Splash247: Quantum meets tramp shipping: ESL and QMill test hybrid optimisation

Published by Splash247

ESL Shipping has launched a multi-year research and development project focused on improving fleet-level planning and decision-making through advanced optimisation methods, including the exploration of quantum computing applications for complex shipping operations.

Partially funded by Business Finland, the project addresses challenges arising from managing cargo flows, capacity constraints, emissions and commercial priorities simultaneously. By combining operational data, optimisation models and new approaches to pricing and information sharing, the “Smart Fleet Optimisation” project aims to deepen understanding of how emerging computational methods could support more advanced decision-making in shipping.

“Fleet optimisation in tramp trade shipping is highly complex with many variables that change dynamically. Our goal is to understand how far advanced and emerging optimization methods can meaningfully support operational planning and emission reductions,” said Kirsi Ylärinne, environment and sustainability director at ESL Shipping.

In the project, ESL Shipping has partnered with QMill to assess quantum computing suitability for optimisation problems, using ESL Shipping’s real operational data. The work will include modelling, validation and close collaboration between technical specialists and business stakeholders.

“ESL Shipping’s use case is a particularly compelling optimisation challenge. By integrating QMill’s quantum-classical hybrid optimisation algorithms with ESL Shipping’s operational data we can deliver real business value already today, while unlocking greater value as quantum hardware matures. This hybrid approach, which bridges classical and quantum computing, is pioneering within the field,” said Ville Kotovirta, CTO at QMill.

“Quantum computing offers long-term potential for solving highly complex optimization challenges in shipping. With Business Finland funding, we can investigate these possibilities in a structured and realistic way, closely connected to our operational needs,” added Ylärinne.