Nuevas soluciones tecnológicas para disminuir el consumo de combustible en Open Arms
The new technological solutions are revolutionizing the field of sustainability and energy efficiency, especially in initiatives like that of the NGO Open Arms, dedicated to rescuing people at sea. In this context, the application of advanced technologies presents itself as a key tool to optimize fuel consumption in their vessels. With the use of techniques such as machine learning, the goal is to identify and analyze factors that influence energy use, which promises not only to improve operational efficiency but also to reduce the environmental impact of their operations.
The use of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations seek to optimize their resources. In the case of the NGO Open Arms, dedicated to maritime rescue, innovations are being implemented that aim to reduce the fuel consumption of their vessels. This article explores the FNB-Open Arms project, which seeks to make navigation more efficient and mitigate environmental impact through a machine learning based system.
FNB-Open Arms Project: the collaboration between technology and humanitarian rescue
In January 2023, a group of researchers from the Faculty of Nautical Sciences of Barcelona (FNB) at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC) announced the start of a project aimed at optimizing fuel consumption of the Open Arms ship. Using machine learning, the goal is to create a system that can identify the factors affecting consumption and make real-time recommendations to improve efficiency.
Real-time monitoring and data analysis
The project is developed in several phases. In the first stage, the monitoring of several parameters such as the ship’s speed, sea state, and vessel trim will take place. These measurements will allow data to be recorded that will be used to create a machine learning model capable of learning and recommending the best way to operate the ship to reduce fuel consumption.
The consumption data will be collected through various equipment installed on the ship, such as AIS and GPS systems, as well as new flow meters funded by Fractus, which will be implemented starting in September 2023.
Expected impact on fuel consumption and sustainability
The system will not only focus on improving navigation but will also aim to reduce the environmental impact of the Open Arms, which currently consumes up to 3,000 liters of diesel daily. With the implementation of these technologies, a reduction in fuel consumption between 10% and 15% is expected, which will represent significant savings in operational costs.
Moreover, this decrease in fuel use will allow the NGO to reinvest the saved money into its humanitarian activities, thus maximizing its resources and rescue capacity, a critical need in its work to save lives at sea.
An innovative approach to maritime operations
The project approach is designed to be scalable and adaptable to any vessel, meaning that once this system is validated, it could be used in other ships of the organization in the future. The collaboration between Fractus and UPC not only highlights the importance of technology in the humanitarian sector but also underscores how research can be applied to address current social challenges.
Recognition and future of the project
The FNB-Open Arms project has been recognized for its social impact, receiving the UPC Award for Social Commitment 2023, demonstrating its relevance not only in the technological field but also in the positive impact it seeks to generate in society. With the ongoing support from the research team and experience in navigation, this system is expected to have a lasting and transformative effect on the way rescue operations are conducted.
In the future, the incorporation of more parameters into the system is anticipated, including the state of hull conservation and weather conditions, which will allow for even more efficient management of resources in rescue missions.
Conclusion on new technologies and sustainability
The integration of advanced technological solutions in humanitarian initiatives, such as those of Open Arms, highlights the crucial role that innovation and research play in building a more sustainable future. Such projects not only contribute to improving operational efficiency but also enable organizations to focus on their main mission: saving lives.
The new technological solutions have emerged as a key element in the search for sustainable measures to optimize fuel consumption in maritime operations, especially in humanitarian initiatives like those of Open Arms. The implementation of systems based on machine learning allows not only understanding the factors that affect energy expenditure but also offering real-time recommendations to improve efficiency.
This innovative approach focuses on maximizing the efficiency of the old 37-meter tugboat used by Open Arms, which has faced significant challenges regarding diesel consumption. By collecting data on speed, sea state, and vessel trim, a model is constructed that learns and adapts to changing conditions during rescue missions.
Reducing fuel consumption also has a positive environmental impact, decreasing the carbon footprint of maritime operations. This not only allows the organization to save economic resources that can be redirected to other rescue activities but also improves its response capacity in emergencies in the Mediterranean.
As the project progresses, it is expected to incorporate more parameters that consider hull conservation and weather conditions, further enriching the analysis and recommendations. This type of innovation represents an important step towards the combination of technology and sustainability in navigation, which will not only benefit Open Arms but can also be replicated in other vessels with similar missions.
