The new Navi-Planner utilises one of the world’s largest navigational databases, as well as artificial intelligence to auto-create a route that is safe to sail. It calculates weather optimisation, supports hazard identification, creates a voyage plan, and provides at all times the latest charts and data automatically. In addition, it enables onshore fleet operators to remotely monitor their vessels in real-time, record navigational near misses, and support incident investigation and playback.

“The Wärtsilä Navi-Planner is a safe, type-approved, cyber-secure system that addresses complete voyage planning and optimisation needs in a single service. It improves safety and provides fleet operators and crew with higher-level situational awareness. This is a retrofittable upgrade of any ECDIS allowing for integrated voyage planning and execution, today,” says Torsten Buessow, managing director of Wärtsilä's Transas business unit.

“At Wärtsilä, we are not merely talking about the possibilities offered by digitalization, but actually utilising the latest technologies, including connectivity, IoT, machine learning, cloud computing, and cyber security measures to provide tangible improvements to the work of our customers, adds Buessow.”

In the future, new information such as port arrival data, can be seamlessly incorporated into the voyage plan. Based on a recommended time of arrival, the Wärtsilä Navi-Planner will be able to dynamically adjust the route and speed of a vessel’s approach to a port for a just-in-time arrival. By accurate speed and route management, and by enabling connectivity with ports, the system makes smart voyage optimisation possible.

Smart voyage planning services in the maritime industry will lead to improved safety, lowered CO2 emissions, and significant savings through reduced fuel consumption. It is anticipated that smart systems will soon be seen on vessels providing automated voyage optimisation in real-time.