Logistics changes constantly because of disruptions, wars and tariffs. This affects how emissions are created and how each carrier performs. Yet not all of the market uses granular or real-time data, and shipping is often seen as a closed industry, with data hidden behind commercially sensitive information.
In this episode of Smart Freight Conversations,
Andy Golding, Director of Strategic Services at
Smart Freight Centre (SFC), speaks with
Constantine Komodromos, Founder and CEO of
VesselBot, about how data, AI and real-time visibility are transforming decision-making in maritime logistics, and what it takes to turn emissions insights into real-world action.
Digital twins for every voyage
VesselBot uses digital twins developed internally to simulate fuel consumption. This provides very granular shipment execution and emissions data for each voyage of each customer shipment.
Operational patterns matter. A carrier moving cargo faster than another on a given schedule makes a significant difference to emissions, as does utilization, or how much cargo a vessel actually carries.
Commercial insights alongside sustainability
Beyond sustainability, VesselBot customers gain commercial insights, such as:
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How is my freight forwarder operating?
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Are they doing transshipment?
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Which carriers and ocean schedules are we using?
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Can we shift ocean schedules on the same trade lane, given that carriers have different emissions intensities?
These insights are embedded into daily operations and support procurement decisions. Constantine also addresses a common misconception in the market: decarbonization does not have to be costly. Sustainability can deliver real financial benefits and a return on investment, not just emissions reductions.
Can modelled data be trusted?
Constantine says this is a valid question. The Maersk Mc-Kinney Institute published research based on International Maritime Organization (IMO) fuel consumption data. Compared with VesselBot’s quarterly maritime emissions report for the same type of container fleet, the difference was only 3%.
Modelling can be accurate if it is done scientifically and accounts for the proper parameters. The right data depends on the decision. Reporting can rely on more historical, aggregated data, while operationalizing sustainability requires current data on today’s operational patterns.
Moving from insight to action
Many companies have emissions data but struggle to act on it. Constantine describes this as a change management process. Operational teams may need re-educating to reframe their perspective, questions and processes, while management must provide strategic direction and incentivize operational change, so the new way of thinking becomes the new status quo.
Collaboration across the market
Decarbonization needs to involve all stakeholders: carriers, shippers, service providers and organizations like SFC. When carriers are incentivized to invest, fuel providers invest more, and the CapEx for infrastructure follows. Shippers need to incentivize the carriers already making the investment.
His advice for organizations getting started: start from somewhere, but know where you want to go. Have visibility of your short-, medium- and long-term goals and build a holistic strategy around them.
Learn more
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