CGI consortium to develop digital twin for the maritime sector

A new MaritimeTwin initiative will develop a digital twin, and a satellite technology solution to enable data-driven, environmentally-focused routing to help drive net zero targets in procurement. The scheme will be led by CGI in collaboration with IDRIC at Heriot-Watt University and Maritime UK.

MaritimeTwin is an initiative which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by up to 15% – by using cutting-edge satellite and digital twin technology to optimise shipping routes and reduce environmental impact.

In support of the UK’s Clean Maritime Plan and net-zero goals, MaritimeTwin will provide shipping operators with a powerful tool to simulate various scenarios, with an outcome of allowing data-driven decisions that balance operational efficiency with environmental impact –  with access to technology capable of ‘learning’, and offering more precision through machine-learning algorithms.

Speaking on the project, Neale Ryan, head of land and maritime transport at Innovate UK, commented, “The MaritimeTwin initiative shows what can be achieved when we rethink every part of maritime technology - from engine design to IT systems. CGI’s digital twin system has exciting potential to help UK and international vessels find smarter, lower-carbon routes that could make a marked reduction in shipping emissions. It is a prime example of the exciting ways that UK SHORE-funded projects are setting a course for a more sustainable maritime sector.”

Led by CGI with Maritime UK, and the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC) at Heriot-Watt University, the project will bring together world-class expertise in digital innovation, maritime research and industry standards.

Consulting-led

CGI is one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, and through the project, it has secured funding from the UK Government through its SEEDS (Sustainability Exploration and Environmental Data Science) programme.

Mattie Yeta, CGI UK’s chief sustainability officer, added, “This award enables the development of a demonstrator that leverages real-time data to deliver tangible impact across the maritime sector. This project addresses the urgent need for maritime decarbonisation but also strengthens the UK’s position as a leader in clean maritime technology, driving economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs in the sector.”

The project will also have access to CGI’s DataTwin360 and EcoHub platforms. The MaritimeTwin prototype will integrate real-time satellite data with advanced digital twin technology, a virtual representation of a real-world object, system, or process. This will enable accurate route planning, fuel consumption optimisation, and emissions monitoring to help support decarbonisation whilst strengthening the UK’s position as a clean maritime technology leader, driving economic growth and highly skilled jobs.

Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, IDRIC’s director at Heriot-Watt University, concluded, "The pace and complexity of pathways to decarbonisation for maritime transport demands rigorous and independent research. We are delighted to be able to leverage the expertise that IDRIC has built up over the past four years. The MaritimeTwin consortium will enable rapid development and deployment of a transformative solution for the maritime industry through close collaboration and access to real-world testing to accelerate commercialisation.”