DNV GL Explores Quantum Algorithms for Maritime Route Optimization
April 23, 2015
On April 23, 2015, DNV GL, the Norwegian-German classification, risk management, and maritime analytics leader, announced the launch of a research initiative to investigate quantum computing applications in maritime route optimization. The program aimed to explore the potential of quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms to improve the efficiency, safety, and environmental footprint of global shipping operations.
The initiative was led by DNV GL’s Group Technology and Research division and leveraged data from its Veracity maritime analytics platform. It represented one of the first systematic efforts by a major classification society to apply quantum-inspired techniques to maritime logistics, highlighting the growing intersection of frontier computing and operational shipping challenges.
Challenges in Maritime Freight Routing
Long-haul maritime shipping involves complex decision-making influenced by:
Dynamic weather systems, including storms, currents, and seasonal variations
Geopolitical considerations such as piracy zones or territorial conflicts
Port congestion and berth availability
Fuel availability, consumption, and bunker pricing
Emission reduction targets imposed by regulators and sustainability initiatives
Traditional route optimization tools rely on deterministic models or heuristic simulations, which can struggle to adapt to high-dimensional, real-time variables. DNV GL recognized that quantum algorithms could provide a novel approach to solve combinatorial optimization problems inherent in global shipping.
Quantum Approaches Explored
The DNV GL research program investigated multiple quantum and quantum-inspired methodologies:
QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization) models for optimizing shortest-path selection with multiple weighted constraints
Quantum annealing for solving multi-variable voyage scheduling problems
Hybrid solvers combining classical routing heuristics with quantum-inspired genetic algorithms
Because commercial quantum computers were not yet widely available in 2015, the team relied on simulated quantum annealers and classical high-performance computing to model algorithmic performance. Historical voyage data from client fleets were integrated into simulations to create realistic testing scenarios.
Pilot Route Simulations
Initial simulation scenarios focused on critical international shipping corridors, including:
Rotterdam to Singapore
Hamburg to Shanghai
Suez Canal bypass strategies in the context of hypothetical geopolitical or congestion events
Results from these simulations were promising:
Fuel Savings: Estimated reductions of 4–7% compared to conventional route planning tools
Delay Reduction: Weather-induced delays decreased in over 60% of simulated crossings
Dynamic Rerouting: Enhanced flexibility under simulated maritime traffic congestion scenarios
DNV GL projected that, if deployed at scale, quantum-enhanced routing could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in operational savings for container fleets globally while contributing to carbon reduction targets.
Environmental and Regulatory Implications
The initiative aligned with broader industry and regulatory objectives, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2030 decarbonization goals. By optimizing routes and speeds, shipping operators could achieve:
Lower carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions
Reduced fuel consumption through efficient speed management
Strategic selection of port stops based on fuel availability, shore power access, and environmental regulations
Beyond operational efficiency, quantum-enhanced route planning could improve compliance with regulatory reporting and enhance insurance risk assessments by providing predictive risk modeling capabilities.
Collaboration and Industry Interest
DNV GL’s quantum research initiative garnered attention and collaboration from several industry and academic partners:
Maersk Line: Interested in advanced fleet analytics for operations and sustainability
Port of Rotterdam Authority: Exploring integration with smart port management systems
NTNU and SINTEF (Norway): Academic collaborators contributing expertise in quantum optimization and maritime risk modeling
Lloyd’s Register: Launched a parallel study in 2016 focusing on quantum-inspired maritime applications
These partnerships allowed DNV GL to validate simulation models, incorporate realistic operational constraints, and ensure alignment with industry needs.
Quantum Logistics in Maritime: Strategic Vision
While commercial deployment of quantum routing systems was still years away, DNV GL emphasized the long-term strategic value of early experimentation:
Shaping software pipelines compatible with future quantum hardware
Developing algorithmic standards for maritime logistics optimization
Enhancing predictive capabilities in port scheduling and intermodal transitions (ship-to-rail, ship-to-truck)
By investing in early research, DNV GL positioned itself to influence emerging quantum logistics frameworks and maintain a competitive edge in maritime technology services.
Research Outcomes and Next Steps
The project produced actionable insights for future development:
Simulation-based evidence of fuel and emissions reductions for container shipping
Validation of hybrid quantum-classical optimization frameworks for complex, high-dimensional logistics problems
Identification of use cases for quantum-enhanced risk modeling in insurance and operational planning
DNV GL committed to publishing a white paper summarizing its methodology, findings, and roadmap by late 2016. This document was intended to guide shipping companies, port authorities, and logistics technology vendors in preparing for quantum-assisted operations.
Potential Broader Impacts
The study highlighted several long-term benefits for the maritime sector:
Operational Efficiency: Improved voyage planning under variable weather, traffic, and fuel constraints
Environmental Sustainability: Support for decarbonization targets via fuel-efficient routing
Risk Mitigation: Enhanced predictive modeling for piracy, port congestion, and extreme weather events
Commercial Competitiveness: Reductions in voyage costs, insurance premiums, and delivery uncertainties
By integrating quantum-inspired techniques into route optimization, DNV GL’s research offered the possibility of transforming maritime logistics from largely reactive planning to proactive, data-driven decision-making.
Conclusion
DNV GL’s April 2015 initiative marked a pioneering effort to explore quantum computing in the context of global maritime logistics. By simulating quantum and hybrid algorithms for route optimization, the company demonstrated potential improvements in fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and operational resilience.
The project established early groundwork for quantum-enhanced shipping logistics, including weather-aware route planning, dynamic rerouting, and risk mitigation. While commercial applications remained several years away, DNV GL’s foresight positioned it as a leader in preparing the maritime sector for next-generation computational tools.
As sustainability and efficiency become increasingly critical in global shipping, initiatives like DNV GL’s research program highlight the strategic importance of quantum-inspired methods. The project not only demonstrated immediate operational insights but also charted a path for integrating quantum computation into the future of maritime logistics, ensuring competitiveness and ecological responsibility in a rapidly evolving industry.