A multidisciplinary panel of maritime-industry representatives discussed the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in shipping during the thought-provoking Opening Summit of Europort 2023, according to an article published on its website.
AI in the maritime
Exploring artificial intelligence in the maritime industry, the Opening Summit of Europort 2023 set the scene for a four-day event expected to welcome upwards of 25,000 visitors and more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 70 countries.
Proceedings began with an introductory keynote speech and presentation crafted – much to the surprise of the audience – by artificial intelligence. More specifically, the speech was generated by an AI model using input from Constant Brinkman, Co-founder of Dead End Gallery – the world’s first AI-generated art gallery. In a conversation with Summit host Geert Maarse, Brinkman addressed the controversy surrounding AI art, contending that humans can use AI “to make better art”.
The idea that AI can help humans perform their jobs more effectively was echoed by the speakers in the Opening Summit’s panel discussion. “I fully believe that AI has a huge part to play in the maritime industry – but only with humans at the heart of it,” said Shane McArdle, CEO of Kongsberg Digital. “When you put this technology in people’s hands, that’s when innovation happens.”
Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, added, “AI can be used to achieve fast, efficient crew training – for a safer environment on board vessels and to help those supporting from on shore.”
According to Sander Haas, Head of Business Engineering and Transformation at Samskip, the widespread adoption of AI in shipping requires buy-in from the highest levels of the industry. “Leaders of both companies and regulatory bodies need to embrace AI,” he said. “They need to see the possibilities as well as what is needed to bring it in, including new people with new ways of working and thinking.”
Another crucial factor in ensuring the industry can extract AI’s full potential is gender
While the panellists were largely optimistic about AI in the maritime industry, there were some words of caution from Ilyaz Nasrullah, Digital Strategist and programme Manager at SMASH!, who urged ship owners to have “realistic expectations” over what the technology can help to achieve.
Nasrullah’s caution was shared by Nathan Baker, Chief Technology Officer at SeaBird Technologies – the company responsible for the world’s first official electric race boat championship, E1.
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Source: Europort
