Sofar Ocean launches self-service voyage optimisation | Mariner News

Sofar Ocean has introduced Wayfinder Explore, a new self-service suite of voyage optimisation tools designed to empower shipping fleets with in-house routing decision-making. The platform aims to give masters and shore teams direct control, mirroring the weather and vessel data previously available only to Sofar’s routing specialists.

Wayfinder Explore enables users to optimise routes, adjust waypoints, and modify engine inputs like RPM, with immediate updates on fuel use, sailing time, and associated costs. This direct feedback facilitates swift comparison of different voyage options, offering enhanced operational agility in route adjustments.

The tool fosters greater autonomy for vessel and shore teams over route selection and provides a transparent record of all routing decisions, including the forecast and vessel model employed. This capability supports improved accountability and streamlined communication between ship and office, potentially impacting charter party disputes or internal performance reviews by documenting routing rationale.

Built upon Sofar’s Wayfinder Core platform, Explore leverages the company’s wave forecasts, which are supported by its Spotter ocean sensor network. Vessel performance models within the system are continually retrained using daily weather data and noon reports. Initial fleet trials are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter.