar energy generation, and battery performance. The tool has been extended to enable maritime companies to integrate renewable energy sources into their operations, optimising vessel routes to reduce fuel usage.

Not only does this work to create a sustainable maritime industry but, by shifting more freight from land to increasingly efficient water transport, maritime operations can alleviate pressure on road networks, reducing congestion and emissions from roads.

Developing greener ports

The journey to a sustainable industry starts with ports. Manchester academics, in partnership with Catapult Connected Places and the Port of Aberdeen, have developed AI-driven tools to optimise fuel bunkering and electric vessel charging operations.

The system models fuel demand patterns, shore power constraints, and vessel charging needs, aiming to seamlessly integrate alternative fuels and electric vessels into port operations. This research helps improve port efficiency, limiting energy consumption, and reducing the environmental footprint.

Policy steps for supporting maritime digital transformation

Achieving the UK’s Clean Energy Superpower vision requires fostering an environment that supports the adoption of digital technologies and clean energy solutions in the maritime sector. The following steps are crucial to meeting these goals:

• The UK Government should establish a clear regulatory framework to set standards for emissions, fuel management, and digital transformation in the maritime sector. Work from The University of Manchester has shown how AI can assist in optimising fuel management and electric vessel charging. Regulations need to support UK ports in using these tools to accurately monitor emissions with real-time data on air pollutants, as well as facilitating the electrification of port facilities and the use of alternative fuels. Clear guidelines should be established to encourage this innovation and investment, while ensuring maritime companies meet both environmental and operational targets.
• The government must prioritise significant infrastructure investment to support the widespread use of clean energy technologies and AI in maritime operations. This includes expanding alternative fuel bunkering facilities, electric vessel charging ports, and renewable energy generation facilities at ports. The government has provided funding opportunities, such as Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition and Smart Shipping Accelerator Fund, but more is required for retrofitting older vessels with green technologies, allowing them to run on alternative fuels. The government could provide financial incentives for ports and shipping companies to adopt these technologies, ensuring the transition to a zero-carbon maritime sector is feasible and cost-effective.
• The development of AI-powered maritime innovations requires close cooperation between academia, industry, and government. The partnership between The University of Manchester and the Port of Dover has demonstrated the potential of academia-industry collaborations that use AI-augmented solutions for decarbonisation. Government support for initiatives like Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition has already played a pivotal role in advancing the development of digital innovations, but this needs to go further. More emphasis should be placed on developing impactful solutions to be deployed across the maritime industry. These partnerships also have a vital role to play in upskilling the workforce, preparing workers for the sector’s digital transformation.
• Data-sharing initiatives are vital for optimising vessel operations and port activities. Collaborations between The University of Manchester and organisations such as the Port of Aberdeen and DFDS show not just the potential, but the necessity of data-sharing initiatives. Such collaborations have been key to unlocking a deeper understanding of issues such as vessel energy consumption and optimising vehicle loading processes. Policymakers should encourage the maritime industry to share data on fuel consumption, emissions, and operational performance to facilitate better decision-making across the sector.

By embracing digital transformation and clean energy technologies, the maritime industry can stay relevant in the face of sustainability and efficiency challenges, supporting the UK’s Clean Energy Superpower vision. Manchester’s pioneering research in AI-powered solutions for vessel optimisation, renewable energy integration, and port operations is paving the way for a decarbonised maritime future. Policymakers must create regulatory frameworks, invest in infrastructure, and foster collaboration to ensure a sustainable maritime future. This will enable the UK to maintain its leadership in clean energy and set the global benchmark for sustainable maritime operations.