Expert: AI and Data Science will change the maritime industry

MARSS is one of the specialized technology companies developing comprehensive intelligent security solutions. In simple words, it creates products that simplify human work, using artificial intelligence as the core of the system.

Pictured: Mark Collier

The company has dozens of patents and inventions, including aerial drones, security systems, and the establishment of logistics supply chains. In his blog on the company's website, Mike Collier shared his opinion regarding the implementation of AI in the maritime industry. Here are some interesting points.

Sailing was, is and will be

Shipping will always remain a special art form in which there will always be a place for the human factor. Today in the industry there is no clear answer to the question of fleet automation - some are chasing innovation headlong, while others remain faithful to traditions.

In the photo: one of the MARSS developments - a system for protecting ports from air, surface and underwater drones

However, even the most conservative sailors are gradually beginning to comprehend the world of digital technology. Digital solutions, for the most part, are aimed at optimizing supplies and production. In the coming decades, according to Mike, we will only see an acceleration in the process of digitalization and the use of AI in shipping.

Mike calls a reduction in crew size a side effect of this process. According to Collier, with digitalization, part of the ship management processes will move to the shore, in particular the process of building routes, optimizing deliveries, etc. 

Data Science at sea

Data Science is the science of data, which is a subset of computer science. Proper use of big data can help optimize all work processes on a ship, from the construction stage to the transportation of goods. The same goes for yachting.

Currently, many companies already have vast experience and knowledge that is in an unstructured form. The creation of data banks for shipyards promises to accelerate production rates and improve the quality of the final product.

In the photo: MARSS interceptor drone, designed to protect land and sea targets from attacks by enemy UAVs

Artificial intelligence and neural networks will be used to form these databases, as well as to analyze and use the data in the future. Behind the general phrases about AI, according to Mike, lies the complex process of processing large amounts of data.

In the coming decades, advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies will enable maritime organizations to more effectively analyze and extract valuable information from their data reserves.

Marine autopilots will not completely replace humans (yet)

Collier states that he does not even see the prerequisites for creating a completely autonomous system in the foreseeable future. Today's autopilots, both on large bulk carriers and on small sailing and motor yachts, are far from perfect: they require constant supervision and monitoring of the situation.

In addition, when traveling on a boat, it is important not only to maintain the course. Both the tanker and the yacht must be kept clean and tidy, and the necessary working and rest conditions must be maintained. Creating a completely autonomous system will not eliminate the need to monitor the vessel.

What should ordinary yachtsmen expect?

The answer is simple: increasing the level of maritime safety and tightening safety standards. It is likely that in the near future another miracle of technology will appear on board our yachts - an instant man overboard detection system called MOBTronic.

The instant detection system issues an instant distress signal when a person falls overboard, determines the level of danger, transmitting coordinates to the coast guard and nearby ships in a fully automatic mode.

In addition, it is likely that smart assistants will appear built into the autopilot of boats. Such autopilots will be an order of magnitude more complex than their current counterparts, and their wide range of functions will allow them to plot the safest routes.

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16.07.2024