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Iceland's Marorka, a leading provider of energy management solutions, and Norway's Kongsberg Maritime, have joined forces in an effort to help shipping companies optimize fuel consumption.

Marorka's energy management solutions are to be integrated with Kongsberg's marine automation system in an effort to provide energy efficiency in a dedicated power management system, and to make it easier for ship operators to act on advices aimed at reducing fuel consumption.

Real-time simulation and key energy performance indicators from Marorka's system are displayed within Kongsberg's interface, enabling vessel captains and engineers to focus on optimizing energy performance onboard.

"There is a growing demand in the shipping industry for user-friendly, comprehensive control systems that allow vessel operators to optimize energy performance metrics onboard. With this agreement, we address the industry's growing concerns about fuel costs and environmental issues", said Marorka CEO Jon Agust Thorsteinsson.

The combined performance system will be offered as a modular solution where the Kongsberg K-Chief systems and Marorka's MAREN and FUEL MANAGER energy management solutions are integrated to fit each vessel's specifications and to meet shipping companies' objectives on energy savings.

"We have chosen to work with Marorka on this project due to their unique and innovative energy optimization solution, which addresses a key issue in the shipping industry in a very effective way," said Kongsberg Maritime's General Manager Ketil O. Paulsen.

The international shipping industry is currently under pressure to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is expected later this year to introduce various measures to improve the energy efficiency of ships, raising demands for ship owners to monitor and report on energy management.