Category: Press

A smartship partnership bringing together ship management company Laskaridis Shipping, digital technology provider METIS Cyberspace Technology and classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) has developed new notations reflecting the latest advances in digitalisation, and in particular the use of augmented data to optimise the efficiency of shipping operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The results of this partnership were made official during a meeting at the offices of Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD. on the 17th of November 2023.

The project, which was launched in June 2022, led to BV delivering an Approval in Principle to METIS Cyberspace for its METIS Ship Connect System, an automated data acquisition platform for the monitoring of vessel operations and subsystems. Furthermore, two new classification notations were awarded to the bulk carrier LETO, built in 2015 and managed by Laskaridis Shipping CO. LTD., which is one of the 20 ships of the company’s fleet equipped with METIS Ship Connect.

METIS Ship Connect serves as the onboard Internet of Things (IoT) component within the METIS solution. METIS Ship Connect collects data streams from onboard sensors, instruments and automation control systems that are utilized by the METIS cloud–based platform to generate actionable intelligence. Essential vessel metrics such as fuel oil consumption, engine performance, electrical power production etc. are monitored in real time and through advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques the METIS platform provides optimization recommendations, predictive insights and regulatory compliance management.

With METIS Ship Connect on board, the bulk carrier LETO became the first vessel to be awarded the DATAINFRA notation, which was developed by Bureau Veritas as part of the project. The DATAINFRA notation recognises that the ship is equipped with data infrastructure consisting of data assets, technologies, organisations and data management processes, ensuring the reliable collection, transmission, storage, sharing and availability of data to multiple data consumers.

The LETO is also the first in-service vessel to receive BV’s SMART (EnE1-W, -S, -Em) notation, which recognises that the company and the vessel incorporate software and hardware that provide smart functions for the collection, transmission, analysis and visualisation of data related to energy efficiency, speed optimisation, weather routing and emissions monitoring.

Focusing on the use of big data and AI technology, the new notations and the METIS Ship Connect platform will help shipmanagers reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vessels and optimise performance. The project and notations scope support ship-to-shore connectivity, remote decisions and remote operations.

Mrs. Eleni Polychronopoulou, President at METIS Cyberspace Technology, said: “Shipping is now coming to accept that real-time vessel data, predictive analysis and artificial intelligence will be crucial to meeting the needs of the transition ahead. Used correctly, data not only helps optimise maritime operations to boost energy efficiency, but also supports better decision-making at the strategic level. Approval in Principle from Bureau Veritas confirms that Metis Ship Connect as already fully ready and fit for purpose to help the maritime industry navigate its digital challenges.”

Regarding the cooperation with Laskaridis Shipping, Mrs Polychronopoulou noted “We seek and value such partnerships in order to improve and optimize the use of the gathered data. As we are in the process of a large development program at Metis for on-board and office tools, receiving good feedback helps us to develop these tools in the right direction.

Mr. Suzanna Laskaridis, Chairwoman of Lavinia Corp., said: “We are proud to pioneer maritime digitalisation. The latest notations awarded to our LETO vessel highlight our commitment to use advanced data collection and real-time monitoring solutions to maximise our operational efficiency while also reducing our carbon footprint. Digital technologies have tremendous potential to drive operational excellence and enhance sustainability, which is why they are at the heart of our long-term strategy.” Through cooperations in innovation like this one we can open the way for transformative developments, unlocking new possibilities in the field of maritime digitalization that can benefit our companies but also the industry at large.

Mr. George Christopoulos, COO of Laskaridis Shipping Co. LTD. noted: “All of our newbuildings with BV Class will have the SMART notation. We want to take advantage of the evolution in technology until 2027 when the ships will be delivered. We have agreed with the shipyards to perform sea trial using high frequency data. The shipyards also want to add the SMART notation as their designs are upgraded. Our target is to expand the concept and prove that we are actively engaged in data driven operations. Our biggest charterers are already requesting high frequency data analytics. On our side we are totally transparent and agree to include in our charter parties specific clauses for CII and EU ETS. We are also in the process of upgrading to mass flow meters which very much improve our consumption measurement accuracy.

Mr. Nicholas Tsoulakos, Innovation & Technology Manager of Laskaridis Shipping noted: “We are in the era of digitalization and the high frequency data collection systems that we have installed on our vessels are the basis for the upcoming AI systems that are coming or are already available in the maritime industry.

Mrs. Paillette Palaiologou, Vice President for South East Europe, Black Sea & Adriatic (SEEBA) Zone at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “Digitalisation is the essential foundation for progress on decarbonisation and operational efficiency more broadly. This project builds on Bureau Veritas’ strategy to support technological advances and digitalisation in shipping, enabling safe innovation as the industry progresses towards more digitalised and autonomous ships. This partnership is also a tangible example of BV’s dedication to collaboration, bringing together our diverse expertise and experience to achieve meaningful outcomes.’

METIS Cyberspace Technology has appointed Panos Theodossopoulos as its new Chief Executive Officer, in a move designed to consolidate the company’s position as a leader in maritime digitalisation and extend market penetration.

An expert in driving business development through technological innovation, Theodossopoulos has considerable experience in leadership roles in the ICT and maritime sectors. In recent years, he has specialised in maritime digitalisation, co-founding a successful maritime tech start-up in 2015 and later serving as Chief Digital Officer at OceanKing, a leading marine technical and commercial group. Previous positions include Director of Public Sector Sales at Microsoft Hellas and General Manager Cloud Division at SingularLogic.

“In a relatively short time, METIS has established itself as a major player in the Hellenic shipping community and as a frontrunner in maritime digitalisation – both locally and internationally,” commented Theodossopoulos. “It is therefore an honour to be appointed CEO at this exciting stage in the company’s development – and I look forward to building on the success that has already been achieved.”
In welcoming the appointment, Eleni Polychronopoulou, METIS President, said: “Panos possesses extensive knowledge of digitalisation in and outside of shipping and the invaluable experience of founding and propelling the growth of a maritime technology company. He is well known and respected in the Greek shipping community while also maintaining strong international connections.”

Polychronopoulou, who will continue as President and remains fully engaged in the business, added: “As CEO, Panos brings exceptional insight and a truly collaborative approach to leading the next phase of development at METIS.”

And the winner is… METIS Cyberspace Technology!
We are very proud to have been announced as a SMART4SEA Award winner today at Europort 2023.

Our ShaPoLi solution, launched earlier this year, helps operators meet the ship’s required EEXI while ensuring that 100% of a vessel’s engine power is available if needed.

The main aspects though that make our ShaPoli solution stand out from the competition and the other distinguished shortlisted makers are the following:

• Our Shapoli solution is an integral part of the unified METIS platform, which offers one central point of real-time vessel monitoring and performance evaluation.
• Our Shapoli solution is shaft power meter agnostic, which enables our customers to choose whichever equipment they prefer and protect their initial investment in case they have already installed an SPM onboard.
• Our Shapoli solution offers Ship-to-shore data sharing in nearly real time so that the executives at the office have full visibility and all information at hand.

Andreas Symeonidis, Marketing & Partner Relations Manager, attended the award ceremony in Rotterdam and accepted the Smart Shipping Award on behalf of the company.

We would like to extend our thanks to the Smart4Sea team and the Europort Awards committee for this recognition, to everyone who voted for us, as well as to our customers for their trust and support, and most importantly, to our dedicated team whose hard work and ingenuity have made this achievement possible.

Accelleron has signed a strategic partnership with METIS Cyberspace Technology that will expand the number of marine installations and power generation facilities that can use data analytics to improve turbocharger operation and maintenance.

METIS develops data-collecting hardware and IoT solutions that can be easily deployed in vessels and facilities to achieve automated, real-time data availability. Under the cooperation, METIS will provide onboard and cloud-based data infrastructure to Accelleron customers, enabling the data collection that underpins Accelleron’s range of Smartly Enabled Service Agreements.

With many marine and power generation assets built before the advent of modern digital solutions, the cooperation will support operators in establishing the connectivity needed for real-time data collection and transfer. This capability is a pre-requisite for Accelleron’s digital solutions including Tekomar XPERT and Turbo Insight, and its service agreements Turbo MarineCare and Turbo SmartCare.

The marine class-approved data acquisition system from METIS can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of operators’ facilities. By partnering with METIS, Accelleron is broadening the number of customers that can benefit from the real-time insights and efficiency gains offered by its digital solutions.

Eleni Polychronopoulou, CEO, METIS, said: “State-of-the-art information technologies are increasingly available and affordable, which means that the value data offers to unlock greater ship safety, efficiency and sustainability can be made more widely accessible wherever assets are operating. We are delighted to team up with Accelleron to drive the uptake of these essential optimization capabilities in sectors that may have previously considered them out of reach.”

Roland Schwarz, Division President Service, Accelleron, added: “Digital solutions and data-enhanced services are increasingly understood as the keys to significant and cost-effective efficiency improvements in shipping and power generation. Accelleron has already invested in developing the tools and service agreements that enable customers to tap into these benefits. Our partnership with METIS will ensure we can extend those advantages to users that may otherwise have been unable to access them.”

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About ACCELLERON

Accelleron is a global leader in turbocharging technologies and optimization solutions for 0.5 to 80+ MW engines, helping to provide sustainable, efficient and reliable power to the marine, energy, rail, and off-highway sectors. Through its innovative product offerings and research leadership, the company accelerates the decarbonization of the industries it operates in. Accelleron has an installed base of approximately 180,000 turbochargers and a network of more than 100 service stations across 50 countries worldwide.

(www.accelleron-industries.com).

About METIS Cyberspace Technology S.A.

METIS Cyberspace Technology specializes in High Frequency Data Acquisition, and Advanced Performance Evaluation Analytics for the maritime Industry. METIS combines innovative thinking, maritime business know-how and expertise in high-end technologies such as Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to empower shipping’s digital transformation. Established in 2016 in Athens, METIS is majority-owned by the maritime-focused environmental engineering group ERMA FIRST.

www.metis.tech
@METIScybertech

The first ELEVATE GREECE awards ceremony took place during the 85th Thessaloniki International Fair, in the presence of Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis & the Minister of Development & Investment, Adonis Georgiadis.

At Metis we are proud for winning the “Business Development and Extroversion” award provided by the National Bank of Greece, ETVA, ANSYS and the Hellenic-American Chamber.

In the 1st Young Entrepreneurship Competition, 250 companies submitted applications while just 10 winning companies were awarded cash prizes as well as services from all the Official Supporters of Elevate Greece

Press Release:

Maritime data analytics specialist METIS Cyberspace Technology has emerged as a Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards winner, after securing the Lloyd’s List Intelligence 2020 Big Data Award in recognition of its contribution to digitalisation in the maritime industry.

Sponsored by ABS and judged by a panel of Lloyd’s List Intelligence experts, the prestigious Big Data Award recognises “Greek companies that have exemplified the benefits of digitalisation for innovation or efficiency”. METIS received the award on 4 December during a virtual presentation of the Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards. METIS specialises in the development of innovative artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower shipping companies on their journey towards digital transformation.  The company’s AI platform combines fully automated data acquisition with high-grade qualitative and quantitative analysis, delivering valuable information that addresses the needs of the various stakeholders within a shipping organisation. Accepting the honour on behalf of his team, METIS chief executive officer Mike Konstantinidis said: “In less than four years since its establishment, METIS Cyberspace Technology has earned a reputation within the industry as a provider of smart solutions that allow shipowners to extract real value from data. We are truly proud to see our efforts acknowledged by such a renowned source of shipping intelligence as Lloyd’s List.” The key to extracting “real value from data”, adds Konstantinidis, lies in AI and machine learning. Based on the insights gleaned using these technologies, METIS develops virtual models for the vessels within a fleet, through which it is able to identify trends, correlate seemingly unrelated events, predict future behaviour and present ‘what-if’ scenarios. The platform also features a variety of interface options for users to gain access to its specialised analytics on operational and technical matters, and receive alerts in advance of critical events. Options include the maritime industry’s first ‘chatbot’, with which vessel stakeholders can interact in plain English, request information of any kind and receive instant, detailed responses. From its Athens headquarters, METIS has expanded its operations globally, opening offices Vancouver and establishing partnership agreements in Singapore, London, Hamburg and Limassol. More than 250 ships are now registered to the METIS cloud platform. “METIS brings together shipping experience, mechanical and naval engineering expertise and unrivalled competence in modern digital technologies to provide a genuinely unique service,” says Konstantinidis. “By helping shipowners to reduce costs, enhance operational efficiency and minimise their carbon footprint, we are positioning ourselves as an invaluable partner in maritime digitalisation.”