Maersk Star Connect Fleet Energy Platform Processes 2.5 Billion IoT Data Points

Maersk showcased Star Connect at the Code Cargo 2025 event, revealing a fleet energy efficiency platform that processes 2.5 billion IoT data points in real-time using edge computing technology. The system deploys computational resources directly on vessels rather than relying solely on shore-based processing, enabling on-the-fly voyage decisions within minutes rather than hours. The platform continuously analyzes sensor data from propulsion systems, weather stations, cargo handling equipment, and navigation systems to forecast fuel consumption, predict wind resistance impacts, and identify parametric roll risks before they develop into dangerous situations. Operational decision support: Star Connect transforms vessel energy management from reactive monitoring to predictive optimization. The system forecasts fuel consumption for different route options, speed profiles, and trim configurations, allowing masters and shore-based teams to make informed decisions that balance schedule requirements, fuel costs, and safety considerations. Wind resistance forecasting helps operators time speed adjustments to exploit favorable conditions and avoid energy-intensive periods. Parametric roll prediction—critical for containerships susceptible to dangerous synchronous rolling in following seas—provides early warnings that enable course or speed changes to avoid conditions that could damage cargo or endanger the vessel. Edge computing advantage: Processing data directly on vessels solves the bandwidth and latency problems that plague purely cloud-based maritime AI systems. Satellite communications remain expensive and unreliable, making continuous transmission of 2.5 billion data points to shore infeasible. Edge computing enables sophisticated analysis using local computational resources, transmitting only summaries, alerts, and critical insights to shore teams. This architecture ensures the system remains functional even when vessel connectivity degrades, maintaining decision support capabilities during precisely the conditions—severe weather, remote routing—when operators most need reliable guidance. Decarbonization strategy alignment: The platform directly supports Maersk's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040 by identifying operational inefficiencies that increase fuel consumption and emissions without adding commercial value. Even 1-2% fuel savings across Maersk's fleet of 700+ vessels translate to tens of thousands of tons of avoided CO2 emissions and millions of dollars in annual bunker cost reductions. The platform's ability to document efficiency improvements also supports CII rating management and provides verifiable data for customers increasingly requiring emissions reporting as part of supply chain sustainability initiatives. [Weathernews]

This story is part of the Maritime AI Digest of 2 November 2025.

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