Fast-paced technological advancement is a reality in the past few decades, making the exact ways, in which business transformation is going to take place, impossible to predict.
Amid this uncertainty, the only certain thing is that business leaders can plan ahead better by understanding the trends that may affect innovation in the next few years. What are the tech trends that are expected to shape the near future of the maritime industry?
A new analysis by the McKinsey Technology Council identified 14 of the most significant technology trends unfolding today that are expected to revolutionize operations in a wide range of sectors. SAFETY4SEA picked the most relevant ones to the shipping, oil and gas, and the logistics sector, presenting their potential impact on these sectors:
1. Applied AI
Closely related to machine learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI) describes machines or computers behaving in ways that we previously believed required human intelligence. AI enables the transformation to paperless and automated procedures, bringing cost reductions and speed by eliminating routine tasks. Automating processes enabled through AI can help identify problems before they happen, so AI is considered a major boost to effective decision-making.
Example industry: In the oil and gas sector, AI can be useful for customizing drilling plans for geologically complex areas and forecast demand. Similarly, in shipping, AI is upgrading predictive capabilities through real-time analytics and automated processes.
Key uncertainties: Cyber security, data privacy concerns, ethical considerations
2. Advanced connectivity
An advancement in connectivity protocols, such as 5G/6G cellular, wireless low-power networks, low-Earth-orbit satellites, and other technologies, enable solutions that can drive growth and productivity across a wide range of industries.
3. Future of clean energy
Amid global efforts to shift away from fossil fuels, clean-energy solutions help drive toward net-zero GHG emissions across the energy value chain.
4. Future of mobility
Transportation of people and goods is the main pillar keeping the world going. More than a century after the first automobiles entered operation, a growing shift to more sustainable patters has unveiled autonomous, connected, electric and smart technologies as an attractive way to improve the efficiency of transportation of people and goods.
5. Future of sustainable consumption
The concept of sustainability entails long-term performance improvements in the areas of environment, society and finance, for the world to deliver a better future to the next generations. For example, ethical consumerism drives a transformation of consumption through technology to address environmental risks, including climate change.
6. Immersive-reality technologies
Immersive-reality technologies are already transforming the digital experience, using sensing technologies and spatial computing to help users “see the world differently”. The level of immersive technology varies to mixed, augmented or virtual reality.
7. Cloud and edge computing: Cloud and edge computing involve distributing computing workloads across remote data centers and local nodes to improve data sovereignty, autonomy, resource productivity, latency, and security. Integration of cloud and edge resources can accelerate innovation and productivity by creating business value.
8. Future of space technologies: Technology advancements and cost reductions across satellites enable innovative space services, including a shift from GEO satellites to LEO satellites.
