One Sea funding propels automation

An injection of public funds via Business Finland will contribute to the ecosystem’s development for the next three years, as technology partners push forward with further sea trials and Finland-based One Sea rolls out an autonomous shipping standards initiative alongside the maritime industry’s move towards greater connectivity and digitalisation.

“Digital technologies could transform every aspect of shipping and maritime logistics, but these benefits will only be realized through strong cooperation. One Sea was established expressly to facilitate such strategic collaboration,” emphasised Sari Turkkila, executive director of Shipbrokers Finland, which represents more than 40 Finnish companies operating in ports and promoting foreign trade.

Solutions in progress

Led by DIMECC Ltd (Digital, Internet, Materials & Engineering Co-Creation), the One Sea Alliance already incorporates a group of companies working on autonomous solutions and technologies, with members including ABB, Cargotec, Ericsson, Finnpilot Pilotage, Rolls-Royce Marine, Tieto and Wärtsilä.

Additionally, the Finnish government has strongly supported the development of autonomous shipping through both domestic legislation and international advocacy.

Päivi Haikkola, ecosystem lead – DIMECC Ltd, commented: “The continuing funding from Business Finland supports our co-creation platform until 2021 in sustaining its mission on all fronts. We have come together to pursue a unique opportunity – one which promises to generate millions, if not billions, of Euros in new business value.”