While the shipping industry debates future fuels, a growing share of emission reduction potential lies in operational efficiency. From voyage optimization to machinery management and hull performance, the right data architecture can deliver measurable impact today — independent of propulsion type.
In this episode, Frederik Lerche-Tornø, CEO of Oceanly, explains why the company’s philosophy “Don’t wait for zero – start with less” has become a practical roadmap for ship operators. Founded in 2022 following a management buyout of a long-established performance division, Oceanly operates between Denmark, Italy, and Norway, combining more than a decade of experience in maritime analytics.
Together with MSC Cruises, Oceanly has documented around 6 % fuel savings through optimized route planning, auxiliary machinery use, and monitoring of hull and propeller conditions. Central to this approach is what the company calls fleet transparency — a mirrored ship-and-shore data environment that allows both sides to act on identical information in real time.
The conversation also contrasts optimization dynamics across cruise, tanker, and bulk sectors, highlighting how planning horizons and data granularity influence performance gains. For Frederik, the message is clear: operational efficiency is not a temporary bridge but the foundation for managing the higher cost and complexity of next-generation fuels.
