Odfjell to start deployment of Syroco's voyage optimisation tool on chemical tankers to support their sail project

With a deployment on two vessels, the global chemical logistics company Odfjell is investing in new data-driven optimisation tool for operations efficiency

Marseille, 12 November 2024 - Syroco, the Climate Tech startup which supports the energy transition of maritime transport, announced today that to support their upcoming sail project, Odfjell, a leading provider of safe and efficient transportation of chemicals and liquids worldwide, has initiated a deployment of Syroco’s weather routing platform on two of its vessels, the Bow Olympus and Bow Optima.

The two vessels are part of Odfjell’s Hudong-class chemical tankers, flying the Norwegian flag. Both built in 2019, the 183 metre vessels are each equipped with 33 stainless steel tanks and operate primarily on trans-Pacific routes. 

Sail project for wind assistance

In early 2025, the Bow Olympus will be fitted with four eSAILs, bound4blue’s suction sails, making her the first tanker vessel in the world to harness this groundbreaking wind assistance technology. As an add-on to optimise the sails' effects, Odfjell will deploy Syroco’s digital weather calculation tool. 

VP Technology Erik Hjortland from Odfjell explained: “Odfjell is committed to operating a sustainable business, and we are continuously seeking improvements to reduce our fleet’s climate footprints. Through data-driven decisions and investment in new technology, we optimise the way we operate, to documented results. Our long-time efforts have significantly reduced our fleet’s emissions. The deployment of Syroco’s solution on the first vessels with sail technology is part of our continued optimisation. We look forward to seeing the results.”

Digital twin, data and artificial intelligence

Leveraging precise weather and sea data, Syroco uses a digital twin of the vessel, driven by data, machine learning and naval architecture principles, to calculate optimised routing at any time. The proposed route, updated as often as necessary, takes into account operating constraints including arrival time, seakeeping, safety of navigation, and cargo-specific operational parameters. 

The digital twin is a virtual representation of a real-world ship. Generated using historical data, CFD studies and artificial intelligence, the digital twin accounts for all characteristics of the vessel: hull, windage, appendages, propulsion systems, including the wind assistance devices when present. Advanced analysis capabilities allow the operator to fully understand the impact of their decisions. 

Computing the return on investment of wind assistance

With specific models for bound4blue’s eSAIL included in the digital twin, Syroco accounts for the specific energy needs and propulsive power created by the wind devices when computing an optimised route. In addition, the solution measures the specific savings brought by the sails and helps confirm the return on investment of the installation. 

Alex Caizergues, CEO and co-founder of Syroco, added: “At the forefront of the energy transition of maritime, Odfjell is looking for a solution that is fast to deploy and easy to use by crews, but also that delivers accurate simulation through high-fidelity models regardless of the complexity of the vessel. Syroco supports both conventional propulsion systems and wind assistance devices and will help the company understand clearly the benefits of each solution and operational choice.”