Eniram’s software helps reduce shipping emissions

A system developed by the software company Eniram helps reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of maritime vessels. Some 60% of the world’s cruise ships are already using this Finnish company’s products.

Maritime traffic using heavy fuel oil and diesel fuel is a major producer of carbon dioxide emissions all over the world. However, consumption and emissions can be reduced by paying attention to the trim and navigation of the vessels. Finnish company Eniram has come up with a solution for this in its proprietary system, which collects real-time vessel trim data and compiles it into a user-friendly graphical interface.

“The data helps the crew to keep the vessel trim optimised, so that there is minimal hull water resistance,” explains Eniram’s Chief Technology Officer Jussi Pyörre. With Eniram’s system in use, large cruise ships can achieve as much as a 5% saving of heavy fuel oil consumption: “The fuel consumption of large vessels is enormous. So, even a small saving means major reductions in emissions and costs.”

Making use of big data

Eniram’s system consists of a computer program, which collects vessel attitude data from sensors installed at the bow and stern. The vessel’s own data system provides information on, for example, engine and propeller performance. The navigation system, sonar, GPS and anemometer provide information on, among other things, sea depth, currents and weather conditions.

“Big data provides an overview of how the vessel is performing in various conditions and how these conditions affect the vessel’s fuel efficiency,” says Pyörre, who also points out that in addition to attitude, fuel consumption is also affected by things such as a vessel’s speed: “Vessels usually leave port at high speed so they can stay on schedule. Eniram’s system helps the crew plan the run at a more even speed distribution.”

Cruise ships are a key customer segment

Eniram was founded in 2005 by a group of Finnish shipyard and software professionals in Helsinki. Since its inception, the company has aimed its operations at the international market. Its key customers are large shipping lines, which own and operate vessels that consume huge amounts of fuel. “Our biggest customer segment is cruise ships. Sixty per cent of the world’s cruise ships are already using Eniram’s system,” says Pyörre.

The United States and, in particular, the main Caribbean cruise ports in Florida are Eniram’s key market area. Pyörre explains that the software has also been sold to companies operating container ships and tankers, for example, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers are also an up-and-coming customer segment for Eniram.

Finland leading the world market

Eniram’s system is used on nearly 300 vessels throughout the world. Jussi Pyörre estimates that this helps to reduce maritime traffic’s carbon dioxide emissions by 200,000 tonnes each year, which is equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 40,000 passenger cars. “The financial impacts are also considerable,” he adds. “Reducing fuel consumption saves our customers some 50 million euros each year.”

When Eniram first started, there were no competitors offering similar systems on the market. Now, the sector has been joined by a handful of other companies, such as Finnish-based NAPA and ABB. “Finland enjoys a strong global position when it comes to maritime energy efficiency,” says Pyörre.

Text: Matti Remes

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