Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services
Project Description
Background
Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize science and technology and enable groundbreaking advances in optimization, cryptography, machine learning, materials science, and drug discovery. Quantum computing also promises faster answers for optimization and efficiency improvements than is possible with conventional methods when it comes to solving complex tasks in the field of logistics and maritime shipping. The QEC4QEA project addresses key challenges for quantum computing, such as a lack of standardized tools, specialized training, access to infrastructure, and limited industrial cooperation.
Objectives
The QEC4QEA project aims to accelerate the adoption and dissemination of quantum computing applications by creating a unified platform to accelerate the development and integration of quantum-assisted applications in various scientific and industrial fields. QEC4QEA will provide a range of resources, including a hardware-independent application library, benchmarking compilers, APIs, and curated access to high-performance computing and quantum computing infrastructures. The project will refine its capabilities through agile development while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. A training program and help desk will support scientists and developers in designing and integrating quantum-enabled solutions.
The focus will be on leveraging the expertise of its consortium to deliver effective solutions for real-world requirements. This outreach strategy will promote collaboration between science and industry and translate scientific breakthroughs into commercial applications.
Tasks of Fraunhofer CML
Fraunhofer CML contributes to the consortium its knowledge of processes in shipping, port management, and logistics, as well as its many years of experience in formalizing, modeling, and solving optimization problems in operational contexts. Fraunhofer CML will model and implement selected practical problems from maritime logistics, such as the maritime inventory routing problem, using various QC approaches, and analyze the different methods.
Project consortium
QEC4QEA is funded under Horizon Europe for a period of four years and coordinated by Forschungszentrum Jülich. Other project partners include European research institutions, infrastructure providers, and application developers, including the LINKS Foundation from Italy, CEA from France, Multiverse from Spain, Barcelona Supercomputing Center from Spain, and Poznan Supercomputing Center PSNC from Poland.
