PortX based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Helm Operations from Victoria, BC, Canada, have created an artificial intelligence (AI) assisted dispatching tool for towage vessels. By simplifying the dispatch management process, costs are reduced while ensuring an optimal schedule for port operators.
Under the partnership PortX’s AI-based port dispatching system, OptiPort, is integrated into harbour dispatching and operations software Helm Connect. Helm provides this software to several of the world’s largest port docking fleets.
Dynamically Optimised Port Schedules
OptiPort improves the scheduling of port towage operations by using AI to optimise vessel dispatch based on crew working hours, currents, tides, vessel characteristics, fuel consumption, and availability. The system dynamically optimises port schedules every three minutes, resulting in optimal and cost-effective dispatch schedules for any port or fleet. Now that Optiport is integrated with Helm Connect, users of the system will now receive automated suggestions on the best towing vessel, departure time, and running speed based on the current schedule.
Savings of Over One Million US Dollars Per Port
Depending on the port, pilot studies using OptiPort have shown savings of over one million US dollars a year per port by reducing fuel consumption and crew overtime while optimising vessel dispatch to reduce chartering of third-party tugs. Together, these factors allow for a savings of up to 200,000 US dollars per tug annually.
Vincent van Os, managing director of PortX: 'Implementation of OptiPort can be done extremely quickly, without adding additional hardware on the vessels or the dispatch control room. This leads to real cost savings that can improve operators’ bottom lines almost immediately upon implementation.'
