Digital at the Helm:

In a maritime industry increasingly driven by emissions targets, fuel efficiency and an overabundance of data contributing to operational complexity, digitalization is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s a core strategy. Accelleron, long known for its engineering leadership in turbocharging and fuel injection, is now at the forefront of this digital evolution. At the helm of this transformation is Cristian Corotto, President of Accelleron’s Digital Division, whose diverse background in sectors like automotive, e-commerce, and healthcare is helping reshape how shipowners engage with data and technology to meet mounting regulatory and market demands.

Corotto’s professional journey reflects the multidimensional nature of digital innovation. With an engineering foundation, combined with marketing expertise and executive training from Stanford, Corotto sees his role as a translator — bridging data science with real-world maritime knowledge to deliver actionable insights. “I’m not a marine engineer,” he said, “but I know how to mix the ingredients — data, technology and domain knowledge — to create a recipe that works.”

This blend is key to Accelleron’s digital strategy. Internally, his division supports turbocharging and injection technologies with tools like AI and cybersecurity. Externally, it delivers digital products that help customers unlock the full value of their operational data — optimizing engine performance, voyage routes, and even regulatory compliance in real time.

It’s not just about the engine: A clean hull matters. The voyage profile matters. The fuel type matters. We bring all of that into a unified data strategy.”

- Cristian Corotto,
President of Accelleron’s Digital Division

Digital Solutions for Maritime Challenges

Accelleron’s product suite is grounded in what Corotto describes as a philosophy of enabling decisions, not just collecting data. “In the merchant marine, engine optimization has traditionally been a monthly process,” he said. “Now, our software enables the chief engineer to make that decision continuously, based on live recommendations.”

That shift from periodic checks to real-time optimization is crucial for operators under pressure to improve their Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) scores and reduce fuel consumption. “But it’s not just about the engine,” Corotto explained. “A clean hull matters. The voyage profile matters. The fuel type matters. We bring all of that into a unified data strategy.”

That holistic approach led Accelleron to acquire True North Marine (TNM), a voyage optimization company using AI to map efficient, weather-safe, and fuel-conscious routes. By integrating TNM’s platform, Accelleron adds a new layer of intelligence—one that’s just as focused on emissions as it is on arrival times and bunkering strategies.

One of the most significant — and complex — challenges facing shipowners is the move to alternative fuels. From LNG and methanol to green ammonia and hydrogen, the options are many, the infrastructure sparse, and the operational variables overwhelming.

“You’re managing complexity at every level,” Corotto said. “Fuel type, bunkering availability, crew readiness — it’s no longer a simple equation. The only way to navigate that is with connected data systems that help you make smarter decisions.”

Accelleron’s voyage optimization tools now account for factors like green corridors, port infrastructure, and fuel pricing in addition to weather and routing. For Corotto, this evolution is less about selling software and more about simplifying the mariner’s job: “We help captains make better decisions — easier decisions — so they can focus on navigating safely and efficiently.”

Myth Busters

The maritime world has a reputation for being conservative, but Corotto rejects that label. “It’s not about being conservative—it’s about solving the right problems,” he said. “When the need is there, this industry adapts fast.”

And needs are indeed multiplying. From EEXI and CII compliance to EU ETS inclusion and net-zero commitments by 2050, operators are under pressure like never before. Digital tools are essential — not just for decarbonization, but for profitability. Corotto outlines a four-phase journey where digital solutions play a recurring role:

• Optimize the existing fleet by eliminating inefficiencies.

• Enable upgrades that enhance energy efficiency.

• Support the transition to alternative fuels with decision-support tools.

• Control costs in a future where low-carbon fuels are significantly more expensive.

“Digitalization is the common thread,” he said. “Whether it’s emissions today or fuel cost tomorrow, you need data to stay competitive.”

Case in Point: GESCO’s $45,000 [per vessel, per day] Savings

While many of Accelleron’s most innovative projects remain confidential by customer request, some case studies are making waves. An example is one of India’s largest private ship owners, The Great Eastern Shipping Company (GESCO), which owns and operates bulk carriers, tankers and offshore supply vessels that deployed Accelleron’s engine optimization software [Tekomar Expert Marine] across its fleet. After an initial trial, the company reported daily savings of $45,000 per day per vessel, a result that led to full deployment across the fleet.

“That’s the kind of real, immediate impact we’re talking about,” said Corotto.

Another example involves optimizing logistics for Airbus A320 production, where TNM’s technology helped synchronize transatlantic parts delivery. The solution improved supply chain timing and efficiency—yet another demonstration of maritime digitalization extending beyond the vessel itself.

The Human Element

For all the talk of data and algorithms, Corotto is adamant that digitalization must serve people. “Technology is a tool. The real job is enabling human beings — shipowners, engineers, captains — to make better decisions,” he said.

And in a field where no two ships, voyages, or operators are the same, digital tools must adapt to each user’s unique profile. “This isn’t about a one-size-fits-all solution,” Corotto said. “It’s about building flexible, expert-informed systems that deliver value where and when it’s needed.”

With 2050 looming on the horizon, the maritime world is still figuring out how to reach net-zero. But Corotto sees the path clearly: “It’s not a straight line — it’s a learning journey. But if we measure, monitor, and improve continuously, we will get there.” Accelleron’s digital division is already playing a central role in that journey—one vessel, one voyage, one decision at a time.

“We can’t change the world overnight,” Corotto said. “But we can make a difference—today, tomorrow, and every step of the way.”