Russian Engineers Build AI-Driven Climate Systems for Ships

Russian company Aysco is developing a groundbreaking AI-powered climate control system for ships—technology that can predict breakdowns and automatically optimize performance. The innovation represents a major step forward for the global maritime industry, where most climate systems still rely on reactive maintenance.

Instead of waiting for failures to occur, Aysco’s predictive controller continuously analyzes sensor data in real time, forecasts potential malfunctions, and recommends preventive service before issues escalate.

    “We’re moving from reactive to predictive management,” said Alexey Elistratov, the company’s technical director, in an interview with Mediapaluba. “The system will automatically select the most energy-efficient modes, plan maintenance schedules, and significantly reduce crew workload.”    

According to Aysco’s estimates, adopting intelligent control systems could cut the lifetime operating and maintenance costs of onboard climate equipment by up to 60 percent—a significant gain for vessels with service lives reaching 20 years.

Creating a digital twin of the fleet

Alongside AI integration, Aysco is introducing digital ship modernization technologies. One major challenge in refitting older vessels is incomplete or outdated documentation. The company now uses 3D scanning to create precise digital replicas of ship interiors. Engineers can then design new systems that perfectly match the real-world layout, speeding up installations and eliminating costly errors.

Aysco is also working on a modular refrigeration unit for a new research vessel being built at Russia’s Zvezda shipyard. Each module operates independently, ensuring uninterrupted cooling even during long voyages. The system already includes built-in intelligent controls—another step toward fully autonomous maritime infrastructure.