In the choppy waters of today’s maritime industry, where global trade, vessel safety, and crew wellbeing are constantly under the microscope, it’s clear that the smartest investment isn’t always in more steel. It’s in smarter thinking. Marasco Marine Ltd, under the leadership of President Mr. Anastasios Maraslis, has made this a cornerstone of their approach. Their dedicated Advisors’ Board is on a mission to support clients with advanced risk control, loss prevention, and claims reduction strategies. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the path to premium discounts and long-term profitability. Let’s dive into five actionable, human-focused technological “hacks” shared by Advisors’ Board member Mr. Harilaos Petrakakos that could reshape how shipowners, managers, and insurers approach safety, claims reduction, and crew support.
First up, predictive maintenance with IoT sensors. The idea is simple: smart sensors embedded in machinery can detect anomalies like vibration spikes, heat surges, or pressure fluctuations before a breakdown occurs. For crews like Chief Engineer Nikolaos, this means no more relying solely on gut instinct. IoT turns machines into vigilant sentinels that “speak up” before they fail. Predictive alerts reduce stress, allow for scheduled repairs, and minimize downtime. The result? A significant 40% drop in unscheduled maintenance in Greek-ownership fleets using this tech.
Next, consider augmented reality (AR) emergency drills. AR overlays simulated crises like fires, flooding, or injuries onto real ship environments. This isn’t your grandmother’s fire drill. Crews experience stress-replicating training that builds real reflexes and coordination under pressure. Mistakes are made—and learned from—in a safe space. The outcome? AR-trained teams resolve incidents 30% faster during simulations.
Now, let’s talk maritime cyber hygiene. Ships rely on software, and that software needs protection. Cyber risk awareness programs, multi-factor authentication, and routine system updates empower crew to act as digital gatekeepers. But here’s the kicker: ships also retain manual overrides—a crucial fallback that respects human autonomy. Mariners aren’t replaced; they’re protected.
Fatigue is a big deal in maritime claims, so wearables to combat fatigue are a game-changer. Smartwatches and health bands track rest, alerting officers before exhaustion becomes dangerous. This builds a new safety culture: one that encourages rest, not machismo. Prevention, not punishment: fatigue alerts support wellbeing.
Lastly, AI-powered dynamic risk maps. AI fuses live weather data, piracy zones, and satellite movements to generate real-time routing alerts. Navigators are no longer flying blind. Instead, they team with technology to make informed decisions that protect the vessel, cargo, and crew. Take Maersk, for instance. A vessel rerouted 24 hours before a Category 4 storm, crisis averted.
Marasco Marine Ltd and its Advisors’ Board are clear about their commitment: supporting shipowners with solutions that reduce risks, minimize claims, and ultimately lower premiums. But here’s the real takeaway: the shipping industry must resist the narrative that automation is the be-all and end-all. The winning formula lies in technology that empowers the human onboard, not replaces them. These hacks aren’t gimmicks—they are tools that amplify expertise, sharpen instincts, and create safer workplaces. With the right mix of intelligence and empathy, we can help our clients navigate forward with confidence, resilience, and respect for those who make global trade possible.