A brief introduction to AI and its applications in the maritime industry, states a Safety4Sea news source.
2023 SMART4SEA Athens Forum
During the 2023 SMART4SEA Athens Forum, Mr. Themistoklis Sardis, IT Manager, Costamare Shipping Company S.A. explained that there are several AI applications in the shipping industry, including automation of cargo handling and management, optimization of routes and logistics, and predictive maintenance of ships and other equipment.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems. These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using the information), reasoning (using the rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions), and self-correction.
AI can be implemented using techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. The goal of AI research is to create systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.
What is AI good for?
- Automation: AI can be used to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency in various industries such as manufacturing, finance, and healthcare.
- Predictive analytics: AI-based algorithms can analyze large amounts of data to make predictions about future events, such as customer behavior or market trends.
- Robotics: AI can be used to control robots and automate various physical tasks, such as in logistics, agriculture, and space exploration.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI-based NLP techniques can be used for tasks such as language translation, text summarization, and speech recognition.
- Computer vision: AI-based algorithms can analyze images and videos to identify objects, people, and other visual information, this is useful in applications such as self-driving cars, security and surveillance.
- Machine Learning: AI-based machine learning (ML) algorithms are becoming increasingly important in various fields such as finance, healthcare, and marketing.
- Decision-Making: AI can assist humans in making complex decisions by providing insights and recommendations based on vast amount of data.
AI applications in the shipping industry
- Fleet Management: AI can be used to optimize fleet operations and improve the efficiency of shipping routes, by analyzing data from GPS, weather and traffic.
- Predictive Maintenance: AI can be used to predict when equipment and vehicles will need maintenance, this will help to reduce downtime and save costs.
- Autonomous ships: AI can be used to develop autonomous ships that can navigate, dock, and make decisions on their own, increasing safety and efficiency in the industry.
- Cargo Optimization: AI can be used to optimize cargo loading and unloading, by analyzing data on cargo weight and volume, vessel stability, and port infrastructure.
- Risk Management: AI-based risk management systems can analyze data from various sources to identify and mitigate risks in the shipping industry, such as weather, traffic and piracy.
- Supply Chain Management: AI can be used to optimize the entire shipping process, from order management, to logistics and inventory management.
Autonomous ships
Autonomous ships, are vessels that are capable of navigating and making decisions on their own, without the need for human intervention. These ships rely on a range of technologies, including sensors, cameras, GPS, and artificial intelligence (AI), to navigate and perform various tasks.
- The IMO has established a working group called the “Correspondence Group on Autonomous Ships“.
- “Guideline for the Regulation of Ships using Remote and Autonomous Technologies” (resolution MSC.428(98)).
- The IMO has also adopted guidelines for the assessment of marine navigation systems, equipment and arrangements in relation to the safe operation of ships using remote and autonomous technologies. (resolution MSC.404(96)).
Autonomous ships are expected to improve the level of safety and efficiency in future maritime navigation. Such vessels need perception for two purposes: to perform autonomous situational awareness and to monitor the integrity of the sensor system itself.
Situational Awareness
- Real-time monitoring: AI-based systems can monitor data from various sources such as weather, sea conditions, and vessel traffic to provide a real-time data analysis, decision support, and automated alerts to help ship operators navigate safely and efficiently.
- Predictive modeling: AI-based predictive modeling can be used to analyze data and make predictions about potential hazards or risks, such as storms, collisions, or equipment failures.
- Decision support: AI-based decision support systems can provide recommendations to ship operators based on the real-time data and predictions, helping them to make informed decisions in critical situations.
- Automatic alerts: AI-based systems can automatically alert ship operators and relevant authorities in case of emergency, this will help to respond quickly and effectively.
Above article has been edited from Mr. Sardis presentation during the 2023 SMART4SEA Athens Forum
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Source: Safety4Sea
