The PONTOS data hub provides operational ship data from 18 vessels. The idea behind the hub, which has been developed as part of a project funded by the Swedish Transport Administration, is to promote research, stimulate innovation, and drive product development.

"It all started when we read a news article about the Swedish Ferry Agency purchasing multiple systems to measure data from their vessels. Our first thought was: What if they made their data available to the public? That could significantly increase its value. Turning raw data into useful insights requires a mix of data science, programming, mathematics, and domain knowledge—something that the shipping industry often lacks the time and resources for," says Luis Sanchez-Heres, researcher at RISE.

Open operational data could bridge the gap between companies and external innovators, allowing startups, researchers, and technology developers to test ideas, validate concepts, and connect information in new ways. For the maritime sector, sharing operational data could be a game-changer, accelerating innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

"But getting companies to share their data is not always easy. So, our main idea was to solve two problems—making data accessible to everyone and then encouraging the public to use it."

What kind of data does it involve?

"Many people immediately think of AIS data, the Automatic Identification System, which shows ship routes, positions, speed, and direction. But AIS data says nothing about fuel consumption, engine status, rudder angle, or other technical details. It is precisely this more detailed data that PONTOS makes available."

PONTOS is the name of the open hub for operational ship data, which was built and launched within the project of the same name. Seven organizations, including Öresundslinjen, the Swedish Ferry Agency, Havstens Fiskelag, and Cetasol, have contributed data from 18 vessels. To demonstrate the value of the data, several initiatives were carried out during the project, resulting in three master’s theses, a hackathon, and preparations for an online competition.

"The project has led to a lot. One of the master’s theses explored the possibilities of electrifying fishing boats, based on data from two fishing vessels included in the project. Another focused on optimizing operational strategies for energy efficiency in battery-powered ferries, while a third examined how to predict fuel consumption using machine learning," says Luis Sanchez-Heres.

The two-year project, funded by the Swedish Transport Administration, concluded in January 2025, but the goal is to maintain the open hub at least until December 2027. Data from 18 vessels remains available.

"Right now, we are exploring the possibility of following up on the project. We would love to see how PONTOS aligns with the EU’s data strategy," says Luis Sanchez-Heres.

Footnote. The EU's data strategy is part of the EU's digital strategy and aims to create a unified European data economy. It focuses on promoting the sharing, access, and use of data within the EU while ensuring individual rights and data protection. Here are some of the key elements of the strategy.

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