- Fred. Olsen Express collects and analyses 700,000 data points daily from its fleet to optimise fuel use and anticipate operational issues.
- The ferry operator has launched over 90 environmental initiatives, including LiDAR-assisted docking and AI-powered thermal cameras for whale protection.
- Its ‘Sea of Stars’ project reduces port light pollution, recognised by Tenerife authorities in 2025.
Fred. Olsen Express, a key ferry operator in the Canary Islands, has presented its 2025 Environmental Actions Balance, detailing more than 90 sustainability projects. This strategy, branded ‘In Harmony with the Sea’, aims to drive decarbonisation and minimise ecological impact through advanced technology and extensive data analysis.
Context and Background
Maritime transport in island regions like the Canary Islands faces distinct pressures. Fragile marine ecosystems and tourism dependence require cleaner operations. Fred. Olsen Express has long developed sustainability efforts, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Canary Islands 2030 Agenda.
Processing 700,000 daily data points is deliberate. In shipping, fuel can represent up to 60% of operational costs, making consumption optimisation essential. This comprehensive monitoring allows for route, speed, and maintenance adjustments, cutting CO₂ emissions.
In-Depth Technical Analysis
Among the 90 initiatives, 20 focus on technology. The Dock Aid system, developed with Subsea Mechatronics, uses LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging, a technology measuring distances with light pulses) to assist docking manoeuvres. Validated in 2025 at Agaete port, it enhances precision and safety, lowering collision risks and dock damage.
Another project, with Aeromarine and SEA.AI, integrates X-band radar, high-definition thermal cameras, and artificial intelligence (AI). This system detects floating objects and marine fauna, such as cetaceans (whales and dolphins), with greater advance. Thermal cameras are installed on all large fast ferries, with full deployment by 2027.
The light management initiative, ‘Sea of Stars’, advised by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, dims ship lighting during night stays. This protects species like Cory’s shearwater, which disorients with artificial light, and boosts energy efficiency.
Concrete Operational Implications
These technologies reshape daily operations. Real-time data analysis enables fuel consumption tweaks, potentially reducing operational costs by 5% to 10% on optimised vessels. Early detection systems minimise stoppages from wildlife collisions, avoiding propeller damage and schedule delays.
For Canary Island ports, initiatives like ‘Sea of Stars’ cut light pollution, crucial in areas with astronomical observatories. This positions Fred. Olsen Express as a preferred operator in regions with strict environmental rules.
Impact on the Labour Market
The technology focus creates opportunities for specialised professionals. Demand will rise for maritime data analysts, LiDAR sensor engineers, and AI experts in fauna detection. Crew members need training in these systems, driving courses at nautical academies.
Collaboration with scientific bodies, such as the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, opens doors for joint research. This can attract young talent to the maritime sector, traditionally less connected to tech innovation.
Macro Context
Decarbonising maritime transport is a global priority. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050. Fred. Olsen Express’s projects align with this trend, anticipating tighter future regulations.
In the Canary Islands, the local 2030 Agenda stresses marine biodiversity protection. Cetacean detection technologies address this, potentially serving as a model for other routes in sensitive areas like the Mediterranean or Baltic.
Outlook
Fred. Olsen Express plans to expand its technologies until 2027. The full deployment of the detection system with radar and thermal cameras could become a standard for ferries in wildlife-rich zones. This would boost competitiveness in public tenders prioritising environmental criteria.
Large-scale data analysis might evolve into digital twins of vessels, simulating operations to predict consumption and maintenance. This would further cut ecological footprint and costs, appealing to investors focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria.
FAQ
- Q: What are the benefits of the Dock Aid system with LiDAR?
A: It enhances docking safety by providing precise distance measurements, reducing collision risks and structural damage, which optimises port operation times. - Q: How does marine fauna detection with thermal cameras and AI work?
A: Thermal cameras detect temperature differences, identifying warm bodies like cetaceans on the surface. AI analyses images in real-time, alerting crews to alter routes and avoid collisions. - Q: What operational impact does the ‘Sea of Stars’ light management have?
A: It lowers energy consumption during night stays and reduces seabird disorientation, complying with local environmental rules without affecting safety. - Q: Is this model replicable for other shipping companies?
A: Yes, especially for ferry and passenger vessel operators in ecologically sensitive regions. Initial tech investment is offset by fuel savings and lower incident risks.
Editorial Note: This article has been professionally adapted from Spanish to British English
for the WishToSail.com international maritime audience. Original article published at
QuieroNavegar.app.
