The last 5 years have seen unprecedented growth in the market for LLMs, chatbots, and ML-based software, and their eventual development as a part of the mainstream technological wave. Although intriguing and promising for real industrial development, this has been mostly a wave of misinformation and AI hype of statistical tools and existing predictive mathematical models being re-packaged as AI. True AGI, is realistically a decade away though.
Among this hype, however, there are some clear real-life applications which the maritime industry could benefit from if it harnesses this wave of technological acceleration in the right earnest.
1. What really is AI and could it really deliver?
The maritime industry is one of the more late-bloomers, in terms of entry into the AI/ML domain and therefore is experiencing a market phenomenon where many statistical models are being rebranded as AI to exploit the hype around technological disruption. These models, often simple algorithms, are marketed as cutting-edge AI solutions, influencing market dynamics and attracting investments.
However, true AI that can independently manage complex, multi-tasking operations remains a distant prospect. What truly drives progress in maritime operations today is the adoption of advanced GPUs, which enable faster data processing and more complex simulations. This computational power enhances automation, predictive analytics, and decision-making, rather than any genuine AI capability, which is still far from being realised in the industry.
We will see AI being in maritime primarily to enhance safety onboard with activity and personnel monitoring, vessel performance and safe navigation based chatbots which assist decision making.
2. What are some realistic changes?
Vessel operators navigating the push toward digitalization and automation in 2024 must pay attention to several key trends. The rise in fuel costs and day rates is driving the adoption of digital systems to optimise fuel efficiency and operational decision-making. Regulatory pressures, particularly those around decarbonization, will increasingly influence operations, with the EU ETS and IMO regulations pushing for more stringent emissions controls. Having an advanced ERP and telemetry system is the fuel for the application of Gen AI and LLM in the maritime industry.
Mark my words, an older ship with primitive technology with Level 4 data infrastructure would be smarter and ready for Gen AI utilization, than a newer ship with advanced operational tech but Level 3 data infrastructure.
(Read this article to understand what is level 4 data infrastructure https://perfomax.io/ships-4-0-the-future-of-smart-shipping/ )
3. Market trends to watch out for?
AI/ML-based technologies are revolutionizing navigation, port operations, and energy management while also enhancing safety protocols and environmental compliance. Concurrently, cybersecurity and market analysis tools powered by these innovations are gaining significant traction, as noted in market research.
Anywhere we look around, everyone has built their own chatbot and each month there is a new company which announces the release of a recycled version of the so-called “technological disruption”. None of these are built to last, only looking to capture the market in the maritime industry due to a lack of technological advancements, enough to land them their first gig.
The Generative AI development pace is faster than the advancements in the maritime sector, therefore, I believe we need more leaders who can have a long-term vision to transform the maritime sector, and who drive tech to keep up with the advancements of AI in other sectors. Reliability and strategic transitioning are key. Vessel operators must tread carefully before making big investments and look into the companies and the technologies they invest in.
4. How to stay on top without the hype?
To avoid ambiguity and distrust among crew regarding fuel consumption and operational data from noon logs, vessel operators can use real-time sensor data monitoring. This approach ensures transparency and accuracy, reducing reliance on potentially inaccurate manual inputs. Combining this with statistical models and digital twins allows for predictive analysis and optimization of operations. Digital twins simulate vessel performance under various conditions, providing actionable insights.
By integrating these technologies, operators can make data-driven decisions, avoid the AI hype, and maintain a competitive edge in the market through reliable, accurate, and efficient operational management. Taking an example, the future of AI would be text input-based digital twins, where, a person with no expertise can build their digital twins for decision support.
5. How to be future-ready?
AI hype in the maritime industry often includes overpromised capabilities, unclear ROI, and black-box algorithms that lack transparency. Genuine solutions can be distinguished by their proven real-world effectiveness, transparency in operations, seamless integration with existing systems, and demonstrable return on investment. Digitalization and automation enhance competitiveness by streamlining operations, reducing costs, and ensuring regulatory compliance. However, operators must prioritize proven solutions and strategic partnerships to navigate market shifts effectively, rather than chasing AI trends without clear benefits.
