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Maersk Tankers launches digital spin-off to target CO2 emissions reduction

Maersk Tankers launches digital spin-off to target CO2 emissions reduction
Maersk Tankers has launched a new standalone digital business aimed at reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and optimising vessels’ earnings across the tramp shipping sector.

The digital spin-off, not yet named by Maersk Tankers, develops and sells the software product SimBunker to owners and managers in the tramp shipping industry for them to manage their vessels more efficiently.

SimBunker optimises vessels’ bunker spend, which can account for up to 60% of the total voyage costs, by determining optimal solutions for factors such as speed, bunker purchase and route. The software product was developed within Maersk Tankers and will now be spun off into the new digital business, along with its related customer base.

“Through significant and strategic investment, we have established Maersk Tankers as the digital frontrunner in the tanker industry. Digitisation will enhance customer and partner experience, transform our business and contribute to a more efficient operation, benefitting both sustainability and profitability,” said Christian M. Ingerslev, ceo of Maersk Tankers.

“This becomes increasingly important at a time when the shipping industry must adapt to take its share in solving complex challenges posed by climate change and new regulatory requirements. With the new set-up, we will be able to accelerate our digital strategy,” he added.

A team is being be built around employees from the existing Maersk Tankers Digital team, as well as new employees to be hired. It is led by Soren C. Meyer, who is currently chief asset officer of Maersk Tankers.

“The shipping industry has an enormous potential for digitisation, especially in commercial and technical areas. As a standalone business, we will be able to accelerate this development,” Meyer said.

“We will be working with players across the industry to optimise pool partners’ bunker spend, using large data sets and analytics. We are confident that such collaboration and digital measures are instrumental in putting the industry on a path to greener growth,” he said.

Since 2016, Maersk Tankers has been working to increase the use of digitalisation, developing digital capabilities and products in-house.

Peter Schroder, chief digital officer of Maersk Tankers, pointed out that priority of product development will be given to products that lower CO2 emissions, increase earnings for partners and make it easier for them to do business two-way.

TAGS: Europe