Two years into a pandemic have opened new, unprecedented pathways for digitalization globally, making shipping to accelerate integration of technologies that were already in track. And although the near future seems unfruitful for a full integration of autonomous ships, the reality of technology revolutionizing conventional shipping operations and help improving maritime safety is closer than we think. Here are the most promising technologies transforming shipping in the coming decade.
#1 Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
AR, VR and their potential effect in the near future has recently made headlines after the Facebook founder revealed his vision for the Metaverse, a new era for the Internet where the lines between physical and virtual will be obscure. AR augments our surroundings with digital elements to a live view, while VR is a completely immersive experience that replaces a real-life environment with a simulated one.
Currently in shipping, AR is already being used by some maritime training institutes for seafarers training. In shipbuilding, both AI and VR are used in a premature stage, to help identify potential issues before implementing the design. AR also provides applications for quality control, as well as support for the visualization of hidden areas. Finally, AR has revolutionized vessel inspections and maintenance, removing the need for a physical presence onboard.
#2 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning
AI is a prominent tool for transforming the world as we know it and the most promising technology for improving safety of navigation. When linked to machine learning and algorithms, AI can be a very useful predictive tool offering insights into performance of ship machinery and systems. Besides this, AI is critical in the advancement of automation, enabling collision avoidance in low visibility and optimizing fuel consumption. In addition, the use of AI is seen as an excellent potential to improve maritime operations in terms of quality and speed by eliminating routine tasks.
However, the most notable contribution of AI in shipping is predictive maintenance. This is a prediction model based on a proactive approach helping to mitigate high costs associated with unplanned equipment failure. The general interest in AI potential is expected to help resolve current issues like poor data quality, security concerns and fears of job replacement, to enable a faster integration of AI.
#3 Sensors
Sensors are a type of equipment usually seen on any cargo ship, providing a high quality of data for vessel operation monitoring. Becoming increasingly intelligent, sensors can process huge amount of information and transform it into a readable format helping humans conceive why a ship is behaving in a particular way. This is particularly useful for enhancing decision making.
Currently, sensors are mostly used to perform monitoring and predictive maintenance; however, the technology can also be used to improve risk management. For instance, Rolls-Royce has developed a situational awareness system that uses multiple sensors with intelligent software that helps captains navigate at night, in adverse weather conditions or in congested waterways.
Finally, sensors can be used for supply chain management, tracking and monitoring valuable or sensitive cargo. Such technology can easily be combined with other developments, such as blockchain, smart contracts and AI. For example, if a high-value shipment is delayed or damaged, cargo sensor data can help companies avoid losses.
In this context, “smart containers” are seen as the future of shipping. The idea behind equipping containers with sensors is that they can collect real-time data about everything from the temperature inside a container to its exact location – thanks to GPS tracking. By connecting AI and machine-learning to sensors, they will ultimately be able to provide more insight into how and why a ship will operate most efficiently.
#4 API (application programming interfaces) integrations: This technology refers to the connection between two or more applications via their APIs that allow systems to exchange data sources. In simple terms, APIs allow software to communicate and share data with other software. In shipping, API can advance communications in a new level, enabling instant access of data from every sensor, system, machine, and crew member, everywhere in the world. The number of maritime software tools having their own dedicated APIs seems to increase. Technology startup Onboard sees several possible use cases to leverage APIs, such as fleet performance optimization, operational analytics, maintenance decision support, predictive maintenance, compliance and automating business processes.
#5 Internet of Things: Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects-“things”-that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. Practically in everyday life, IoT enables users to “control” objects through their phone or by just pushing a button on a remote.
Remote control enabled by IoT is critical for shipping safety, facilitating the monitoring of any space or system onboard without the need of physical presence. For instance, in case of emergency on passenger ships, the crew could access cabins to help passengers. IoT offers endless possibilities also for easing the complexity of cargo shipping operations, i.e., remote control of hatch doors and bulkheads that would relieve some stress for crew during loading and unloading operations. As technology is constantly advancing, maritime industry has to come up with solutions to address security concerns surrounding a more systematic integration of IoT.
