Following the arrow of time: On RACE1 to HORIZON2
A further proof that Danaos views technological leadership as going hand-in-glove with operational quality isthe organic integration of abona fide and applied research node abbreviated as DrC into Danaos Shipping at the beginning of 2024. The DrC interdisciplinary team's mission is to provide innovative industry-specific solutions by participating in notable EU research projects focused on ship digitalization, process optimization, and AI-supported decision-making. We remain leaders and visionaries in maritime research, extrapolating memories and achievements from thepast to thefuture
It was1989 when the wwwinventorBerners-Lee wrote a memo proposing an internet-based hypertext system. At that time, Dr. John Coustas, holding a vision of reshaping the future of the maritime industry operation and management pioneering, began contributing to research and innovation through fruitful joint initiatives and participating in ECC-funded projects. In this direction he responded to the First MaritimeCall of the ECC named RACEprogram, participating in the MARIN-ABC Project. One decade later, their envisage became commercially viable3. In our days, Danaos with a portfolio of more than 40 mainlyEU-awardedfunding HORIZON projects,is widely recognized and officially stamped as the worldwide leader of avery small band of shipping companies in applied maritime research and innovation
FOR READING
ECC RACE Program MARIN ABC
The aim of the research was to demonstratethebenefitsofusingmobile ship-to-shore communications to allow shore-based expertsto assistthecrewin solving non-routine maintenance and repair problems. In addition to voice and data transmission, communications will include still and full-motion video. Unlimited mobility requires the use of satellite links, and the new high-speed data servicepresently being prepared by INMARSAT 1opens far-reaching opportunities in this area.
Enjoy the reading of the classic book, authored by Berners-Lee, “Weaving the Web,” prefaced by Michael Dertouzos
The MARIN-ABC documentation on the CORDIS PORTAL
and the first integrated CITIS live system based on IP
1 RACE Program (Research and Development in Advanced Communications Technologies in Europe) was a program launched in the 1980s by the Commission of European Communities to pave the way towards commercial use of Integrated Broadband Communication (IBC) in Europe in late 1990
2 HORIZON Europe is a seven-year European Union scientific research initiative to help develop a sustainable and livable society in Europe. It is the ninth of the Framework Programs for Research and Technological Development (FP9), and the successor of the Horizon 2020 program (FP8). The European Commission drafted and approved a plan for Horizon Europe to raise EU science spending levels by 50% over the years 2021–2027.
3 INMARSAT innovation award in CITIS 2002, which took place in London, went to Varelas and A. Englund for their outstanding work on the worldwide first integrated CITIS live system based on IP (INTERNET PROTOCOL AND TOPOLOGY) which was deployed at Thenamaris
Knowledge Sharing and Alliance
We strongly believe that knowledge sharing unleashes its power, providing also s value that is more important than profit. Openaccess libraries and sources generate win-win synergies and pave the way for continuous improvement. In this aspect, we publish our work, models, applications, and memories formatted as videos, articles, papers, presentations, and books in our knowledgehub. Belowarepresented fourbooksfromthelastyear.
The Greeks of CITIS: Communication & information technologies in shipping
T. Varelas – D. Kaklis – S. Archontaki – E. Bintevinou
“Reflect the past, respond to the present, and prepare for the future” is subtitled in our new book inspired by the homonymous golden principle of ANN designers. Selected awarded funding digitalization models and novelties for waterborne transportation, that were deployed in the past, are in use today, and could be used for further work or as paradigms by academia and industry in the future. They were spirituallydevelopedbyvisionaryGreeks,3rdindustrial revolutionists, looking forward and beyond, who early anticipated the coming cosmogonic changes at the dawnofthenewcentury. Intheforewordofthisedition, abrief history ofmaritimeinformation,Greeks’creativityfrom theeightiesuntilthebeginningof4th Industrial Revolution, the visionary researchers,developers and theirprotagonist contribution are outlined Dominated maritime information systemsdeveloped mainly in the house of avery small band of shipping companies, becoming the incubators of a few maritime research and development viable enterprises, are presented.
Recreational Mathematics with the Lens of Operational Research and Artificial Intelligence
T. Varelas – S. Archontaki – P. Arampatzi
The most known ingenuity recreational mathematics and strategy games are solved, and finally are integrated, utilizing artificial intelligence and operational research techniques. NIM mathematicalcombinatorialgame,the notorious”coconutsandmonkey”problem,theblue-eyed islanders puzzle the “look and say sequence” and the Conway's cosmological theorem are indicative cases that are utilized to underline the AI potential to solve the issues and much more
Question: Try to find the word-readingbottom up in the NIM What isnext? 1,11, 21,1211,111221,
A problem: The pile of nuts on a table is serially divided by four brothers, after each division, remainder of one is given to a monkey, and the final division comes out even. Find the number ofnuts
to create news as well as to generate cybersecurity encrypted and goal programmingtechniques incorporated to maritime applications
Models may be viewed, and related programs may be downloaded from our repository upon request. We also invite you to read from ETH Zürich the book “Examen du livre des recreations mathématiques (1639)” authored by Claude Mydorge inspiringthisbookcreation.
Enhanced and Holistic Voyage Planning Using Digital Twins
Dimitris Kaklis – Antonis Antonopoulos
Chapter 6 of the “State of the Art Digital Twin in Shipping” bible explains techniques and approaches to optimize a ship’s voyage in terms of environmental and business parameters, utilizing the digital twin (DT) concept. It demonstrates how voyage planning and navigation management, in general, are enhanced by taking into account vessel state in real-time as reflected and analyzed by the digital twin ecosystem. The theoretical backbone of voyage planning entails a multitude of state-of-the-art processes from trajectory mining and pathfinding algorithms to multi-constraining optimization by including a variety of parameters to the initial problem, such as weather avoidance, bunkering, Just in Time (JIT) arrival, predictive maintenance, as well as inventory management and charter party compliance. In this chapter, the authors showcase pertinent literature regarding navigation management as well as how the envisaged DT platform can redesign voyage planning, incorporating all the aforementioned parameters in a holistic digital replica of the en-route vessel, eventually proposing mitigation solutions to improve operational efficiency in real-time, through simulation, reasoning, and analysis.
Last year, several papers and deliverables were published and presented in academia and workshops, enriching our knowledge repository. Among them it is worth mentioning the outstanding work in Model Blueprints and Open Model Library authored by Dr. Kaklis within the content of DT4GS project where Model Blueprint (JSON, XML, OASIS, TOSCA templates) constructed, and a corresponding simulation model (Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Analytical [Keras, Theano, Pytorch, Java, R, Simulink]) is appropriately configured for training.
Papers for optimizationfocused on Bunkering (Comlexus Plan B), Decision-making (Turn Benefit of Doubt to the trustworthiness of MCDA), Voyage Efficiency (improvingvoyage efficiencyin the Shipping 4.0 era),
Based onTOPSIS,DEA,MCDA,multivariableregression, logit,ANNDBSCAN,PEARSON,ANN models, etc., authored byTV,FotisOikonomouandDK,are appendedinthe secondedition of the ORISMA book and also published on Danaos’Knowledge Hub
Danaos Entopia Research Focused
We envisage a maritime Entopia, an ecosystem where visionaries, dreamers, designers, technicians, scientists, innovators, intuitivists, developers, and, on an equal level, users harmoniously will define roadmaps to the future. In this direction, we are closely working with academia, institutes, and universities focused on applied maritime research. Workshops, Knowledge alliances, staff exchanges, and joining research projects are the main activities in building our Entopia.
Entopia
At the symposium on the island of Apollo, Delos, the visionary, traveler, and arch master Konstantinos Doxiadis, in the significant year of 1968, reveals the Entopia. Τhis is the realistic node of an open multidimensional grid, in contrast to the utopia and dystopia, which satisfies both the dreamer and the scientist, a place where the vision of the artist and the mason become one.
The model of the Entopia and Ecumenoupolis of Doxiadis (D) is realized half a century later under our familiar terms of ecosystem and Tsarouchis reflect cyberspace, with the necessary condition set by D. in his emblematic work. He asked his friend to express Entopia with the verse of Kazantzakis: "and I will pass it in my womb the secret workshop, / and laugh with play it laughed and the deep pit, / stones, water, fire and earth will all become spirit».
For the third consecutive year, on November 24th in Danaos Auditorium, ours Prof. T. Varelas and E. Bintevinou delivered a series of lectures within the context of the “Ship Management and Technological Applications’ course. of the MSc in Marine Science and Technology Management program, offered by the University of Piraeus (UNIPI) in partnership with the Hellenic Naval Academy (HNA). State-of-the-art techniques focused on optimization algorithms, and recent advancements applied in the whole spectrum of maritime operational procedures were demonstrated. During the year, we ALSO welcomed post- and undergraduate students from NTUA, UNIVA, and ALBA, presenting the applied research challenges and opportunities, supportingtheir dissertation or internship.
In the era of projects, a cooperation with the University of Piraeus on behalf of Danaos Management compiled an innovative proposal in a highly competitive call named “Research Excellence Partnership” under the umbrella“Greece 2.0,” which awarded funding among 731 proposals with a grade of 80/100. The project aims at “Development of a full sustainability measurement observatory using telemetry for the measurement of environmental Pollution and the implementation of a simulation system for assessing its impacts on the coastal zone”.
• In the RISE (Research and Innovation Staff Exchange) era, the awarded 52-month Marie Sklodowska-Curie grand SMARTSHIP project, under Danaos coordination, has been finalized. In cooperation with universities from Paris, Berlin, and Athens, the project aimed to offer a multi-layer optimization, in the fields of fuel consumption, energy efficiency and emissions control management, in full respect to the implementation of
the requirements of maritime sector regulations and taking into account applications of circular economy concepts in the maritime as well.
• The “Surveying & MARitime internet of ThingS EducAtion (SMARTSEA)” advanced interactive certified MSc related to Maritime & Surveyor IoT applications to train individuals with the necessary skills & knowledge to work in the rising “Smart Maritime & Surveying” industry has been successfully closed with the graduation ceremony of the first postgraduate students taken place at International University of Greece. Danaos, in cooperation with universities from Spain, Croatia, and Greece, compiled the full M.Sc. curriculum, composed lecture’ documentations, implemented
SMARTSEA M.Sc. on Smart Maritime SystemsVideo
All the documentation (books, presentations, exercises, exams) are published onto our knowledge repository and are available upon request
the pilot class in theory and labs, aswell asfield practical education.
Driving Innovation: Ongoing Research Projects
We constantlyare attheforefront ofmaritimeresearch, continuously advancingenergyefficiency, digital transformation, and sustainability. Our ongoing projects DT4GS, AutoAssess, ESY Ecoshipyard, SafeNav, BlueBarge, Copropel, Engimmonia, Realchem, Reship, and EO4EU embody our commitment to cutting-edge solutions. From AI-driven autonomous inspections and digital twin ecosystems to next-generation propulsion systems and sustainable shipyard operations,theseprojectsintegratebigdataanalytics, IoT, and alternative fuelsto enhance vessel performance and reduce environmental impact. Buildingon the success of last year's completed initiatives within the context of Bugwright2, Emerge, Gaters, and E-Shyips, we continue to drive progress toward a greener, more efficient maritime industry.
Danaos participates in DT4GS (Digital Twin for Greener Shipping) to push the boundaries of Digital Twin technology in maritime operations, ensuring enhanced vessel monitoring, predictive maintenance, and decision support. In the context of the DT4GS EU project, we demonstrate a cutting-edge digital twin ecosystem designed to enhance efficiency, optimize decision-making, and drive the industry's decarbonization efforts. The DT4GS frame represents a holistic modular DTframecomprisingavarietyofservicesandsimulationtools,fosteringoperationalefficiencyand environmental compliance.
At its core, the Open Model Library (OML) provides a standardized repository of simulation models, ensuring interoperability and scalability across various optimization scenarios, thereby enabling stakeholders to develop and deploy, on demand, tailored solutions with ease.
The Operational Optimization Digital Twin (OODT) functions as an intelligent engine for voyage planning, integrating Agentic AI and reinforcement learning to enhance routing strategies dynamically. These AI-driven models continuously adapt to changing conditions, balancing emissions reduction, regulatory compliance, cost efficiency, and safety, making way for more autonomous and self-optimizingmaritime operations.
TheseamlessintegrationofOODTwiththeDataSpaceensuressecureand real-time data exchange, fostering an ecosystem where vessels, ports, and logistics networks operate with synchronized intelligence. The Knowledge Graph plays a pivotal role in standardizing data relationships and automating KPI identification, enabling predictive analytics and proactive decision-making. These advancements collectively pave the way for controlled automation and autonomous shipping, where realtime adjustments and AI-driven decision support systems reduce human intervention while maintaining regulatory and operational oversight. The inclusion of control actuation mechanisms ensures that AI-optimized decisions can be directly executed on vessel navigation, fuel management, and port call coordination, acceleratingthetransitiontowardsmarter,semi-autonomous shippingoperations.
Finally,the introductionofthe DT4GS Alliance aimsto realize the vision of a collaborative initiative involving key industry players and technology leaders, fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and standardization within the digital twin landscape. Through coordinated efforts,DT4GS ensuresthat emergingtechnologies,such as AI-enhanced optimization and autonomous decision-making, align with industry needs and regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, the significance of digital twins in modern maritime operations has been extensively documented in the "Shipping Digital Twin Landscape" chapter, published by IGI Global. This publication highlights the transformative potential of digital twins, illustrating how frameworks like DT4GS contribute to sustainability, efficiency, and automation in the maritime sector. By integrating these elements, DT4GS not only enhances current operational strategies but also lays the groundwork for the next generation of autonomous and intelligent shipping solutions.
In the context of digital transformation, Danaos plays a key role in AutoAssess, a revolutionary initiative aimed at leveraging AI-driven autonomous inspections to enhance ship safety and maintenance efficiency. AutoAssess utilizes unmanned aerial systems (UAS) equipped with AI-based scanning, mapping,navigation,andnon-destructivetesting(NDT)toautonomouslyinspectandassessships in environments where traditional GNSS-based navigation is ineffective. By integrating cuttingedge multi-modal SLAM, path planning, and machine learning for defect identification, AutoAssess significantly reduces the need for human intervention, ensuring a safer and more efficient inspection process. Through a digital twin approach, this project achieves superhuman results, offering high-resolution 3D mapping, defect detection at the micrometer scale, and automated trend analysis for predictive maintenance. We also actively involved in projects dedicated to increasing ship performance, improving energy efficiency, and fostering value chain integration. Within ESY Ecoshipyard, we are committed to fostering sustainable shipyard operations by integrating green technologies that minimize environmental impact The project provides shipyards with a cloudbased platform for continuous monitoring, assessment, and ranking of sustainability options, incorporating AI-driven quality control, predictive maintenance, and optimized design methodologies. SafeNav enhances navigational safety with AI-driven real-time obstacle detection, utilizing state-of-the-art sensor data and advanced decision-support algorithms to reduce collision risks and ensure safer maritime operations. In BlueBarge, we are driving the development of sustainable and energy-efficient shipping through modular and scalable offshore power supply solutionsthat mitigate emissions from moored and anchored vessels.
As part of the Copropel initiative, Danaos is exploring the application of composite material technology in the design of next-generation marine propellers, significantly enhancing propulsion efficiency while reducing noise and weight. Engimmonia focuses on integrating ammonia as a maritime fuel, accelerating the transition toward zero-emission shipping while incorporating innovative waste heat recovery and renewable energy integration technologies. We also contribute with our expertise in digitalization and big data analytics in Reship, and EO4EU projects, generating actionable scientificdata to guidedecarbonization efforts.
Within Reship, we are involved in redefining energy efficiency solutions for hydrogen-powered ships, contributing to the development of energy-saving devices and hydrogen-compatible solutions for marine and inlandshipping.Finally, EO4EU advancesAI-driven methodologies for managing Earth Observation data, improving accessibility and utilization for maritime applications and environmental monitoring.
Through these initiatives, we integrate AI, IoT,bigdata, robotics, digital twins, alternative fuels and energy source to enhance vessel performance and reduce environmental impact. Our continued participation in these cutting-edge projects underscores our commitment to a sustainable, efficient, and digitally transformed maritime industry.
Celebrating Innovation
The ENGIMMONIA Project received significant recognition at the Waterborne Days 2025, where it was honored with two prestigious awards: the OutstandingInnovationAward andthe Environmental Impact and Climate Change Award These accolades highlight the project's groundbreaking contributions to advancing sustainable fuel technologies in maritime operations. Danaos’active participation in ENGIMMONIA aligns seamlessly with its strategic goal of fostering innovation in the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future. By supporting the development and implementation of eco-friendly fuel solutions, Danaos reinforces its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of maritime activities, thus shaping a more sustainable and climateconscious industry.
2025: Expanding our Portfolio
As we step into 2025, our portfolio is significantly enriched with new of impactful EU-funded projects, showcasing our commitment to advancing maritime technology and sustainability. Our D-Navio, Mediate, and Warrant are set to revolutionize the maritime industry by incorporating cutting-edge technologies such asAI Digital Twin, Zero-Trust principles, IoT, Federated Learning, and MCDA.
Leadingthemaritimedigitaltransformation,pioneerinnovativesolutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and cybersecurity across the industry. Through the participation inthe D-Navio Project, anadvanced intelligent digital twin system, Danaos seeks to enhance risk assessment by leveraging cutting-edge AI, self-healing systems, and predictive analytics. This initiative aims to proactively mitigate hazards, ensuring more resilient and optimized maritime operations. In parallel, we are reinforcing cybersecurity in the increasingly interconnected maritime
Danaos Auditorium 3rd Hellenic EU Maritime Research Workshop
ecosystem through its involvement in Mediate, aproject designed to fortify digital infrastructures within the cloud-edge-IoT continuum. By integrating Zero-Trust security principles and Federated Learning methodologies, Mediate establishes a robust defense mechanism against evolving cyber threats, fostering a secure and resilient digital maritime environment. Complementing these advancements, Danaos is actively engaged in WaRRaNT, a strategic initiative focused on enhancing the reliability and security of digitalized shipping. By harnessing real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and comprehensive risk management frameworks,thisprojectaimsto laythefoundationforthefuture of autonomous and intelligent maritime operations. Collectively, these pioneering efforts underscore our commitment to driving innovation and setting new industry standards, ensuring that maritime stakeholders navigate an increasingly digitalized landscape with confidence and security.
3rd Hellenic EU Maritime Research Workshop
Danaos Research Center Hosted the 3rd Hellenic EU Maritime Research Workshop
On the eve of October 31, 2024, Danaos Research Center opened its doors for the third time to anassemblyofdistinguishedprofessionals,pioneeringresearchers,andforward-thinkingindustry leaders, all gathered for the 3rd Hellenic EU Maritime Research Workshop, where innovative projects, in whichDanaosnotably participates, were presented Hosted within the Danaos Auditorium, this event served as a hub of collaboration and innovation, where experts gathered with a shared goal: to shape the future of EU maritime research. The workshop unfolded as a vibrant platform for the exploration of the most pressing advancements in the maritime sector, with a keen focus on transformative research pillars. Efficiency and Optimization took center stage, offering novel solutions for maximizing the potential of maritime operations Energy Retrofits & Sustainability illuminated pathways to greener practices, while Cybersecurity & Big Data Analytics underscored the evolvingdigital landscape andits role in safeguardingthe future of maritime enterprises. Perhaps most captivating was the convergence of Digitalization, Robotics, and IoT, where the most exciting technological innovations emerged to redefine what is possible in the maritime domain. The workshop featured insightful presentations deliveredbydistinguishedspeakers,whoseexpertiseand profound contributions fueled stimulating discussions. Each presentation was a building block in a larger, collective effort to push the boundaries of maritime innovation, propelling the industry into a new era. We stand resolute in the commitment to advancingthe frontiers of digitalization, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Our journey isfar
from over, and we continue to work alongside our partners to develop groundbreaking solutions that will chart apath toward amore resilient and sustainable maritime future.
As welook to the HORIZON, "Let’s navigate thefutureof Maritime Researchtogether!"
New Force
In September, we welcomed our new colleague Evelina Bintevinou, who majored in Business Administration, Management, andOperationalResearch.EvelinagraduatedfromtheUniversity of Piraeus and is now working as a Junior Researcher at Danaos. As a Scientific Coordinator and Administrator, she participates in several EU projects, focusing on alternative fuels, increasing ship performance, and improving energy efficiency, all while advancing sustainable solutions in the maritime industry.
