A new report from Lloyd’s Register (LR) and maritime innovation consultancy Thetius advocates investment to improve the understanding of AI at all levels within maritime organisations.
Titled ‘Out of the Box’, the joint study assesses autonomy and assurance of artificial intelligence in the maritime industry, with both markets currently estimated to be worth a joint $3.7billion in 2023, a 57% increase from 2022. The report projects that the AI-driven systems and vessel autonomy market will be worth a combined $5bn by 2028 with significant growth and crossover of both sectors expected.
The report outlines:
- the value of including AI and Autonomy at board level
- workforce education and training to raise awareness of safety and regulations of advanced technology.
With digital solutions presenting challenges due to rapidly evolving technologies, such as AI-driven autonomous systems onboard modern vessels, the report calls for clarity around normal and emergency use cases, pointing to the need for traditional assurance measures to become increasingly integrated.
According to the report, integrating AI and autonomy in the maritime industry indeed provides benefits; however, ship operators must acknowledge the potential risks these technologies pose, especially concerning human lives. Determining the most suitable level of autonomy in any given situation demands careful consideration to guarantee safe and efficient ship operations. The report adds that as the industry moves forward, it is essential that the performance of these systems is thoroughly examined to ensure safety remains a priority regardless of rapid innovations.
AI vs Autonomy
The report explains that the relationship between AI and autonomy in the shipping industry is often subject to confusion.
- Autonomy refers to a system’s ability to operate without human intervention, with higher levels indicating greater system control and lower levels involving more human leadership. However, autonomy is not an all-or-nothing concept.
- Artificial intelligence enhances systems’ adaptability, enabling them to achieve higher degrees of autonomy. Yet this hinges on the accuracy of underlying models determined by training data quality and real-time information processing. Analogous to calibrating a pressure gauge for accurate readings, AI also requires constant fine-tuning as errors, faults an failures may accumulate due to because of its adaptive nature.
Three (3) key recommendations
LR and Thetius highlight that the development of AI and autonomy at sea continues to accelerate; as such it is essential that industry operators prioritise safety in their implementation strategies and consider the following:
#1 Invest in improving the understanding of AI and autonomy at all levels in maritime organizations
It is crucial that companies operating in this space prioritise education programs and training initiatives for their workforce on adopting AI-powered systems safely, and transparently while maintaining accountability. Doing this successfully will require training to be a long way ahead of existing regulations and training requirements.
#2 Only use technologies that are appropriate for the risks they expose users to
Many of the benefits and efficiencies that come with the use of artificial intelligence will be found ashore rather than at sea. However, even in these cases where there are relatively low risks associated, companies should still consider developing frameworks for appropriate use so that they can fully realise their benefits without exposing themselves unnecessarily to risk.
#3 Create an independent cross- industry body to support the safe development of AI for maritime operations
Establishing a cross-industry body would facilitate functional capability and transparency alongside the assumed risk assessment necessary for implementing these technologies. Such a group could help develop clear guidelines on best practices for implementing AI systems safely and transparently, ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of the risks involved and how to mitigate them.
The development and implementation of AI-driven systems present new challenges, and a collaborative effort between stakeholders, technology developers, and regulators is necessary to ensure safe and responsible adoption
The report concludes that transparency in development and testing processes is crucial to fostering confidence in these cutting-edge solutions while maintaining safety for all involved. As the industry moves forward, it is essential to remain vigilant and thoroughly examine the performance of these systems, ensuring safety remains at the forefront despite rapid innovations.
This second study from LR and Thetius recommends that technology should be appropriate to user risks and calls for the creation of an independent cross-industry body to support the safe development of artificial intelligence for maritime organisations.
Lloyd’s Register will continue to adapt and evolve their assurance processes to support uptake of AI and autonomous systems to ensure that safety remains paramount. We are there to support shipowners and operators as they look at the investment case for Autonomy and AI.
… said Dipali Kuchekar, Product Manager, Autonomous Systems and Novel Technologies, Lloyd’s Register
The report follows last year’s study, ‘The Learning Curve – The state of artificial intelligence in maritime’, which outlined the importance of organisations prioritising safe testing environments for AI and autonomous technology. The study concluded that using solutions such as digital twin simulations and designated ships as beta testers can help to prevent incidents in real world settings.
REQUEST A COPY OF THE REPORT HERE
