The present disclosure relates to the field of transport and freight, more particularly to the marine industry. The present disclosure relates to a method and a related electronic device for energy efficiency in a group of vessels.

BACKGROUND

A significant portion of the energy generated by a vessel’s engine may typically be lost during a vessel’s route in the form of friction, waves, turbulence, cavitation or other manifestation of energy dissipation. Therefore, the pursuit of achieving higher energy efficiency may suppose a significant challenge for the marine industry.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there may be a need for a method, an electronic device and a computer- readable storage medium that can mitigate, alleviate or address such shortcomings. Put another way, there may be a need for a method, an electronic device and a computer- readable storage medium that may allow for greater energy efficiency during a vessel’s route.

A method, performed by an electronic device, for energy efficiency in at least one vessel of a group of vessels, is provided. The method comprises selecting a plurality of vessels. The method may comprise labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate leader vessel. The method may comprise labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate follower vessel. The method may comprise, for each first candidate leader vessel, determining a first wake data set, indicative of a wake of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on a first leader vessel voyage data set. The first leader vessel voyage data set may comprise a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on a first leader vessel specification data set. The first leader vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on an environmental data set. The environmental data set may comprise a weather parameter indicative of a weather condition. For each first candidate follower vessel, the method may comprise determining a first candidate follower target position for each first candidate leader vessel. The first candidate follower target position may be determined by determining, for each of a plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency. The efficiency factor may be based on the first wake data set. The efficiency factor may be based on a first follower vessel specification data set. The first follower vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of the design of a hull of the first candidate follower vessel. The efficiency factor may be based on the environmental data set. The method may comprise selecting, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of first wake positions, the first candidate follower target position. The method may comprise selecting a first confirmed leader vessel and a first confirmed follower vessel based on the efficiency factor of the first candidate follower target position for each combination of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel. The method may comprise assigning a first confirmed configuration, the first confirmed configuration comprising the first candidate follower target position of the first confirmed follower vessel for the first confirmed leader vessel.

The method may be advantageous in achieving energy efficiency in at least one vessel in a group of vessels. In other words, the first confirmed configuration may be advantageous in that it corresponds to a configuration in which energy efficiency may be enhanced. For a plurality of selected vessels, the first confirmed configuration may yield a particularly advantageous relative positioning of a leader vessel and a follower vessel, in which the confirmed follower vessel may advantageously rely on the fluid dynamic properties of the wake of the confirmed leader vessel to achieve energy efficiency. For example, the confirmed follower vessel may utilise the energy of the wake of the confirmed leader vessel to achieve energy efficiency. For example, the confirmed follower vessel may exploit the vortices produced in the wake of the confirmed leader vessel to achieve energy efficiency. Since the method may advantageously consider a plurality of combinations of first candidate leader vessels and first candidate follower vessels, energy efficiency may be further improved, as it may correspond to be the highest energy efficiency for any viable relative positioning of a leader vessel and a follower vessel. A method, performed by an electronic device, for enabling energy efficiency may be provided. The method comprises determining a first wake data set, indicative of a wake of a first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on a first leader vessel voyage data set. The first leader vessel voyage data set may comprise a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on a first leader vessel specification data set. The first leader vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on an environmental data set. The environmental data set may comprise a weather parameter indicative of a weather condition. The method may comprise sending (such as transmitting) the first wake data set.

A method, performed by an electronic device, for enabling energy efficiency may be provided. The method may comprise obtaining (such as receiving or retrieving) a first wake data set, indicative of a wake of a first candidate leader vessel. The method comprises, for a first candidate follower vessel, determining a first candidate follower target position for the first candidate leader vessel. The first candidate follower target position may be determined by determining, for each of a plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency. The efficiency factor may be based on the first wake data set. The efficiency factor may be based on a first follower vessel specification data set. The first follower vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of the design of a hull of the first candidate follower vessel. The efficiency factor may be based on the environmental data set. The method may comprise selecting, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of first wake positions, the first candidate follower target position.

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises a memory circuitry, a processor circuitry and an interface. The electronic device is configured to perform the any of the methods provided herein.

A computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by an electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface cause the electronic device to perform any of the methods provided herein. Since the electronic device and the computer-readable storage medium are configured to perform the methods provided herein, they may be advantageous to achieve energy efficiency in a group of vessels, as set out herein for the provided methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figs. 1A to 1C show a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method, performed by an electronic device, for energy efficiency in a group of vessels.

Fig. 2 shows a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method, performed by an electronic device, for enabling energy efficiency.

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method, performed by an electronic device, for enabling energy efficiency.

Fig. 4 illustrates a block diagram illustrating an exemplary electronic device.

Fig. 5 represents an exemplary automatic identification system.

Fig. 6 schematically depicts a first candidate leader vessel, a first candidate follower vessel and a simulated wake of the first candidate leader vessel.

Fig. 7 shows, in greater detail, a schematic of the simulated wake of the first candidate leader vessel of Fig. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various example methods and devices are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant.

A method, performed by an electronic device, for energy efficiency in at least one vessel of a group of vessels may be provided, the method comprising: selecting a plurality of vessels; labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate leader vessel; labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate follower vessel; for each first candidate leader vessel: determining a first wake data set, indicative of a wake of the first candidate leader vessel, based on at least: a first leader vessel voyage data set comprising a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate leader vessel; a first leader vessel specification data set comprising a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate leader vessel; and an environmental data set comprising a weather parameter indicative of weather conditions; for each first candidate follower vessel, determining a first candidate follower target position for each first candidate leader vessel, by: determining, for each of a plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency, based on at least: the first wake data set; a first follower vessel specification data set comprising a design parameter indicative of the design of a hull of the first candidate follower vessel; and the environmental data set; selecting, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of first wake positions, the first candidate follower target position; selecting a first confirmed leader vessel and a first confirmed follower vessel based on the efficiency factor of the first candidate follower target position for each combination of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel; and assigning a first confirmed configuration, the first confirmed configuration comprising the first candidate follower target position of the first confirmed follower vessel for the first confirmed leader vessel. As used herein, a “candidate leader vessel” is a vessel from a plurality of selected vessels for which a wake data set is to be determined. As used herein, a “candidate follower vessel” is a vessel from the plurality of selected vessels for which a target position, based on the wake data set of a leader vessel, is to be determined. Put another way, for a selected candidate leader vessel and candidate follower vessel, the candidate follower vessel’s target positions are located abaft the candidate leader vessel.

A same vessel from the plurality of selected vessels may be a candidate leader vessel and a candidate follower vessel. In other words, a same vessel from the plurality of selected vessels may be considered to determine a wake data set of the vessel and a target position based on the wake data set of a different vessel of the plurality of selected vessels.

As used herein, the term “first” refers to the method steps, vessels and any other elements giving rise to a first confirmed configuration. Therefore, several vessels from the plurality of selected vessels can be a first candidate leader vessel. Several vessels from the plurality of selected vessels can be a first candidate follower vessel.

For each first candidate leader vessel, a first wake data set may be determined. The first wake data set of a first candidate leader vessel is indicative of a wake of such first candidate leader vessel. For example, the first wake data set may be indicative of one or more of the following elements: a shape of the wake, a configuration of the wake based on a model configured to determine one or more of vortices of the wake and waves of the wake, a speed of water at a point of the wake and any other fluid dynamic parameter.

The first wake data set may be based on a first leader vessel voyage data set. As indicated above, the term “first” denotes that the wake data set and the leader vessel voyage data set correspond to vessels taking part in the determination of the first confirmed configuration. The first leader vessel voyage data set may comprise a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate leader vessel. The first leader vessel voyage data set may include other parameters, such as one or more of: a distance of a route of the first candidate leader vessel, a preferred time of departure of the first candidate leader vessel and a time of arrival of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on a first leader vessel specification data set. The first leader vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate leader vessel. The design parameter may be indicative of a shape of the hull. The design parameter may be indicative of an external material of the hull. The first leader vessel specification data set may comprise a propulsion parameter indicative of a characteristic of a propulsion system the first candidate leader vessel is equipped with. The propulsion parameter may be an engine parameter. The first leader vessel specification data set may comprise a hydrodynamic parameter indicative of a hydrodynamic factor. The first leader vessel specification data may comprise any other parameter indicative of a physical feature of the first candidate leader vessel.

The first wake data set may be based on an environmental data set. The environmental data set may comprise a weather parameter indicative of weather conditions. The weather parameter may be a current weather parameter. The weather parameter may be a forecasted weather parameter. The weather parameter may be indicative of one or more of the following weather conditions: water temperature, depth of the water, speed of wind, duration of a gust of wind, direction of wind, tide and shape of a swell. For example, the weather parameter indicative of the tide may comprise an indication of one or more of the amplitude of the tide and the phase of the tide.

Since the first wake data set determined based on the above data set is indicative of a wake of the first candidate leader vessel, the first wake data set may allow for a modelling of a simulated wake for the first candidate leader vessel.

For each first candidate follower vessel, a first candidate follower target position may be determined based on the first wake data set of a first candidate leader vessel. A plurality of first candidate target positions may be determined for each first candidate follower vessel, each first candidate target position based on the first wake data set of a different first candidate leader vessel. Put another way, a first candidate follower target position may be determined for each combination of a first candidate follower vessel and a first candidate leader vessel. For each combination of a first candidate follower vessel and a first candidate leader vessel for which a first wake data set has been determined, the first candidate follower target position may be determined by determining an efficiency factor for each of a plurality of first wake positions. The plurality of first wake positions may be associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel. For example, the first wake data set may comprise the plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel. For example, when the first wake data set allows for a modelling of a simulated wake for the first candidate leader vessel, the plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel may correspond to geometric points of the simulated wake.

The efficiency factor is indicative of the energy efficiency that can be achieved by the first candidate follower vessel at each of the plurality of first wake positions.

At each of the plurality of first wake positions, the efficiency factor may be based on the first wake data set. Since the first wake data set is indicative of the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, the efficiency factor may be based on one or more of the features of such wake. This may advantageously allow for a customisation of the efficiency factor to a particular type of wake.

At each of the plurality of first wake positions, the efficiency factor may be based on a first follower vessel voyage data set. The first follower vessel voyage data set may comprise a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate follower vessel. The first follower vessel voyage data set may include other parameters, such as a distance of a route of the first candidate follower vessel and a preferred time of departure and time of arrival of the first candidate follower vessel. Typically, the first follower vessel voyage data set may be the same as the first leader vessel voyage data set, since the first leader vessel and the first follower vessel may be configured to carry out the same voyage (for example, to sail at the same speed).

At each of the plurality of first wake positions, the efficiency factor may be based on a first follower vessel specification data set. The first follower vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate follower vessel. The design parameter may be indicative of a shape of the hull. The design parameter may be indicative of an external material of the hull. The first follower vessel specification data set may comprise a propulsion parameter indicative of a characteristic of a propulsion system the first candidate follower vessel is equipped with. The propulsion parameter may be an engine parameter. The first follower vessel specification data set may comprise a hydrodynamic parameter indicative of a hydrodynamic factor. The first follower vessel specification data may comprise any other parameter indicative of a physical feature of the first candidate follower vessel.

At each of the plurality of first wake positions, the efficiency factor may be based on the environmental data set.

The efficiency factor may advantageously provide for an indication of energy efficiency of the first candidate follower vessel at each of the plurality of first wake positions, based for example on characteristics of the wake of the first candidate leader vessel (that is, the first wake data set), characteristics of the first candidate follower vessel (such as the speed of the first candidate follower vessel and the design of the hull of the first candidate follower vessel) and environmental characteristics (such as the weather conditions).

As used herein, “energy efficiency” should be construed as the amount of energy saved by a follower vessel (for example, the amount of fuel saved by a follower vessel), in comparison to the energy that would be spent by the follower vessel without the application of the provided methods, to perform the same task, such as to complete the same sailing route with identical sailing conditions.

For each combination of a first candidate follower vessel and a first candidate leader vessel for which the efficiency factor has been determined for a plurality of first wake positions, the first candidate follower target position may be selected based on the efficiency factor of the plurality of first wake positions. For example, the first candidate follower target position may be selected as the first wake position with the highest efficiency factor.

As explained above, a first candidate follower target position may be determined for every combination of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel. Each first candidate follower target position will correspond to a first wake position for which an efficiency factor has been determined. A first confirmed leader vessel and a first confirmed follower vessel may be selected based on the efficiency factors of the first candidate follower target positions for every combination of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel. For example, the combination of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel for which the efficiency factor of the first candidate follower target position has the highest efficiency factor may be selected as the first confirmed leader vessel and the first confirmed follower vessel.

The first confirmed configuration may comprise the first candidate follower target position of the first confirmed follower vessel for the first confirmed leader vessel. Put another way, when the first confirmed configuration is assigned, the assigned position of the first confirmed follower vessel may be the first candidate follower target position of the first confirmed follower vessel for the combination of the first confirmed leader vessel and the first confirmed follower vessel.

The first confirmed configuration may be advantageous in that it corresponds to a configuration in which energy efficiency may be enhanced. For a plurality of selected vessels, the first confirmed configuration may yield a particularly advantageous relative positioning of a leader vessel and a follower vessel, in which the first confirmed follower vessel may advantageously rely on the fluid dynamic properties of the wake of the first confirmed leader vessel to achieve energy efficiency. Since the method may advantageously consider a plurality of combinations of first candidate leader vessels and first candidate follower vessels, energy efficiency may be further improved, as it may correspond to be the highest energy efficiency for any viable relative positioning of a leader vessel and a follower vessel.

The first confirmed configuration may be maintained for the first confirmed leader vessel’s entire route. The first confirmed configuration may be maintained for the first confirmed follower vessel’s entire route.

The first confirmed configuration may be maintained for a portion of the route of the first confirmed leader vessel, the first confirmed follower vessel or both the first confirmed leader vessel and the first confirmed follower vessel. For example, the first confirmed follower vessel may share just a portion of the route of the first confirmed leader vessel, after which both vessels take different routes. For example, one or more of the environmental data set, the first leader vessel voyage data set and any other suitable data set may vary beyond a given point of a route. The variation of one or more of such data set may diminish energy efficiency. In such case, a new first confirmed configuration may be determined beyond such point of the route. The need for and the determination of a new first confirmed configuration may be controlled and carried out in real time.

The plurality of vessels may comprise one or more combustion engines. In such example, the method may be for fuel efficiency in a group of vessels. The plurality of vessels may comprise any other suitable engine, such as one or more of: a hybrid engine, an electric engine and a hydrogen engine.

In one or more example methods, selecting a plurality of vessels comprises receiving a first user input indicative of selection of the plurality of vessels.

The first user input may be helpful to manually select the vessels that take part in the method. The manual selection of vessels, such as via the first user input, may allow for a selection based on any suitable user reason, such as commercial, strategical or logistical reasons.

In one more example methods, selecting a plurality of vessels comprises identifying the plurality of vessels based on an automatic identification system.

As used herein, an automatic identification system (AIS) denotes an automatic tracking system that may use transceivers on vessels. The AIS may be used by vessel traffic services (VTS). When satellites are used to detect AIS signatures, the AIS may be referred to as Satellite-AIS (S-AIS). AIS information may be used to supplement marine radar.

By relying on an AIS to identify the selected vessels, the selection of vessels may be performed in an efficient manner. The AIS may provide for a precise listing of the vessels within a certain geographical region, which may lead to a selection comprising a larger number of vessels.

In one or more example methods, determining a first wake data set comprises receiving a second user input indicative of customisation of the first wake data set.

The second user input may advantageously allow a user, such as a vessel’s captain, to introduce one or more parameters to manually adjust or correct the first wake data set. This may be beneficial to obtain a first wake data set that is a more precise indication of the wake of the first candidate leader vessel.

In one or more example methods, determining, for each of a plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency comprises receiving a third user input indicative of a customisation of the energy efficiency.

The third user input may advantageously allow a user, such as a vessel’s captain, to introduce one or more parameters to manually adjust or correct the efficiency factor at each of the plurality of first wake positions. This may be beneficial to obtain a first candidate follower target position in which energy efficiency is enhanced.

The second user input, the third user input or both the second user input and the third user inputs may be based on one or more of: a user’s experience on similar routes, a user’s awareness of navigation parameters according to navigation instruments and a user’s awareness of navigation parameters according to visual inspection of the navigation conditions.

In one or more example parameters, the first follower vessel voyage data set comprises a safety distance parameter.

The safety distance parameter may be defined such that it gives rise to an efficiency factor of 0 for first wake positions within a predetermined distance to the first candidate leader vessel. This may ensure that any determined first candidate follower target positions comply with marine safety requirements.

In one or more example parameters, labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate leader vessel comprises receiving a fourth user input indicative of the first confirmed leader vessel.

The fourth user input may allow a user to manually select the first confirmed leader vessel. Put another way, the fourth user input may allow the user to manually label a single first candidate leader vessel, which is the first confirmed leader vessel. This may be useful to optimise energy consumption when, due to any considerations, the first confirmed leader is a fixed selection. For example, the first confirmed leader vessel may be manually selected to correspond to the vessel from the plurality of selected vessels which has the highest planned voyage speed for a given route or section of a route.

In one or more example parameters, labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate follower vessel comprises receiving a fifth user input indicative of the first confirmed follower vessel.

The fifth user input may allow a user to manually select the first confirmed follower vessel. Put another way, the fifth user input may allow the user to manually label a single first candidate follower vessel, which is the first confirmed follower vessel. This may be useful to optimise energy consumption when, due to any considerations, the first confirmed follower vessel is a fixed selection.

For example, the first confirmed follower vessel may be manually selected to correspond to the vessel from the plurality of selected vessels which has the second highest planned voyage speed for a given route or section of a route. In such example, the first confirmed follower vessel may follow the first confirmed leader vessel, according to the first confirmed configuration, for a given section of the route which is common to both the first confirmed leader vessel and the first confirmed follower vessel. In the common section of the route, both vessels may sail at the planned voyage speed of the first confirmed leader vessel. In other sections of the first confirmed follower vessel’s route, the first confirmed follower vessel may sail at a lower speed, for example at slow streaming, such that the first confirmed follower vessel’s average speed corresponds to the planned voyage speed of the first confirmed follower vessel.

In one or more example methods, the method comprises determining, based on a predefined route parameter of a vessel, a speed parameter.

The speed parameter of a first candidate leader vessel, a second candidate leader vessel or any other vessel from the plurality of selected vessel may be determined based on a predefined route parameter. The predefined route parameter may comprise one or more of: a distance of the vessel’s route, a preferred time of departure of the vessel, a preferred time of arrival of the vessel and any other suitable parameter.

In one or more example methods, the method comprises sending first control data to the first confirmed leader vessel, the second confirmed follower vessel or both the first confirmed leader vessel and the second confirmed follower vessel, the first control data being indicative of the first confirmed configuration.

When receiving such first control data, the first confirmed leader vessel and the first confirmed follower vessel may advantageously dispose according to the first confirmed configuration, thus allowing for greater energy efficiency.

In one or more example methods, the first confirmed following vessel is selected as a second confirmed leader vessel. Such one or more example methods comprise: labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels, different from the first confirmed leader vessel and the first confirmed follower vessel, as a second candidate follower vessel; for the second confirmed leader vessel: determining a second wake data set, indicative of a wake of the second confirmed leader vessel, based on at least: the first follower vessel voyage data set of the first confirmed follower vessel; the first follower vessel specification data set of the first confirmed follower vessel; and the environmental data set; for each second candidate follower vessel, determining a second candidate follower target position for the second confirmed leader vessel, by: determining, for each of a plurality of second wake positions associated with the wake of the second confirmed leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency, based on at least: the second wake data set; a second follower vessel specification data set comprising a design parameter indicative of the design of a hull of the second candidate follower vessel; and the environmental data set; selecting, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of second wake positions, the second candidate follower target position; selecting a second confirmed follower vessel based on the efficiency factor of the second candidate follower target position for each combination of the second confirmed leader vessel and a second candidate follower vessel; and assigning a second confirmed configuration, the second confirmed configuration comprising the comprising the second candidate follower target position of the second confirmed follower vessel for the second confirmed leader vessel.

Once the first confirmed leader vessel and the first confirmed follower vessel have been determined, in one or more example methods, the first confirmed follower vessel may be taken advantage of to be selected as a second confirmed leader vessel. In other words, since the first confirmed follower vessel may also generate a wake that may allow a second follower vessel to achieve greater energy efficiency, any of the methods set out herein may advantageously be applied to the first confirmed follower vessel as second confirmed leader vessel and to one or more second candidate follower vessels.

As used herein, the term “second” refers to the method steps, vessels and any other elements giving rise to a second confirmed configuration. Therefore, several vessels from the plurality of selected vessels can be a second candidate follower vessel. As used herein, the term “n ^th ” refers to the method steps, vessels and any other elements giving rise to an n ^th confirmed configuration. For the second confirmed leader vessel, a second wake data set may be determined. The second wake data set of the second confirmed leader vessel is indicative of a wake of such second confirmed leader vessel. For example, the second wake data set may be indicative of one or more of the following elements: a shape of the wake, a configuration of the wake based on a model configured to determine one or more of vortices of the wake and waves of the wake, a speed of water at a point of the wake and any other a fluid dynamic parameter.

Since the second confirmed leader vessel is the first confirmed follower vessel, the second wake data set may be based on the first follower vessel voyage data set of the first confirmed follower vessel. The first wake data set may be based on the first follower vessel specification data set of the first confirmed follower vessel. The first wake data set may be based on the environmental data set.

Since the second wake data set determined based on the above data set is indicative of a wake of the second confirmed leader vessel, the second wake data set may allow for a modelling of a simulated wake for the second confirmed leader vessel.

As explained above with reference to the first candidate follower vessels, a second candidate follower target position may be determined for every combination of the second confirmed leader vessel and a second candidate follower vessel. The second candidate follower target position may be determined based on the second wake data set of the second confirmed leader vessel.

For each combination of a second candidate follower vessel and the second confirmed leader vessel, for which the second wake data set has been determined, the second candidate follower target position may be determined by determining an efficiency factor for each of a plurality of second wake positions. The plurality of second wake positions may be associated with the wake of the second confirmed leader vessel. For example, the second wake data set may comprise the plurality of second wake positions associated with the wake of the second confirmed leader vessel. For example, when the second wake data set allows for a modelling of a simulated wake for the second confirmed leader vessel, the plurality of second wake positions associated with the wake of the second confirmed leader vessel may correspond to geometric points of the simulated wake.

The efficiency factor is indicative of energy efficiency of the second candidate follower vessel at each of the plurality of second wake positions.

At each of the plurality of second wake positions, the efficiency factor may be based on the second wake data set. Since the second wake data set is indicative of the wake of the second confirmed leader vessel, the efficiency factor may be based on one or more of the features of such wake. This may advantageously allow for a customisation of the efficiency factor to a particular type of wake.

At each of the plurality of second wake positions, the efficiency factor may be based on a second follower vessel voyage data set. The second follower vessel voyage data set may comprise a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the second candidate follower vessel. The second follower vessel voyage data set may include other parameters, such as a distance of a route of the second candidate follower vessel and a preferred time of departure and time of arrival of the second candidate follower vessel. Typically, the second follower vessel voyage data set may be the same as the first follower vessel voyage data set of the first confirmed follower vessel, since the second leader vessel and the second follower vessel may be configured to carry out the same voyage (for example, to sail at the same speed).

At each of the plurality of second wake positions, the efficiency factor may be based on a second follower vessel specification data set. The second follower vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the second candidate follower vessel. The design parameter may be indicative of a shape of the hull. The design parameter may be indicative of an external material of the hull. The second follower vessel specification data set may comprise a propulsion parameter indicative of a characteristic of a propulsion system the second candidate follower vessel is equipped with. The propulsion parameter may be an engine parameter. The second follower vessel specification data set may comprise a hydrodynamic parameter indicative of any a hydrodynamic factor. The second follower vessel specification data may comprise any other parameter indicative of a physical feature of the second candidate follower vessel.

At each of the plurality of second wake positions, the efficiency factor may be based on the environmental data set.

The efficiency factor may advantageously provide for an indication of energy efficiency of the second candidate follower vessel at each of the plurality of second wake positions, based for example on characteristics of the wake of the second confirmed leader vessel (that is, the second wake data set), characteristics of the second candidate follower vessel (such as the speed of the second candidate follower vessel and the design of the hull of the second candidate follower vessel) and environmental characteristics (such as the weather conditions).

For each combination of the second confirmed leader vessel and a second candidate follower vessel for which the efficiency factor has been determined for a plurality of second wake positions, the second candidate follower target position may be selected based on the efficiency factor of the plurality of second wake positions. For example, the second candidate follower target position may be selected as the second wake position with the highest efficiency factor.

As explained above, a second candidate follower target position may be determined for each combination of the second confirmed leader vessel and a second candidate follower vessel. Each second candidate follower target position will correspond to a second wake position for which an efficiency factor has been determined. A second confirmed follower vessel may be selected based on the efficiency factors of the second candidate follower target positions for every combination of the second confirmed leader vessel and a second candidate follower vessel. For example, the second candidate follower vessel for which the efficiency factor of the second candidate follower target position has the highest efficiency factor may be selected as the second confirmed follower vessel.

The second confirmed configuration may comprise the second candidate follower target position of the second confirmed follower vessel for the second confirmed leader vessel. Put another way, when the second confirmed configuration is assigned, the assigned position of the second confirmed follower vessel may be the second candidate follower target position of the second confirmed follower vessel for the combination of the second confirmed leader vessel and the second confirmed follower vessel.

Since the second confirmed leader vessel necessarily corresponds to the first confirmed follower vessel, the second confirmed configuration may result in the most advantageous configuration, in terms of energy efficiency, among all the possible combinations of the second confirmed leader vessel and the second candidate follower vessels.

In other words, the second confirmed configuration may be advantageous in that it corresponds to a configuration in which energy efficiency may be enhanced for a convoy of at least three vessels, namely the first confirmed leader vessel, the first confirmed follower vessel (which is the second confirmed leader vessel) and the second confirmed follower vessel. For a plurality of selected vessels, the second confirmed configuration may yield a particularly advantageous relative positioning of three vessels, in which the first confirmed follower vessel may advantageously rely on the fluid dynamic properties of the wake of the first confirmed leader vessel, and in which the second confirmed follower vessel may advantageously rely on the fluid dynamic properties of the wake of the first confirmed follower vessel to achieve energy efficiency. Since the method may advantageously consider a plurality of combinations of vessels, energy efficiency may be further improved, as it may correspond to be the highest energy efficiency for any viable relative positioning of a leader vessel and at least two follower vessels.

Once the second confirmed follower vessel has been determined, the second confirmed follower vessel may be selected as a third confirmed leader vessel. Analogously to what has been explained above, this may result in a third confirmed configuration that may comprise a third candidate follower target position of a third confirmed follower vessel for the third confirmed leader vessel.

The described iteration may be repeated as many times as desired. For example, the iteration may be repeated until all the selected vessels correspond to a confirmed leader vessel or a confirmed follower vessel. This may advantageously allow for a formation of a convoy of vessels in which energy consumption (for example, fuel consumption) is optimised.

In one or more example embodiments, the first wake data set, the second wake data set or both the first wake data set and the second wake data set comprise one or more of: a turbulent region; a smooth region; a Kelvin wake region; and a cusp wave region.

Since the wake data set is indicative of a wake of a candidate leader vessel, the wake data set may be useful to model a simulated wake for the candidate leader vessel. In particular, the wake data set may enable to model a simulated wake comprising a turbulent region, a smooth region, a Kelvin wake region and a cusp wave region. Such regions may allow for a more precise characterisation of the simulated wake, as they may correspond to the regions of an actual wake created by a vessel. Therefore, the division of the simulated wake into one or more of such regions may improve energy efficiency for the confirmed configurations.

A method, performed by an electronic device, for enabling energy efficiency may be provided, the method comprising: determining a first wake data set, indicative of a wake of a first candidate leader vessel, based on at least: a first leader vessel voyage data set comprising a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate leader vessel; a first leader vessel specification data set comprising a design parameter indicative of the design of a hull of the first candidate leader vessel; and an environmental data set comprising a weather parameter indicative of weather conditions; and transmitting the first wake data set.

This method allows for the determination and sending of a first wake data set of a first candidate leader vessel. Since the first data set may be used to achieve energy efficiency in at least one vessel of a group of vessels, the method may be advantageous to enable for energy efficiency. The electronic device performing this method may be a transmitter electronic device. The first wake data set may be transmitted (such as sent) to a receiver electronic device.

Any of the examples of first wake data set, first leader vessel voyage data set, first leader vessel specification data set and environmental data set provided in this specification may be used in the present method. They are not further detailed herein for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

A method, performed by an electronic device, for enabling energy efficiency may be provided the method comprising: obtaining a first wake data set, indicative of a wake of a first candidate leader vessel; for a first candidate follower vessel, determining a first candidate follower target position for the first candidate leader vessel, by: determining, for each of a plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency, based on at least: the first wake data set; a first follower vessel specification data set comprising a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate follower vessel; and an environmental data set comprising a weather parameter indicative of weather conditions; and selecting, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of first wake positions, the first candidate follower target position.

This method allows for the determination of a first candidate follower target position of a first candidate follower vessel for a first candidate leader vessel. Since the first candidate follower target position may be useful to achieve energy efficiency in at least one vessel of a group of vessels, the method may be advantageous to enable for energy efficiency.

The electronic device performing this method may be a receiver electronic device. The first wake data set may be received from a transmitter electronic device. Any of the examples of first candidate follower target position, first wake position, efficiency factor, first wake data set, first follower vessel specification data set and environmental data set provided in this specification may be used in the present method. They are not further detailed herein for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

An electronic device may be provided, the electronic device comprising a memory circuitry, a processor circuitry and an interface, wherein the electronic device is configured to perform any of the methods included herein.

Since the electronic device is configured to perform any of the methods included herein, the advantages specified for the methods also apply to the electronic device itself.

The electronic device may be a wireless electronic device. This may be advantageous in that the provided methods can be implemented and monitored from a device that can be easily carried by a user. The wireless electronic device may be a personal computer, a cellular telephone, a tablet or any other suitable device.

The electronic device may be seen as a computing device for extraction of tabular data, such as one or more of: a standalone computing system, a client device and a server device. The electronic device may be part of a distributed computing system, such as a cloud server.

The electronic device may be a transmitter electronic device. The electronic device may be a receiver electronic device.

A vessel may be provided, the vessel comprising the electronic device provided herein. The vessel may belong to the plurality of selected vessels. The vessel may be any other vessel different from the plurality of selected vessels.

Since the vessel comprises the electronic device provided herein, the advantages specified above for the electronic device also apply to the vessel itself. By providing a vessel comprising such electronic device, the methods described herein may be carried out and controlled from the sea (for example, during sailing). This may allow for a closer monitoring of the above-described methods.

When the vessel comprising the electronic device belongs to the plurality of selected vessels, it may be ensured that the electronic device is located in the proximity of a number of selected vessels. This may be useful to improve the coverage between the electronic device and the plurality of selected vessels.

When the vessel comprising the electronic device belongs to the plurality of selected vessels, the vessel may be a confirmed leader vessel, such as the first confirmed leader vessel. When the vessel comprising the electronic device belongs to the plurality of selected vessels, the vessel may be a confirmed follower vessel, such as the first confirmed follower vessel.

A land control centre may be provided, the land control centre comprising the electronic device provided herein.

As used herein “land control centre” refers to a control centre located on the solid part of the surface of the Earth or on a fixed marine infrastructure, such as a marine platform.

Since the land control centre comprises the electronic device provided herein, the advantages specified above for the electronic device also apply to the land control centre itself.

The provision of a land control centre may be useful to implement and monitor any of the provided methods from a suitable location, such as a port, a shipowner’s site or a strategically relevant navigation hotspot.

A computer-readable storage medium may be provided, the computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by an electronic device cause the electronic device to perform any of the methods provided herein. Since the computer-readable storage medium is configured to perform any of the methods provided herein, the advantages specified above for the methods also apply to the computer-readable storage medium itself.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more evident in the light of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, given only by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, in reference to the attached figures.

It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of various embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown.

An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which aid understanding the disclosure, while other details have been left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

Figs. 1A to 1C show a flow diagram of an exemplary method 100, performed by an electronic device, for energy efficiency according to the disclosure. The electronic device is the electronic device provided herein, such as the electronic device 300 of Fig. 4.

The method 100 comprises selecting S102 a plurality of vessels.

The method 100 comprises labelling S104 at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate leader vessel. The method 100 comprises labelling S105 at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate follower vessel.

The method 100 comprises determining S106, for each first candidate leader vessel, a first wake data set, indicative of a wake of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on a first leader vessel voyage data set. The first leader vessel voyage data set may comprise a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on a first leader vessel specification data set. The first leader vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on an environmental data set. The environmental data set may comprise a weather parameter indicative of weather condition.

The method 100 comprises determining S108, for each combination of a first candidate follower vessel and a first candidate leader vessel, for each of a plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency. The efficiency factor may be based on the first wake data set. The efficiency factor may be based on a first follower vessel voyage data set. The first follower vessel voyage data set may comprise a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate follower vessel. The first follower vessel voyage data set may be the same as the first leader vessel voyage data set. The efficiency factor may be based on a first follower vessel specification data set. The first follower vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate follower vessel. The efficiency factor may be based on the environmental data set.

The method 100 comprises selecting S110, S112 for each combination of a first candidate follower vessel and a first candidate leader vessel, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of first wake positions, a first candidate follower target position.

The method 100 comprises selecting S114 a first confirmed leader vessel and a first confirmed follower vessel based on the efficiency factor of the first candidate follower target position for each combination of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel. The method 100 comprises assigning S116 a first confirmed configuration, the first confirmed configuration comprising the first candidate follower target position of the first confirmed follower vessel for the first confirmed leader vessel.

In one or more example methods, selecting S102 a plurality of vessels comprises receiving S102A a first user input indicative of selection of the plurality of vessels.

In one or more example methods, selecting S102 a plurality of vessels comprises identifying S102B the plurality of vessels based on an automatic identification system.

In one or more example methods, labelling S104 at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate leader vessel comprises receiving S104A a fourth user input indicative of the first confirmed leader vessel.

In one or more example methods, labelling S105 at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate follower vessel comprises receiving S105A a fifth user input indicative of the first confirmed follower vessel.

In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises sending S118 first control data to the first confirmed leader vessel, the second confirmed follower vessel or both the first confirmed leader vessel and the second confirmed follower vessel, the first control data being indicative of the first confirmed configuration.

In one or more example methods, the method 100 comprises selecting S119 the first confirmed following vessel as a second confirmed leader vessel.

The method 100 may comprise labelling S120 at least one of the plurality of vessels as a second candidate follower vessel.

The method 100 may comprise determining S122, for the second confirmed leader vessel, a second wake data set, indicative of a wake of the second confirmed leader vessel. The second wake data set may be based on the first follower vessel voyage data set of the first confirmed follower vessel. The second wake data set may be based on the first follower vessel specification data set of the first confirmed follower vessel. The second wake data set may be based on the environmental data set.

The method 100 may comprise determining S124, for each combination of a second candidate follower vessel and the second confirmed leader vessel, for each of a plurality of second wake positions associated with the wake of the second confirmed leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency. The efficiency factor may be based on the second wake data set. The efficiency factor may be based on a second follower vessel voyage data set. The second follower vessel voyage data set may comprise a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the second candidate follower vessel. The second follower vessel voyage data set may be the same as the first follower vessel voyage data set of the first confirmed follower vessel. The efficiency factor may be based on a second follower vessel specification data set. The second follower vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the second candidate follower vessel. The efficiency factor may be based on the environmental data set.

The method 100 may comprise selecting S126, S128 for each combination of a second candidate follower vessel and the second confirmed leader vessel, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of first wake positions, a second candidate follower target position.

The method 100 may comprise selecting S130 a second confirmed follower vessel based on the efficiency factor of the second candidate follower target position for each combination of the second confirmed leader vessel and a second candidate follower vessel.

The method 100 may comprise assigning S132 a second confirmed configuration, the second confirmed configuration comprising the second candidate follower target position of the second confirmed follower vessel for the second confirmed leader vessel.

Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 400, performed by an electronic device, for enabling energy efficiency. The electronic device is the electronic device provided herein, such as the electronic device 300 of Fig. 4. The method 400 comprises determining S402 a first wake data set indicative of a wake of a first candidate leader vessel.

The method 400 comprises transmitting S404 (such as sending) the first wake data set.

Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 500, performed by an electronic device, for enabling energy efficiency. The electronic device is the electronic device provided herein, such as the electronic device 300 of Fig. 4.

The method 500 comprises obtaining S502 (such as receiving or retrieving) a first wake data, indicative of awake of a first candidate leader vessel.

The method 500 comprises determining S504, for each of a plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, an efficiency factor.

The method 500 comprises selecting S506, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of first wake positions, a first candidate follower target position.

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of an exemplary electronic device 300 according to the disclosure. The electronic device 300 comprises a memory circuitry 301 , a processor circuitry 302 and an interface 303. The electronic device 300 may be configured to perform any of the methods provided in Figs. 1Ato1C, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, such as steps S102, S102A, S102B, S104, S104A, S105, S105A, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S119, S120, S122, S124, S126, S128, S130, S132, S402, S404, S502, S504, S506. The electronic device 300 may be configured to perform any other of the methods provided herein. In other words, the electronic device 300 may be configured for energy efficiency (such as fuel efficiency) in at least one vessel of a plurality of vessels.

The electronic device 300 may be configured (for example, using the processor circuitry 302) to select a plurality of vessels.

The electronic device 300 may be configured (for example, using the processor circuitry 302) to label at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate leader vessel. The electronic device 300 may be configured (for example, using the processor circuitry 302) to label at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate follower vessel.

The electronic device 300 may be configured (for example, using the processor circuitry 302) to determine, for each first candidate leader vessel, a first wake data set, indicative of a wake of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on a first leader vessel voyage data set. The first leader vessel voyage data set may comprise a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on a first leader vessel specification data set. The first leader vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate leader vessel. The first wake data set may be based on an environmental data set. The environmental data set may comprise a weather parameter indicative of weather conditions.

The electronic device 300 may be configured (for example, using the processor circuitry 302) to determine, for each combination of a first candidate follower vessel and a first candidate leader vessel, for each of a plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency. The efficiency factor may be based on the first wake data set. The efficiency factor may be based on a first follower vessel voyage data set. The first follower vessel voyage data set may comprise a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate follower vessel. The first follower vessel voyage data set may be the same as the first leader vessel voyage data set. The efficiency factor may be based on a first follower vessel specification data set. The first follower vessel specification data set may comprise a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate follower vessel. The efficiency factor may be based on the environmental data set.

The electronic device 300 may be configured (for example, using the processor circuitry 302) to select, for each combination of a first candidate follower vessel and a first candidate leader vessel, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of first wake positions, a first candidate follower target position. The electronic device 300 may be configured (for example, using the processor circuitry 302) to select a first confirmed leader vessel and a first confirmed follower vessel based on the efficiency factor of the first candidate follower target position for each combination of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel.

The electronic device 300 may be configured (for example, using the processor circuitry 302) to assign a first confirmed configuration, the first confirmed configuration comprising the first candidate follower target position of the first confirmed follower vessel for the first confirmed leader vessel.

The processor circuitry 302 is optionally configured to perform any of the operations disclosed in Fig. 1 , Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 (such as any one or more of: S102, S102A, S102B, S104, S104A, S105, S105A, S106, S108, S110, S112, S114, S116, S118, S119, S120, S122, S124, S126, S128, S130, S132, S402, S404, S502, S504, S506). The processor circuitry 302 is optionally configured to performed any of the example methods provided herein. The operations of the electronic device 300 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (for example, lines of code, software programs, etc.) that are stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (for example, the memory circuitry 301 ) and are executed by the processor circuitry 302.

Furthermore, the operations of the electronic device 300 may be considered a method that the electronic device 300 is configured to carry out. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functionality may as well be carried out via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and/or software.

The memory circuitry 301 may be one or more of: a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random-access memory (RAM) and any other suitable device. Typically, the memory circuitry 301 may include a non-volatile memory for long term data storage and a volatile memory that functions as system memory for the processor circuitry 302. The memory circuitry 301 may exchange data with the processor circuitry 302 over a data bus. Control lines and an address bus between the memory circuitry 301 and the processor circuitry 302 also may be present (not shown in Fig. 4). The memory circuitry 301 may be considered a non-transitory computer- readable medium.

The memory circuitry 301 may be configured to store any of the data of the disclosure (such as the first wake data set, the first leader vessel voyage data set, the first leader vessel specification data set, the environmental data set, the first candidate vessel voyage data set, the first candidate vessel specification data set, the second wake data set, the second candidate vessel voyage data set, the second candidate vessel specification data set or any other suitable data set) in a part of the memory.

The electronic device 300 may be a wireless electronic device. The electronic device 300 may be comprised in a vessel. The electronic device 300 may be comprised in a land control centre.

Fig. 5 shows an automatic identification system (AIS). In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the AIS identifies the plurality of selected vessels for which the method for energy efficiency is performed. The AIS may identify the plurality of vessels according to several parameters such as one or more of: the vessels being within a predefined geographical region, the vessels’ shipowners, the vessels’ routes and any other suitable parameter.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a first candidate leader vessel 10. A first wake data set is indicative, in the embodiment of Fig. 6, of a shape of the wake, a configuration of the wake based on a model configured to determine one or more of vortices of the wake and waves of the wake, a speed of water at a point of the wake and other suitable fluid dynamic parameters. Therefore, the first wake data set of the embodiment of Fig. 6 allows for a modelling of a simulated wake 20 for the first candidate leader vessel 10. The simulated wake 20 of Fig. 6 is represented in greater detail in Fig. 7.

Fig. 6 also represents a first candidate follower vessel 30 for which a first candidate follower target position 50 is determined in relation to the first candidate leader vessel 10. Put another way, in Fig. 6, the first candidate follower target position 50, which is represented with a diagonal line pattern in this figure, is determined for the combination of the first candidate leader vessel 10 and the first candidate follower vessel 30 represented in Fig. 6. In order to determine such first candidate target position 50, an efficiency factor is determined for a plurality of first wake positions 40 associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel 10. The plurality of first wake positions 40, represented with dotted lines in Fig. 6, correspond, in the embodiment of Fig. 6, to geometric points of the simulated wake 20.

In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the first candidate follower target position 50 is selected based on the efficiency factor of every first wake position 40. In particular, the first candidate follower target position 50 for the first candidate leader vessel 10 and the first candidate follower vessel 30, in Fig. 6, corresponds to the first wake position 40 with the highest efficiency factor.

As set out above, the determination of a first candidate follower target position may be equally carried out for any combination of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel. Each first candidate follower target position will correspond to a first wake position for which an efficiency factor has been determined. A first confirmed leader vessel and a first confirmed follower vessel may be selected based on the efficiency factors of the first candidate follower target positions for every combination of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel. In one or more embodiments, such as the embodiment of Fig. 6, the combination of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel for which the efficiency factor of the first candidate follower target position has the highest efficiency factor may be selected as the first confirmed leader vessel and the first confirmed follower vessel.

Fig. 7 depicts, in greater detail, the simulated wake 20 of Fig. 6. As explained with reference to Fig. 6, the simulated wake 20 is determined based on the first wake data set determined for the first candidate leader vessel 10.

The simulated wake 20 comprises a turbulent region 21 , a smooth region 22, a Kelvin wake region 23 and a cusp wave region 26. Likewise, the simulated wake 20 comprises transverse waves 24 and divergent waves 25 which may give rise to such regions. In Fig. 7, the turbulent region 21 extends immediately abaft the first candidate leader vessel 10, substantially along a longitudinal axis of the first candidate leader vessel 10. The smooth region 22 also extends along such longitudinal direction, downstream of the turbulent region 21. The Kelvin wake region 23 extends on both sides of the turbulent region 21 and the smooth region 22, and comprises transverse waves 24 and divergent waves 25 that intersect each other. The lateralmost regions of the simulated wake 20 correspond to the cusp wave region 26, in which the transverse waves 24 and the divergent waves 25 superpose each other.

The first wake position of the simulated wake 20 for which the efficiency factor is the highest, that is, the first candidate follower target position 50, may be located in any of the regions specified above. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, it is shown that the first candidate follower target position 50 is located in the Kelvin wake region 23. However, for other combinations of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel, the first candidate follower target position may be located in any other region of the simulated wake 20.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting items. Any one or more of the features of these items may be combined with any one or more features of another item, example, embodiment or disclosure described herein.

Item 1. A method, performed by an electronic device, for energy efficiency in at least one vessel of a group of vessels, the method comprising: selecting a plurality of vessels; labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate leader vessel; labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate follower vessel; for each first candidate leader vessel: determining a first wake data set, indicative of a wake of the first candidate leader vessel, based on at least: a first leader vessel voyage data set comprising a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate leader vessel; a first leader vessel specification data set comprising a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate leader vessel; and an environmental data set comprising a weather parameter indicative of weather conditions; for each first candidate follower vessel, determining a first candidate follower target position for each first candidate leader vessel, by: determining, for each of a plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency, based on at least: the first wake data set; a first follower vessel specification data set comprising a design parameter indicative of the design of a hull of the first candidate follower vessel; and the environmental data set; selecting, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of first wake positions, the first candidate follower target position; selecting a first confirmed leader vessel and a first confirmed follower vessel based on the efficiency factor of the first candidate follower target position for each combination of a first candidate leader vessel and a first candidate follower vessel; and assigning a first confirmed configuration, the first confirmed configuration comprising the first candidate follower target position of the first confirmed follower vessel for the first confirmed leader vessel.

Item 2. The method of item 1 , wherein selecting a plurality of vessels comprises receiving a first user input indicative of selection of the plurality of vessels.

Item 3. The method of any one of items 1 to 2, wherein selecting a plurality of vessels comprises identifying the plurality of vessels based on an automatic identification system.

Item 4. The method of any one of the preceding items, wherein determining a first wake data set comprises receiving a second user input indicative of customisation of the first wake data set.

Item 5. The method of any one of the preceding items, wherein determining, for each of a plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency comprises receiving a third user input indicative of a customisation of the energy efficiency.

Item 6. The method of any one of the preceding items, wherein the first follower vessel voyage data set comprises a safety distance parameter.

Item 7. The method of any one of the preceding items, wherein labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate leader vessel comprises receiving a fourth user input indicative of the first confirmed leader vessel.

Item 8. The method of any one of the preceding items, wherein labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels as a first candidate follower vessel comprises receiving a fifth user input indicative of the first confirmed follower vessel.

Item 9. The method of any one of the preceding items, wherein the method comprises determining, based on a predefined route parameter of a vessel, a speed parameter.

Item 10. The method of any one of the preceding items, the method comprising: sending first control data to the first confirmed leader vessel, the second confirmed follower vessel or both the first confirmed leader vessel and the second confirmed follower vessel, the first control data being indicative of the first confirmed configuration.

Item 11 . The method of any one of the preceding items, wherein the first confirmed following vessel is selected as a second confirmed leader vessel; the method comprising: labelling at least one of the plurality of vessels, different from the first confirmed leader vessel and the first confirmed follower vessel, as a second candidate follower vessel; for the second confirmed leader vessel: determining a second wake data set, indicative of a wake of the second confirmed leader vessel, based on at least: the first follower vessel voyage data set of the first confirmed follower vessel; the first follower vessel specification data set of the first confirmed follower vessel; and the environmental data set; for each second candidate follower vessel, determining a second candidate follower target position for the second confirmed leader vessel, by: determining, for each of a plurality of second wake positions associated with the wake of the second confirmed leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency, based on at least: the second wake data set; a second follower vessel specification data set comprising a design parameter indicative of the design of a hull of the second candidate follower vessel; and the environmental data set; selecting, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of second wake positions, the second candidate follower target position; selecting a second confirmed follower vessel based on the efficiency factor of the second candidate follower target position for each combination of the second confirmed leader vessel and a second candidate follower vessel; and assigning a second confirmed configuration, the second confirmed configuration comprising the comprising the second candidate follower target position of the second confirmed follower vessel for the second confirmed leader vessel.

Item 12. The method of any one of the preceding items, wherein the first wake data set, the second wake data set or both the first wake data set and the second wake data set comprise one or more of: a turbulent region; a smooth region; a Kelvin wake region; and a cusp wave region.

Item 13. A method, performed by an electronic device, for enabling energy efficiency, the method comprising: determining a first wake data set, indicative of a wake of a first candidate leader vessel, based on at least: a first leader vessel voyage data set comprising a speed parameter indicative of the speed of the first candidate leader vessel; a first leader vessel specification data set comprising a design parameter indicative of the design of a hull of the first candidate leader vessel; and an environmental data set comprising a weather parameter indicative of weather conditions; and transmitting the first wake data set.

Item 14. A method, performed by an electronic device, for enabling energy efficiency, the method comprising: obtaining a first wake data set, indicative of a wake of a first candidate leader vessel; for a first candidate follower vessel, determining a first candidate follower target position for the first candidate leader vessel, by: determining, for each of a plurality of first wake positions associated with the wake of the first candidate leader vessel, an efficiency factor indicative of energy efficiency, based on at least: the first wake data set; a first follower vessel specification data set comprising a design parameter indicative of a design of a hull of the first candidate follower vessel; and an environmental data set comprising a weather parameter indicative of weather conditions; and selecting, based on the efficiency factors of the plurality of first wake positions, the first candidate follower target position.

Item 15. An electronic device comprising a memory circuitry, a processor circuitry and an interface, wherein the electronic device is configured to perform any of the methods of the preceding items.

Item 16. The electronic device of item 15, wherein the electronic device is a wireless electronic device.

Item 17. A vessel comprising the electronic device of any one of items 15 to 16. Item 18. The vessel of item 17, wherein the vessel belongs to the plurality of selected vessels.

Item 19. A land control centre comprising the electronic device of any one of items 15 to 16.

Item 20. A computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by an electronic device cause the electronic device to perform any of the methods of items 1 to 14.

The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. does not imply any order. Moreover, the use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. does not denote any importance. The words “first”, “second”, “third”, etc. are not intended to denote any specific spatial or temporal ordering. Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

It may be appreciated that figures comprise some circuitries or operations which are illustrated with a solid line and some circuitries or operations which are illustrated with a dashed line. The circuitries or operations which are represented with a solid line are circuitries or operations which are comprised in the broadest example of the embodiments of figures. The circuitries or operations which are represented with a dashed line are circuitries or operations which may be provided, in the embodiments of figures, in addition to the circuitries or operations represented with the solid line. It should be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in the presented order. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that not all the operations need to be performed. The exemplary operations may be performed in any order and in any combination.

It is to be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

It is to be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

The various exemplary methods and devices provided herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable storage medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments. A computer-readable storage medium may include removable and non-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVD), etc. Generally, program circuitries may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program circuitries represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods provided herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.