In ESL Shipping's Smart Fleet Optimization project, new digital solutions are being developed to support fleet-level planning and decision-making. Optimizing fleet schedules in tramp shipping involves numerous variables, such as cargo flows, capacity constraints, emissions, and commercial priorities.
The project aims to improve fleet utilization efficiency by combining operational data, advanced optimization models, and new approaches to pricing and information sharing. The project specifically explores the applicability of quantum computing to complex optimization problems in maritime logistics. The solutions support decision-making from both commercial and environmental perspectives. ESL Shipping has been granted a funding of EUR 1.09 million for the project.
The Smart Fleet Optimization project integrates classical and quantum computing in a hybrid approach. The solution will leverage an optimization algorithm currently being developed by QMill for quantum computing. The development of the use case represents pioneering work in the field of quantum computing.
In addition, QMill is researching other quantum algorithms within the Supernova research project, which is partly funded by Business Finland. These algorithms aim to outperform classical computers in real-world, commercially viable computational tasks. The goal is to demonstrate practical quantum advantage and identify commercially beneficial applications. The project, funded with EUR 1.7 million, continues QMill's initiative launched in 2024, which also received funding from Business Finland.
Finnish quantum expertise is among the best in the world
"These funding decisions are significant for developing the global competitiveness of Finnish quantum expertise, and they clearly demonstrate the various applications of quantum computing. I wish both companies the best of luck on their journey toward international growth. I hope that more and more Finnish companies will incorporate quantum computing into their operations, because there are problems suitable for quantum computing to solve in every industry," says Lassi Noponen, Director General of Business Finland.
"There are several startups in Finland developing quantum algorithms, and Business Finland can leverage their private VC funding with R&D funding. We are building the world’s most attractive quantum ecosystem in Finland, where domestic and international expertise come together. A big thank you also to our Quantum program for its long-term and systematic development and promotion of the quantum sector."