What if quantum computing was the solution to the supply chain crisis?


Maritime transport is a colossal market, with more than 10 billion tonnes of goods transported each year. According to the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), maritime transport provides around 90% of the transit of goods in the world and by 2050, the volume transported should triple.

However, it is a polluting activity. Indeed, maritime transport would represent 2.6% of greenhouse gas emissions in the world according to the OECD. Carriers are also under increasing pressure to reduce their emissions.

In addition, maritime transport is complex. Carriers are constantly balancing quality of service – based on shipping speed and time of arrival accuracy – with cost, energy consumption and risk. Although they may choose the shortest route, carriers should also consider other options based on their estimate of weather, wave and wind conditions, water temperature and other maritime constraints. .

Geopolitical events also come into play. For example, in 2012 many ships avoided approaching Somalia due to the threat of pirates. Wait times at busy ports and waterways, such as Singapore and the Panama Canal, are also likely to vary. Labor shortages can also slow down the loading and unloading of goods. Not to mention the Suez Canal which was blocked in 2021, causing major bottlenecks. And if it seems complex for a single ship, imagine what it would be for an entire fleet traveling around the world.

On average, a cargo ship takes 15 to 30 days to cross the Pacific Ocean and around 10 to 20 days to cross the Atlantic. But several elements can make this period vary, because if the weather models are based on historical averages, it is difficult to predict the weather four weeks in advance. Considering all these factors, scheduling routes and cargo choices for each vessel is a herculean task. Many hours are needed for supercomputers to apply sophisticated algorithms aimed at balancing all these variables.

But what happens when weather, geopolitical – or other – conditions vary? How often can a shipping company recalculate part or all of its schedule?

Quantum computers can handle huge volumes of data, complex models, and rapidly changing conditions. Thanks to its ability to perform many actions at the same time, a quantum computer could theoretically achieve in seconds what a classical computer accomplishes in hours. In order to optimize maritime journeys, several researchers have begun work on algorithms for quantum computers, which require software that is completely different from that which operates on a classical computer.

Large groups such as ExxonMobil are very enthusiastic about the potential of quantum computing, because they see considerable advantages: reduced operating costs, improved services and reduced carbon footprint.

This evolution towards quantum will take place in two stages: first speed, then performance.

If quantum computers could produce good results initially, imagine what they could achieve by going much faster. Take a quick game of chess with a grandmaster, for example: if you allow five minutes for each move, the game would be almost perfect, but a five-second move would be phenomenal. Armed with this capability, companies will be able to make real-time adjustments as conditions change.

When quantum computers are even more powerful, they will make better schedules and routes, providing greater benefits. To achieve this, two elements are essential: hardware and software.

Quantum computing hardware is advancing rapidly, but the capabilities of today’s machines – often measured by “quantum volume” or expressed roughly by the number of their qubits (quantum bits) – can still be improved.

As quantum computers gain momentum, software poses a crucial problem. Programming a quantum computer today is a highly skilled operation, and with the evolution of computers, current methods will no longer be suitable. It’s like trying to manually design a state-of-the-art processor using traditional features. Fortunately, new quantum software development platforms are emerging, paving the way for relatively simple design of scalable quantum software.

The profits will be enormous for those who manage to crack the code of the “quantum expedition”. It is for this reason – and despite the current limitations of quantum computers – that companies today are recruiting experts in quantum programming, investing in software development platforms and developing both intellectual property and in-house skills. . The benefits will be colossal: for companies, for consumers and for the planet.





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