Cognitiwe selected for on-board food stock management and waste reduction pilot

Safetytech Accelerator in collaboration with CYENS and Oceanic have selected Cognitiwe for a pilot for technology for management and utilisation of stock and reduction of food waste on vessels.

The maritime industry faces numerous challenges including food stock management issues on vessels. The issue is particularly critical for vessels that transport perishable goods that require refrigeration. The challenge of managing food stocks in cold rooms on vessels is complex and requires innovative technology solutions, which Safetytech Accelerator was keen to bring their expertise to.

CYENS is the Centre of Excellence in Cyprus focusing on interactive media, smart systems and emerging technologies and aiming to empower knowledge and technology transfer in the region.

Oceanic is the leading marine catering, hospitality and wellbeing services specialist currently serving over 2,300 vessels, supporting clients across all sectors of the industry, from merchant shipping to offshore, leisure, and niche expedition cruises.

The collaboration set out to explore the use of augmented reality and computer vision to address on-board management of stock, with the aim of better management and utilisation of stock, reduction of food waste and improved hygiene and safety practices. After a comprehensive search three companies were selected to conduct feasibility studies in these areas, of which Cognitiwe was selected as the preferred supplier for a pilot.

Wisy is a Silicon Valley high-tech company that provides services to the fast-moving consumer goods industry. Wisy’s artificial intelligence platform automates store inspections using image recognition technology, resulting in increased operational efficiency and actionable store-level intelligence for brands, food brokers, distributors, and retailers. Wisy removes the necessity for manual data entry and reduces processing hours, enabling field teams to spend time selling, not counting.

Leanpath – a Certified B-Corp – develops technologies for food waste prevention and measurement of everyday practice in the world’s kitchens. With customers in over 40 countries, Leanpath helps kitchens cut food waste by half to run more profitable and sustainable business operations.

Cognitiwe is an industrial computer vision company that leverages its extensive domain knowledge, data science and enterprise software expertise, and device capabilities to develop sustainable solutions for repeating problems in key global industries, including the maritime industry.

Commenting on the announcement, Nadia Echchihab, Head of Innovation Programmes at Safetytech Accelerator, said,”We are thrilled to act as bridge between industry leaders and tech companies to solve a truly complex challenge with cutting edge technology, in this case computer vision applied to food stock management in merchant shipping. Following an insightful feasibility study in which Cognitiwe outlined a robust methodology for the deployment on their technology in ships serviced by Oceanic, we are now progressing to the deployment phase. I am looking forward to seeing the outcomes of this pilot which, if successful, has the potential to not only improve the working conditions of the catering crew but also help reduce food waste in the process”.

Marinos Markides, Systems Manager at Oceanic commented, “Traditionally, managing stock and supplies on merchant vessels has been a complex and time-consuming task. Cooks often face challenges such as limited storage space, unpredictable supply availability, and difficulty in tracking inventory levels. Through digitalisation, we aim to equip the catering crew with the tools they need to ensure efficient and streamlined operations in the galley. By harnessing technology, we can enhance the overall culinary experience for seafarers while reducing costs and promoting sustainable practices. Cognitiwe seems to be a good fit in our bid to transform the way the catering crew operate in the galley, streamlining processes, reducing waste, and maximizing efficiency.”

Dr. Olga Shvarova, Chief Innovation Officer at CYENS commented, “We are very happy to be able to contribute to the digitalisation and adoption of new technologies in the shipping industry. The automation and use of advanced digital technologies are becoming increasingly relevant for maritime transport, and we, as a Centre of Excellence fully support the effort to streamline exiting processes, transform supply chains and create new business opportunities in this strategically important economic sector.”

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About Oceanic

Oceanic is a leader in catering, hospitality and wellbeing services, committed to crew welfare, digitalization and ESG. Headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, and present in 18 strategic locations worldwide, Oceanic provides a comprehensive range of services to more than 2,300 vessels, ensuring the essential supply of quality products and services that meet the cultural and religious requirements of crewmembers and the highest expectations of its travelling-guests.

With a proven track record stretching over 20 years of continued service excellence, and with an unrivalled industry knowledge, Oceanic offers its customers consistent quality of service combined with a fast, global response. For more information, please visit www.oceanic-services.com

About CYENS

CYENS Centre of Excellence is a joint venture of three public universities, the University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology, and Open University of Cyprus, the Municipality of Nicosia, and two renowned international partners, Max Planck Institute for Informatics, Germany, and University College London, United Kingdom. CYENS is funded by Horizon 2020 and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. For more information, please visit www.cyens.org.cy.

About Safetytech Accelerator

Safetytech Accelerator is a non-profit established by Lloyd’s Register. It is the first fully dedicated technology accelerator focused on safety and risk in industrial sectors, with a mission to make the world safer and more sustainable through wider adoption of technology.