Maritime AI Adoption: Building a Strong Foundation
The maritime industry is rushing to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) across various workflows, including chartering, operations, compliance, and commercial workflows. However, a new report from Veson Nautical argues that the real challenge is not whether to invest in AI, but whether the underlying foundations are strong enough to support it.
Key Questions for Shipping Executives
The report, Maritime AI Foundation, frames the issue around five key questions that shipping executives should be asking now, as AI adoption accelerates across the sector. These questions include:
- Are AI systems genuinely maritime-specific?
- Is proprietary operational data of high quality?
- Is workflow integration seamless?
- Is the system of record consistent and reliable?
- Are scale and network effects considered?
These questions are crucial in ensuring that AI adoption is successful and brings about the desired benefits to the maritime industry.
Industry Insights
Industry experts have also weighed in on the issue, with Scott Bergeron of Oldendorff Carriers noting that most companies are still trying to figure out how to deploy AI and are not yet worried about governance. Meanwhile, Cynthia Worley of Sedna highlighted the importance of governance, citing the EU AI Act, which enters full enforcement later this year and carries significant fines for non-compliance.
Ingrid Kylstad of Klaveness Digital pushed back on the idea that AI is not transformational, arguing that it is more transformational than radar because we don't fully understand how it works. Marfin Management CEO Alex Albertini also urged organisations not to underestimate the importance of governance and ensuring that AI systems are transparent and explainable.