MARE FORUM and ROTTERDAM MARITIME CAPITAL OF EUROPE will host the 9th online round table of the successful series "Designing the ship of the future" on Thursday, 23 January, 11:00 - 12:30 Central European Time
Webinar:
"Sense and Non-Sense Surrounding the Future of AI in Shipping"
This roundtable will explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shipping, addressing both its realistic prospects and the common misconceptions surrounding its adoption.
This theme will be discussed holistically in a roundtable consisting of leading local and international executives of the maritime industry chair-holders. They will exchange their thoughts, ideas, and visions and try to answer the following questions below.
THE PANELLISTS: tentative list
The final list of the panellists will be published soon - stay tuned
➤ Mike Konstantinidis, Managing Director, Vessel Optimisation, ZeroNorth A/S
➤Joseph Morelos, Maritime AI Test and Innovation Leader, Lloyd's Register
➤ More panellists to be announced - stay tuned
THE AGENDA:
Open Questions for the Roundtable
➤ What are the key challenges in implementing AI at scale in the maritime sector?
➤ How can stakeholders align their efforts to ensure successful AI adoption?
➤ What safeguards are necessary to manage risks associated with AI deployment?
➤ How do we strike the right balance between innovation and regulation?
The discussion topics:
➤ Efficiency Gains and Operational Optimization
How AI-driven technologies improve voyage optimization and fuel efficiency.
Integration of AI with real-time data sources such as VDRs, weather systems, and engine diagnostics.
Examples of measurable ROI achieved by early adopters of AI.
Risks:
Over-reliance on incomplete or low-quality data, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
Cost and complexity of retrofitting existing fleets with AI-capable systems.
➤ Safety Enhancements and Risk Mitigation
AI applications in predictive maintenance to reduce equipment failures.
Enhanced situational awareness through AI-powered navigation systems.
Use of machine learning to analyze accident trends and prevent incidents.
Risks:
Potential overconfidence in AI systems leading to complacency in human oversight.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities exposing ships to hacking or system failures.
➤ AI’s Role in Regulatory Compliance and Sustainability
AI’s contribution to meeting IMO regulations like CII and DCS through automated reporting.
Support for decarbonization efforts by optimizing fuel consumption and reducing emissions.
Leveraging AI to forecast and adapt to regulatory changes.
Risks:
Challenges in achieving interoperability between AI systems and diverse regulatory frameworks.
High initial investment costs for smaller operators aiming to comply with green initiatives.
➤ Human-Machine Collaboration vs. Replacement by Machine2Machine
The balance between human expertise and AI in decision-making processes.
Training requirements for crews to effectively use AI-powered tools.
Examples of AI augmenting rather than replacing human roles.
Risks:
Resistance to change from traditional maritime professionals.
Overpromising AI capabilities, creating unrealistic expectations among stakeholders.
➤ Scalability and Integration Challenges
The technical and financial barriers to scaling AI solutions across global fleets.
Seamless integration of AI systems with existing vessel technology (legacy systems).
Collaboration between AI providers and shipowners/operators for smoother adoption.
Risks:
Fragmentation in AI offerings leading to incompatibility and inefficiencies.
Longer-than-expected implementation timelines causing delays in realizing benefits.
➤ Myths vs. Realities of AI in Shipping
Dispelling the myth that AI will replace human roles entirely.
Highlighting the realistic timeline for full-scale adoption of AI in shipping.
Identifying overhyped claims versus practical applications of AI.
Risks:
Misguided investments in immature AI technologies.
Misinformation leading to distrust or skepticism about AI’s value.
➤ Future Vision for AI in Maritime Operations
How AI will evolve to support autonomous shipping and digital twins.
Emerging technologies like blockchain and IoT in conjunction with AI.
Long-term vision for the role of AI in transforming shipping logistics and operations.
Risks:
Uncertain regulatory environments slowing the pace of innovation.
Ethical and liability concerns in autonomous AI decision-making.
The planned follow-up of the previous successfully held online round tables discussions series on “Designing the Future of Shipping” will address questions about various aspects of shipbuilding, shipping, ports, capital, energy security and energy transition, alternative fuels, circularity, ship recycling, people, digitalisation and AI, investments and finance, tech industries, regulations, infrastructure development, strategic initiatives, technological advancements, and geopolitical factors.
In his role as Managing Director of Vessel Optimisation at ZeroNorth A/S, Mike actively participates in global conferences as a speaker and panelist, while also contributing articles to internationally acclaimed publications. Through these efforts, he educates the industry on embracing IoT, AI, and the transformative power of digitalization in maritime—a revolution that aligns seamlessly with the sector’s decarbonization goals.
Joseph began his career with LR as an engineering specialist in the London design support office carrying out type-approval of equipment and design review of engineering systems. Through-out his career Joseph has contributed to the development of technical requirements (class rules) and methods of safety analysis for maritime technology such as passenger ship Safe Return to Port SRtP in 2009-2010 and consultancy supporting the safe implementation of liquefied natural gas LNG as a ship fuel in 2011-2016. Prior to joining technical directorate Joseph was the maritime AI test innovation leader, managing the development and implementation of LR’s Digital Compliance framework, the first verification and validation service for AI and digital twins in the maritime industry.
