In the latest issue of Maritime CEO, the industry’s top brass are spilling the beans on where they see technology taking the maritime sector in the coming years. At the top of the list? Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to revolutionise everything from emissions reduction to autonomous vessels. Mikael Skov, the head honcho at Hafnia, the world’s largest product tanker owner, is bullish about AI’s role in driving down operational costs and boosting environmental sustainability. “These advancements are not only technologically disruptive but also essential in addressing global challenges like climate change and maritime safety,” Skov tells Splash. He’s not just talking about AI optimising routes or schedules; he’s seeing it actively slashing carbon footprints. The potential to cut annual emissions through AI-powered navigation optimisation is a “game-changer,” aligning with global sustainability goals.
But it’s not just the bigwigs at Hafnia who are singing AI’s praises. Tim Ponath, CEO of German owner NSB Group, predicts that by 2025, AI will be integrated into the day-to-day operations of vessels. Arthur English, CEO of Norwegian shipowner G2 Ocean, echoes this sentiment, noting that most tech decisions and investments will focus on AI’s potential, including vessel hardware. Even Splash readers, in an ongoing survey with Inmarsat, see AI as the technology with the most significant impact on maritime operations in the next decade, beating out other buzzy tech like blockchain, Big Data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
However, before we all start popping the champagne corks, there are some significant hurdles to clear. Niall Jack, director of product development at software provider Shipnet, urges the industry to address underlying challenges like data standardisation, cybersecurity risks, and the need for skilled personnel to manage AI-driven systems. “Overpromising AI’s capabilities without resolving these foundational challenges may lead to suboptimal implementations and rejection of further new developments because of this,” Jack warns.
Christian Råe Holm, CEO of software provider Coach Solutions, is also cautioning against getting too carried away with the AI hype. “There is still a lot of talk around AI and machine learning, but apart from optimising manual internal processes, I do not see it replacing expert human advisory yet,” Holm says. He argues that the need for human expert support will only increase with the advent of AI, as it takes deep knowledge to interpret the sometimes-dubious results coming out of the AI black box.
Beyond AI, there’s a lot more cooking in the maritime tech kitchen. Blockchain adoption is set to accelerate, promising a tamper-proof, transparent, and decentralised system that could revolutionise shipping contracts, payments, and cargo tracking. IoT is evolving from basic tracking to real-time, end-to-end visibility of the supply chain, improving reliability and customer experience. And with all the increased data flow, cybersecurity measures will need to step up their game.
On the green tech front, ammonia engines and wind assist technologies are gaining traction, with industry leaders like Haakon Lenz of Wilhelmsen Ship Management and Mark Cameron of Ardmore Shipping keeping a close eye on developments. Hull coatings and carbon capture solutions are also back in vogue, with Andrew Airery of Highland Maritime predicting mandatory retrofitting for existing and new vessels still using fossil fuels.
In the crewing industry, proactive thinking is finally taking momentum, with software solutions like training applications, VR, and crew-centric data solutions being introduced as proactive measures to save money before it’s spent. Claire Georgeson, founder and CEO of analytics firm PsyFyi, notes that the value of software is being incorporated into strategies, with bold solutions being adopted even without obvious and immediate returns on investment.
But there’s still a long way to go. Pradeep Chawla, CEO of online training specialist MarinePALS, argues that the shipping industry spends a much smaller portion of its operating costs on training compared to other high-hazard industries. He predicts a higher demand for e-learning and self-learning, driven by the challenges of training for alternative fuels.
So, what does all this mean for the future of the maritime industry? Well, buckle up, because it’s going to be a wild ride. AI is set to shake up the sector in a big way, but it’s not a silver bullet. The industry needs to tackle some significant challenges head-on, from data standardisation to cybersecurity. And while green tech is making strides, there’s still a lot of work to do to meet global sustainability goals. But with proactive thinking and bold solutions, the maritime industry is steering towards a more efficient, sustainable, and tech-savvy future. So, let’s raise a glass to the innovators, the disruptors, and the dreamers – here’s to the future of maritime!
