Maritime trade has been at the center of global logistics since before the terms “global” and “logistics” were even in use. For centuries, the world has been connected by its seas, linking far-flung enterprises and connecting people and businesses from every continent. The rising and falling of ships atop undulating waves has been as ever present as the ups and downs of the global economy. As much as maritime trade has been part of the past, it will continue to be part of the future, even with major advancements in aviation in the past century. As more and more companies rely on suppliers and manufacturers overseas, more and more freight will move across oceans, and shipping companies will need to implement new technologies to meet the needs of businesses around the world. AI, already being a catalyst for advancement in many industries, will play a key role in the future of maritime trade. From route optimization to weather forecasting, new AI technologies will help cargo move more efficiently than ever before.
Route Optimization
With time and money being two of the most precious commodities for businesses, figuring out how to ship products for the lowest cost in the least amount of time is a top priority. AI algorithms are being used to help companies across the globe achieve this priority. By processing vast amounts of historical and real-time data, these algorithms can create models to anticipate how best to proceed. This covers a litany of shipping concerns, including port congestion, vessel traffic, sea conditions, weather forecasts, and fuel efficiency. With more and more shipping companies joining this growing trend, the amount of available data and capabilities of machine learning will only increase. AI algorithms will be able to learn from each other, and process continuously optimized datasets to determine better and better shipping routes. When we reach a point where most major cargo ships in the sea are utilizing AI technologies for navigation, sea traffic should be significantly reduced, as fewer and fewer ships will get in each other’s way. Port congestion should also decrease dramatically, as real-time and historical data will be used to predict likelihoods of backups, especially during seasonal surges, and allow companies to respond accordingly. By anticipating problems before they ever occur, companies will be able to spend less money on fuel, travel more efficiently than ever before, and deliver their products on time with increasing reliability.
Sustainability
Factors such as fuel efficiency have an impact that goes beyond the bottom line. As efforts to improve sustainable business practices become ever more important today and in the near future, promoting more sustainable shipping methods will be vital. By identifying and traveling along more fuel-efficient routes, companies can greatly reduce their carbon footprints. The shipping industry accounts for 3% of human-produced carbon emissions annually, and its vital role in the global economy means this number cannot be lowered simply by reducing the scale of shipping. Already responsible for nearly 90% of global trade, increased demand for goods produced around the world is predicted to cause a trifold increase in shipping volume by 2050. The environmental impacts of shipping involve more than long term climate change-related concerns, as they affect immediate quality of life. Acid rain and soot are more prevalent along heavily trafficked shipping routes, creating a greater risk for heart and lung disease for people living in nearby ports.
With the money saved by more optimized routes, made possible by AI advancements, companies can invest in better fuel alternatives. Methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia are seen as the best current alternatives to fossil fuels, but often require massive investment to implement and have thus far been difficult to properly scale. More cost-effective routes can help offset the cost of investing in and improving these necessary alternatives, and help shipping companies strive towards the goals of carbon neutrality laid forth by the International Maritime Organization.
Safety
An often-overlooked benefit of AI implementation in shipping is the enhanced safety protocols and systems it can provide. On a basic level, improved weather forecasting models can help ships avoid storms and rough seas, reducing the chances of crew injuries, product loss, and even the potential to capsize. Where AI may have an even greater impact, and where future developments hold particularly exciting potential, is in its predictive capabilities to prevent technical failures. By constantly analyzing all systems on a ship, AI programs can detect even the slightest of deviations. These programs can then instantly alert crews, allowing for the immediate identification, isolation, and resolution of a problem. For vessels as massive and complex as cargo ships, automated oversight will be key for keeping everyone and everything on board safe and sound from departure to arrival. Additionally, the cost benefits of problem prevention will improve companies’ bottom lines and allow for increased investment in more sustainable fuels, as discussed earlier. The benefits of AI are already being felt across the maritime industry, and will only be amplified in the years to come.
