Syroco, a Climate Tech startup focused on advancing maritime transportation’s energy transition, has announced that United Heavy Lift (UHL) will deploy its weather routing platform across 11 vessels in its fleet of 19 heavy lift ships. The decision follows a successful pilot phase on three vessels, which demonstrated significant improvements in fuel efficiency, safety, and performance.
The deployment will focus on UHL’s F900 Eco-Lifter class vessels, each 150 meters long with a cargo capacity exceeding 15,000 tons. These vessels are used to transport diverse cargo, including renewable energy components, industrial machinery, mining equipment, and more.
Lars zum Felde of UHL highlighted the solution’s adaptability: “Given the diversity of cargo entrusted to us, no voyage is identical. Syroco’s platform leverages accurate digital twins, factoring in each vessel’s seakeeping characteristics based on its specific load. During the pilot phase, we achieved better decision-making, improved performance predictions, and reduced fuel consumption. Its reliability and ease of use also drove strong adoption among our crews.”
Syroco’s platform employs precise weather and sea data, combined with digital twins and machine learning, to optimize voyage planning. The system enables crews to chart the safest and most efficient routes while considering operational constraints like arrival times and cargo conditions. Post-departure, the platform updates routing as conditions evolve, ensuring real-time adjustments for optimal safety and efficiency.
The solution also includes Syroco Live, an on-board app, and the Syroco Onwatch service, which provides crews with around-the-clock support for decision-making and voyage analysis. During the pilot, bridge officers used Onwatch to navigate around severe weather, enhancing safety while maintaining operational schedules.
Alex Caizergues, President and Co-founder of Syroco, praised UHL’s commitment to innovation and sustainability: “United Heavy Lift is a forward-thinking company dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of their operations. The pilot phase demonstrated the effectiveness of our platform and the value of our team’s support. By deploying this advanced routing and trip optimization solution, UHL is equipping its crews to minimize their energy footprint while enhancing safety and performance.”
