In the ever-evolving maritime landscape, technology is steering the ship towards a safer, more efficient future. Capt Asteros of Maran Tankers is at the helm, championing tech-driven navigational safety, especially for their fleet of 54 Suezmax and VLCC tankers. “An accident with one of our VLCCs, wherever it is in the world, would be a catastrophe,” he asserts, underscoring the urgency of his mission. Maran Tankers is collaborating with industry leaders to bolster operational safety and trim bureaucracy, testing innovations to raise awareness and streamline maintenance. The goal? To minimise crew involvement in reporting systems and maximise safety.
Capt Asteros isn’t alone in this crusade. Ms Kuchekar, a prominent voice in maritime safety, echoes his sentiments. She stresses that technology should be crew-centric, interactive, and designed with effective human interfaces. “When designing systems, human interaction is paramount,” she insists. “It is essential to ensure safety is not compromised and all requirements are met.” She highlights the need for systems that reduce fatigue and prioritise tasks, ensuring that technology serves as a tool, not a tyrant.
However, Lloyd’s Register’s research paints a stark picture. Many systems, it seems, are not designed with humans in mind, leading to alarm fatigue and compromised safety. Ms Kuchekar calls for a greater understanding of seafarers’ decision-making processes, urging designers to consider operational aspects and ship lifecycles. “The whole industry needs to understand how technology is impacting operations,” she says, advocating for frameworks that prioritise human factors in engineering and system design.
Enter Orca AI, a game-changer in maritime navigation. Mr Raviv, the company’s navigational co-pilot, explains how AI can reduce mental load, reinforce awareness, and increase safety margins. Orca AI’s SeaPods, for instance, mitigate the risk of close encounters and near misses. “AI is redefining lives at sea,” Mr Raviv proclaims, envisioning a future where AI enables autonomous sailing or minimal bridge complement, reducing crew fatigue and enhancing decision-making.
But what do seafarers think about this tech revolution? A webinar poll offers some insights. A significant 48% of attendees reported that ratings perform lookout duties for 10 hours daily, raising concerns about fatigue. When asked about barriers to AI adoption, 36% cited lack of technical expertise on board, while 33% pointed to costs and limited budget. However, a resounding 69% believe that training on maritime AI tools should be included in formal maritime education and certification programmes, signalling a willingness to embrace change.
The poll also revealed mixed feelings about AI tools. While 17% reported mostly positive feedback, 35% noted both benefits and concerns. Only 3% reported mostly negative feedback, suggesting that seafarers are generally open to AI, provided it serves their needs.
Looking ahead, 50% envision the seafarer’s role evolving into tech-focused, hybrid digital-navigation positions. This aligns with Capt Asteros’ vision, who is already leveraging Orca AI to improve navigation and situational awareness. As the industry steers towards this future, it’s crucial to remember Ms Kuchekar’s words: “Users should be at the core.” Only then can we ensure that technology serves as a lifeline, not an anchor, in the maritime industry’s journey towards a safer, more efficient future.