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Introducing TOPAME
by SeafishUK
Introducing TOPAME
Optimising Marine Routes
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TOPAME is a mobile app that helps improve fuel efficiency of fishing boats by calculating the optimal route to destination. The app helps reduce fuel consumption, saves travel time and reduces pollutant emissions.
TOPAME co-founder Tiago Sa is from a Portuguese fishing family. Dinner table discussions on the cost of fuel gave him the idea of developing a solution to help reduce fuel costs for fishermen. Joined by co-founders Paulo Silva and Tiago Fernandes, they set out to develop TOPAME.
The TOPAME app uses data on local oceanographic conditions (waves, wind and tides) and GPS location data to calculate the most efficient route to the desired coordinates. Oceanographic data is updated online daily and includes a 3-day forecast so the app can be used in offline mode for up to three days.
The TOPAME app was trialled on the Portuguese trawler Cruz de Malta over several trips in a two week period. The trials showed a fuel savings of 5% and a reduction in travel time of 8% compared to previous trips without the app. This earned positive feedback from the skipper and boat owner.
Currently TOPAME is available in Portugal only. Following trials, the developers plan to continue its implementation in the Portuguese fishing industry and to develop the app for use in south Atlantic waters.
The success of the TOPAME app for the Portuguese industry shows that there is demand for such technology. There is likely also scope and opportunity for something similar for UK waters.
www.topame.pt
