By Eva Richardson | The Logistic News
Global shipping leader Maersk has officially launched an AI-powered routing platform designed to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions across its global fleet. The new platform, developed in-house and in collaboration with Microsoft Azure AI, uses real-time oceanographic data, weather forecasting, and historical fuel performance to recommend optimal sea routes for each vessel.
The system, called NavAssist, has already been deployed on 130 Maersk container ships and is expected to be installed across the full fleet by Q4 2025.
“NavAssist is a game-changer,” said Anders Boedker, Head of Maersk Maritime Innovation. “It’s not just about emissions—it’s about safety, precision, and long-term sustainability.”
During pilot testing, ships using NavAssist reported:
• Up to 12% reduction in fuel consumption
• 16% improvement in estimated time of arrival accuracy
• A measurable decrease in voyage deviation risks
The platform continuously collects vessel-specific data such as hull resistance, engine output, and cargo weight, which it combines with environmental inputs to create dynamic route models.
This initiative is part of Maersk’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, in line with IMO 2050 targets. It also complements Maersk’s parallel investment in methanol-fueled vessels and green fuel supply chains.
Industry analysts praise the move as a critical step in making AI a core operational component in maritime logistics—bridging the gap between digital innovation and sustainable impact.
