Neste install smart software that reduces emissions and yields great savings in fuel costs in the tankers it uses. The company will also ensure its operations are sustainable by offering the new technology to its partners.

The Marorka system, which monitors speed, fuel consumption and location, will be installed in the ships used by Neste. The innovative computer system will result in savings of up to millions of euros in the fuel consumption of tankers used by Neste.

The system helps to optimize

The system allows the efficiency of ship operations to be monitored with unprecedented accuracy.

"Above all, it is a question of cultural change," says Jacob Granqvist, Operations Manager at Neste Shipping.

"We have monitored the fuel consumption of vessels before, but the readings have been collected manually and the data has been approximate," he adds.

The emphasis has often been on schedules. Ships travel at higher speeds early in the journey to be sure of arriving in time, while the rest of the trip has gone slower. This is not the most economical way of moving.

The Marorka system will change the situation completely. Flow meters providing accurate fuel consumption measurements at all times will be installed in the ships. The crew will be provided with instructions on the schedule, desired speed and budgeted fuel consumption before the journey begins.

Fuel consumption decreases by up to 5-9%

The system helps to optimize the efficiency of ship travel. Compliance with the plan can be monitored all the time. The system even shows how many euros the fuel costs.

"When you can see on the screen that the price of a new Audi was once again spent on fuel, it gives you a completely new perspective on fuel economy," Granqvist says.

"We have conservatively calculated that we will achieve a saving of 3% in bunker fuel costs. However, the system can provide savings of 5-9%. Emissions will naturally decrease in proportion. Transport will not be only more efficient, but also environmentally friendlier."

Culture of performance and sustainability

The data provided by Marorka will also be used to improve the efficiency of tanker operation in other ways. Neste has also established a new performance manager position. The performance manager's tasks include monitoring the operation of ships and using time more efficiently at ports, among other things.

"People tend to think that an hour here or there does not mean much," Granqvist says. In reality, the situation is different.

On the Finnish coast, Neste uses small tankers that make approximately a hundred trips a year. A delay of one hour in every loading and unloading translates into 41 days a year in the company's fleet of five vessels. The additional expenses would run into millions of euros in a couple of years.

Granqvist says that the project will lead to closer cooperation between Neste and its partners. Partners will be provided the same tools used by Neste for monitoring the efficiency of transports.

"We will be creating a new kind of culture in shipping. We will monitor the efficient and smart handling of operations together with the shipping companies and crews," he says.

"The feedback from our partners has been really positive. Shipping companies are going to learn their lesson and apply it to their other vessels as well."

The Marorka system is currently being installed in the first vessel used by Neste. The system will be expanded into all of the company's strategic vessels by the end of the year. Neste will acquire the systems through leasing.

"We are a pioneer in using such technology in tankers," Granqvist says. "We want our customers and partners to see that their products are transported in as efficiently and environmentally friendly a way as possible."

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