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Description
Scortel Ltd., headquartered in Sofia with regional offices in Burgas and Varna, is a market leader in maritime solutions in Bulgaria. Specializing in Vessels Monitoring Systems (VMS) and Maritime Information Systems (MIS), Scortel operates under NACE code 62.09, offering IT services, equipment supply, system integration, and consulting for satellite communications, GPS tracking, mobile video surveillance, and automated information systems for land and maritime businesses. The company, led by Mr. Stefan Bashalov, has established a strong market presence locally and internationally, delivering quality solutions to private clients and public authorities.
Recognizing a common challenge among local vessel operators in the Black Sea region—particularly outdated practices leading to high fuel consumption—Scortel proposes the i2VMS technological solution. Targeting vessels between 10 and 50 meters, this set of hardware and software aims to optimize speed selection, implement effective fuel-saving measures, and automate data collection and transmission. The i2VMS installation is estimated to save approximately 900 liters of diesel per vessel annually, providing significant cost savings for operators.
With prior experience in delivering VMS and MIS for Bulgaria, Scortel, with Norwegian partner FourC AS, plans to develop i2VMS from TRL 6 to TRL 8 and beyond. This project not only addresses a common issue in the Black Sea countries but also marks an important step for FourC AS''s entrance into the maritime solutions niche.
The technological collaboration between Scortel Ltd. (Bulgaria) and FourC AS (Norway) under this project yields innovative products for Scortel and advances the application of cloud monitoring technology for FourC, establishing a promising foundation for long-term cooperation and market expansion for both companies.
Summary of project results
The project was designed to address several interrelated challenges affecting the efficiency and sustainability of small ships and motorboats operating at sea. A primary concern was the excessive fuel consumption that occurred during various phases of navigation, such as traveling between ports and fishing areas. The project aimed to develop solutions that would optimize vessel movement and reduce fuel use by regulating travel speeds more effectively.
Another significant issue was the safety risk associated with shutting down engines during production operations or periods of low activity. Since many operators turned off engines to conserve fuel, this practice could compromise the vessel’s readiness and safety. The project therefore sought to introduce systems that would allow essential functions to continue without keeping the engines running.
Additionally, the need to maintain electronic equipment for mandatory production reporting posed an efficiency problem. Even while docked, vessels often had to run their engines solely to power onboard instruments, resulting in unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions. The project aimed to streamline energy use for these operations by integrating more efficient, independent energy systems.
Lastly, the environmental impact of small vessels was a central challenge. The project focused on reducing the carbon footprint of maritime operations by incorporating renewable energy sources to power onboard electronics, thereby lowering CO₂ emissions and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.
By tackling these challenges, the project aimed to enhance the operational efficiency of vessels, reduce costs for operators, and contribute to more sustainable maritime practices.
The project implemented by Scortel Ltd. was centered on the development and market introduction of a technological solution package known as i2VMS (Integrated innovative VMS for boats and small ships). This initiative involved a series of interconnected activities aimed at designing, testing, and commercializing advanced systems to enhance vessel monitoring and reduce environmental impact.
A key component of the project was the acquisition of specialized hardware and software platforms. Scortel Ltd. purchased a new development and operations platform for VMS software, along with testing and production platforms for three critical components: the Autonomous Smart Power Supply (ASPS), the Ship State Control Block (SSCB), and the Operations and Environmental Control Block (OECB). These tools supported the internal research and development efforts, which included the design, prototyping, and testing of the ASPS, SSCB, and OECB technologies.
An important part of the project was the collaboration with the Norwegian company FourC AS. Through this partnership, Scortel integrated the Groovy M2M Cloud System technology, which enabled remote monitoring and control of vessel operations, further enhancing the project’s technological capabilities.
As a result of these efforts, five new products were developed: the ASPS, SSCB, OECB, and two subscription-based services—one for technical monitoring and Electronic Reporting System (ERS) communication of individual vessels, and another for full operational monitoring and management support. These products were successfully commercialized under the i2VMS suite, and their utility was officially recognized through the registration of a utility model. The platforms acquired during the project played a central role in both development and market deployment phases.
Ultimately, the project aimed to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions in small ships and motorboats. By improving energy efficiency and operational monitoring, it contributed to more sustainable maritime operations and offered cost-saving benefits to vessel operators.
The project resulted in the development of a fully functional prototype of the integrated innovative vessel monitoring system, i2VMS. This system includes several advanced components and services: the Autonomous Smart Power Supply (ASPS), the Ship State Control Block (SSCB), and the Operations and Environmental Control Block (OECB), along with two subscription-based services for technical control and full operational monitoring and electronic data reporting—either for individual vessels or entire fleets. These products and services support the implementation of a new business model in the maritime sector.
The project delivered multiple outcomes and impacts across different areas. For Scortel Ltd., it significantly enhanced the company’s competitiveness by enabling the successful development and commercialization of innovative maritime solutions. This translated into steady annual growth in turnover and a notable increase in net operational profit within four years of implementation. For vessel operators, the new system brought tangible environmental and financial benefits. The i2VMS technology allowed each vessel to reduce diesel consumption by approximately 900 litres per year, resulting in a total CO₂ emissions reduction of 689,040 kilograms across 290 vessels. This not only lowered fuel costs but also contributed to environmental sustainability.
The project also had a direct impact on employment and skills development, as it created three new green jobs for highly qualified engineers, thereby supporting the local workforce and strengthening the region’s capacity in advanced technological sectors. At an industry level, the i2VMS introduced a range of cutting-edge technologies that improved the efficiency, safety, and monitoring capabilities of small ships and motorboats, offering a modern solution to longstanding operational challenges in the maritime field.
In addition, the collaboration with Norwegian partner FourC AS played a critical role in the project’s success. It facilitated the transfer of advanced technology and expertise, strengthened the innovation capacity of both companies, and opened new commercial opportunities for FourC AS in the maritime domain.
The beneficiaries of the project were diverse. Scortel Ltd. gained increased revenue, market presence, and technological leadership. Vessel operators benefitted from cost savings and improved operational safety. The local workforce saw the creation of new, high-quality jobs. The broader maritime industry advanced through the adoption of innovative technologies, and the environment benefited from reduced carbon emissions. Overall, the project generated positive impacts on multiple levels, combining economic growth with environmental responsibility and technological progress.
Summary of bilateral results
The Project Partner - FourC AS provided technology and know-how to support the Promoter to create a prototype of the i2VMS operating environment based on its own FourC Groovy M2M Cloud System platform. This included preparing and adapting the platform towards supporting the concept and architecture of the i2VMS. For developing i2VMS as a cloud system, the Partner provided technical expertise on how to connect i2VMS distributed devices for management, surveillance, application maintenance and other features in general. In addition, the Partner provided the technical framework and the cloud access needed for i2VMS distributed devices to connect to it, similarly as with FourC Groovy M2M Device Platform devices. This thin framework layer provides feature support on the device and communicates with the cloud i2VMS system.