Coming Soon

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50,973
2025-09-01 to 2026-02-28
Collaborative R&D
PortFlow, led by RoboK Limited in partnership with Red Funnel and BioBright, is a six-month pre-deployment trial focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from short-sea ferry operations through improved operational scheduling, real-time data integration, and environmental monitoring. Ferry terminals are busy, high-traffic environments where vehicles often arrive well in advance of departure times. This frequently leads to congestion, long idle periods, and increased emissions from both vehicles and vessels. Traditional ferry operations rely on fixed schedules and manual coordination, limiting their ability to respond dynamically to changing demand or real-time conditions. PortFlow will address this challenge by developing a prototype platform that applies artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, and emissions monitoring to optimise ferry terminal operations. The platform will use data from existing CCTV infrastructure, vehicle check-in records, and vessel activity logs to provide real-time visibility of traffic flows and vessel readiness. By monitoring vehicle arrivals, advising optimal check-in times, and detecting congestion or bottlenecks, the system will help operators to reduce dwell time --- the period that vehicles and vessels spend idle --- and therefore cut associated fuel consumption and emissions. To support accurate measurement of environmental impact, project partner BioBright will deploy emissions monitoring sensors within the terminal environment. These sensors will capture real-world carbon and air quality data, allowing the project to validate the emissions reduction potential of smarter scheduling and operational optimisation. The platform will also feature a user-friendly dashboard, providing ferry operators and port staff with live data, emissions insights, and scenario planning tools to support operational decision-making and long-term planning. PortFlow contributes to the UK's broader net zero ambitions and Clean Maritime Plan by demonstrating how digital tools, AI, and low-cost infrastructure can deliver emissions reductions in the maritime sector. The project offers a scalable, cost-effective approach that can be adopted by ferry operators and ports across the UK and internationally. By combining predictive scheduling technology with real-world emissions monitoring, PortFlow supports a more sustainable and data-driven future for ferry operations --- delivering both environmental benefits and operational efficiency improvements.