Oslo-based StormGeo, a global leader in weather intelligence and decision support solutions, on Thursday (12 June) announced a strategic partnership with Bearing AI, a pioneer in AI-driven vessel performance modelling.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in maritime efficiency, bringing together StormGeo’s decades-long experience in voyage optimisation with Bearing AI’s advanced machine learning capabilities.

Through this partnership, StormGeo’s Voyage Optimization Service will integrate Bearing AI’s advanced vessel performance models to deliver more precise fuel consumption predictions, efficient route planning, and reduced emissions.

“Our partnership with Bearing AI represents a new chapter in voyage optimization,” said Petter Andersen, Senior Vice President – Shipping at StormGeo.

“By integrating AI-driven vessel performance models into our trusted framework, we are offering the best of both worlds – StormGeo’s proven shipping expertise and long history with weather intelligence and Bearing AI’s adaptive technology. The result is a superior solution for shipping companies looking to optimise routes, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance.”

StormGeo’s Voyage Optimization Service already empowers maritime operators with intelligent routing based on real-time weather, oceanographic conditions, and fuel efficiency models. With the addition of Bearing AI’s models, shipowners and operators can expect:

• Optimised route planning – Enhanced data accuracy enables dynamic adjustments for the safest, most fuel-efficient voyages and more precise ETA predictions.
• Improved fuel efficiency – AI-powered models complement StormGeo’s technology and forecasting expertise, improving fuel consumption predictions.
• Lower carbon emissions – Precise modeling supports compliance with IMO regulations, including CII and EEXI, helping companies meet sustainability goals.

“We’re excited to partner with StormGeo to provide shipping companies with a future-ready solution that maximizes both profitability and sustainability,” said Dylan Keil, CEO at Bearing AI.

“Our AI-powered solution combines data from different sources with adaptable machine learning technologies to build models that predict vessel performance in a wide range of operating conditions – complementing StormGeo’s performance models. StormGeo’s global reach, commitment to technological innovation, and trusted reputation make them an ideal partner for our technology.”

The partnership aligns with the industry’s shift toward digitalisation while reinforcing StormGeo’s position as a trusted, forward-thinking partner in voyage intelligence.

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 13 June 2025

OCI Fuels has partnered with maritime technology firm ZeroNorth to use its Electronic Bunker Delivery Note (eBDN) solution across its operations, said the latter on Thursday (12 June).

The development also marked the first fully digital delivery of green methanol taking place in the Port of Rotterdam.

“This marks the first of many digital green fuel deliveries – and points to the broader change happening in the bunker industry,” noted Nicolai Bendixen, Managing Director at ZeroNorth Bunker.

“As the industry adapts to new fuels, regulatory pressure, and growing expectations around transparency, solutions like eBDN will play a key role. We’re proud to support this transformation and grateful to partner with OCI FUELS in making it happen.”

The delivery saw OCI Fuels and barge operator UniBarge supply green methanol using the eBDN solution.

By replacing manual paperwork with a digital process, the system streamlines operations and improves transparency for all parties involved.

Photo credit: ZeroNorth
Published: 13 June 2025

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) on Wednesday (11 June) said a survey found 77% of shipowners and operators now consider achieving net zero a high priority in their strategy, up from 73% two years ago.

This was among the findings of the second edition of the Global Maritime Decarbonisation Survey, jointly conducted by GCMD and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) between October 2024 and February 2025.

The survey gathered 114 responses from shipowners and operators across a range of vessel types, fleet sizes, and regions. While the survey was conducted before the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) MEPC 83 session in April, its findings already reflected sustained commitment across the industry. The outcomes of MEPC 83—introducing new regulatory targets and incentives—are expected to reinforce these ambitions and further accelerate momentum.

Survey results show that 60% of respondents have now set net-zero targets (up from 54%), while the use of bio-blended fuels has more than doubled to 46%, and methanol use has increased from 3% to 6%. However, uptake of more nascent technologies—such as ammonia, wind-assisted propulsion systems, solar panels, super-light ships, and air lubrication—remains limited.

The survey also reflects the industry’s desire for policies and regulations to create a level playing field. Nearly three-quarters of respondents identified either compliance measures or financial incentives as the most important policy objectives. A level playing field will ensure that early adopters are not competitively disadvantaged on cost and stakeholders with limited resources can benefit from financial support to overcome economic barriers.

The survey also gathered insights from key bunkering ports, whose support is critical for maritime decarbonisation. Most surveyed ports have roadmaps and dedicated teams focused on initiatives to facilitate maritime decarbonisation, and all of them, namely Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Port of Long Beach, Port of New York and New Jersey, Port of Rotterdam, and Port of Singapore, offer green incentives. 

A significant concern for ports, however, is the lack of demand certainty from shipping companies for both low-carbon fuels and Onboard Carbon Capture Systems (OCCS). This ‘chicken-and-egg’ dilemma hinders ports to take on the investment decision to develop the requisite infrastructure, though the recently introduced GHG pricing mechanism is expected to strengthen demand signals for low-carbon fuels.

Dr Sanjay C Kuttan, Chief Strategy Officer of GCMD, said, “Positive developments in maritime policy, especially from the IMO, which further tighten limits on GHG emissions, along with the increased ambitions voiced by survey respondents, are encouraging signals. Greater cooperation with the ports and pertinent stakeholders across the various value chains will be required to address challenges across the broader ecosystem. With the right investments and collaborative actions, the maritime industry can chart a course to a future where sustainable decarbonisation and commercial success can co-exist.

Anand Veeraraghavan, Managing Director and Senior Partner of BCG, said, “It is encouraging to see that even in the face of global uncertainties, the maritime industry’s decarbonisation ambitions remain intact and steadfast. The recent MEPC outcomes mark a pivotal step forward, sharpening demand signals with incentives for exceeding compliance goals and penalty mechanisms for shortfalls. Now is the time for the industry—both ships and ports—to build on this momentum.

Note: The second edition of the GCMD–BCG Global Maritime Decarbonisation Survey report can be viewed here. 

Photo credit: Lukas Blazek on Unsplash
Published: 12 June, 2025