Recognising that optimising fuel efficiency is no longer just a best practice, it’s a necessity for the survival of many fishing businesses, the Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS) developed by Hefring Marine is helping many operations increase their profitability, according to the Icelandic technology company.
Hefring Marine explains that fishing vessels face unique fuel challenges, with long hours at sea – often in unpredictable conditions – can lead to significant fuel waste. This is compounded by the need to maintain optimal speeds and manoeuvrability to ensure both efficiency and the safety of the crew.
Its IMAS is designed to address the core issues of fuel efficiency by providing real-time data and insights that allow captains to make informed decisions. It combines advanced sensors, AI-driven analytics, and intuitive user interfaces to deliver actionable recommendations that optimise vessel performance.
The system is now in use in 14 countries by many professional users who to-date have relied on the system’s guidance in 34,000 trips, sailing 400,000 nautical miles for 40,000 hours. Every 30 days, 1,500 to 2,000 trips are added to this data set. This data includes information on the operation of inshore fishing and lobster boats.
Hefring Marine has worked with boat owners’ associations to collect and process data on whether and how much fuel consumption can be reduced and thus increase the sustainability of these fisheries. The result is decisive, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption and thus the carbon footprint by up to 20%, which in this case is equivalent to up to two million litres in fuel savings per year, which results in a reduction in the carbon footprint of over 5,000 tonnes.
One of the standout features of the IMAS system is its ability to analyse a wide range of operational data in real time, Hefring Marine said. By monitoring variables such as speed, engine load, weather conditions, and fuel consumption, the system can provide instant feedback to the captain on the most efficient speed for the current conditions, helping to reduce unnecessary fuel burn but also ensures that the vessel operates within optimal parameters for both safety and efficiency.
For example, the IMAS system can suggest slight adjustments in speed or heading based on real-time wave and wind data, enabling the vessel to cut through water more smoothly and efficiently. Over time, these small adjustments can lead to significant fuel savings.
IMAS also offers predictive maintenance alerts, flagging potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs or breakdowns.
By keeping the vessel operating at its best, shipmasters can avoid the additional fuel costs associated with operating under strain or having to divert for emergency repairs, Hefring Marine said. Moreover, a well-maintained engine operates more efficiently, consuming less fuel and reducing emissions.
IMAS ensures captains are made aware of the health of their engines, allowing them to take proactive measures that keep operations running smoothly. They can also review past voyages, identifying patterns in fuel consumption and operational inefficiencies. These insights can then be used to plan future voyages more effectively, such as optimising fishing schedules or making decisions about when to upgrade equipment, the company added.
