Understanding the Technological Trends in APAC's Maritime Industry

Improvements in shipbuilding advanced materials, smart shipping, propulsion, robotics, big data and sensors are making the work on the Earth’s waters easier. Companies and ship engineers should be aware of these technologies to improve their workforce.

FREMONT, CA: Technology is present in almost every aspect of human life. Is also present in the shipping industry, particularly at higher levels of autonomy. Examples of developments used in the modern marine sector include smart ships and autonomous technologies. Shipbuilding, advanced materials, smart shipping, propulsion, robotics, big data, and sensors are all making life on the seas easier. To improve their workforce, companies and ship engineers should be aware of these technologies. With technological advancement, the marine sector can be safer for the environment while still determining the global market's escalation. Technology is influencing maritime management trends and challenges. Smart fleet operation and autonomous vessels hold great promise.

1. Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to eliminate repetitive tasks and improve the shipping industry's quality. Logistics is an AI-driven industry. AI assists with route optimization, safety, decision-making, and automation. Above all, AI is assisting in the distribution of goods among hundreds of vessels passing through ports while avoiding traffic. The use of AI in typical business processes has increased by nearly 25 per cent year on year, with a significant increase in organisations employing AI across several areas of their business in previous years.

2. Sensor Technology: Sensor technology is one of the most advanced and well-developed technologies today. Particularly popular in transportation-related industries. Many manual tasks, such as inspecting equipment aboard ships, are being replaced by sensor technology. Marines and ship technicians benefit from connecting all machinery to sensors. Wireless communication allows for precise monitoring of machine status. As a result, they can analyse the maintenance required at regular intervals as well as their overall operability aboard ships. Sensors can communicate with machine learning and artificial intelligence. This means they can connect to remote facilities to analyse data and send alerts if any of the ship's components require maintenance. Sensor technology that has been properly calibrated can aid in ship efficiency.

3. Robotics and 3D printing: Many industries, including maritime, are benefiting from advanced robotics. Industrial robots are already being used in vessel security, maintenance, and inspection. They are capable of performing tasks such as packing, delivering, inspecting, and even firefighting. By navigating and rotating the ship, robots can also assist in dangerous environments where a human's life is in danger. Some robotics use sensors to identify, record, and analyse all data on board the ship. Drones, in addition to robots, assist the maritime industry. They can deliver goods to ships, assist with remote inspections, and provide security and surveillance. 3D printing has an impact on the shipping industry as well, as it helps with the timely availability of spare parts onboard ships. Human labour may be reduced in the future and replaced by robotic automation.

4. Big data and IoT: Data analytics examines data from large operational systems such as ships and ports. It contains information about container types, weight, and destination. It can also analyse data from ships (trim, stability, engine performance and communication). Big data on ships can provide information about past container trends and ocean conditions. The ship reacts to changing weather conditions. Analyzing various parameters can aid in efficiency and overall performance. Some objects can also be controlled remotely thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT). It uses a GPS and a cloud-based database to store all of the data collected by the ship's devices. IoT can connect all other devices and shipments, such as robots, via wireless networks.

5. Autonomous control: On land, autonomous technology is assisting in route-based decision-making. The assistance includes detecting other vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signals, and securing the vehicle to keep it on the road. Shipping automation is assisting in the delivery of products without interference. Autonomous systems are extremely efficient. It is capable of detecting materials, performing advanced heat mapping, and eliminating the possibility of human error. Smart technologies assist vessels in staying on course without the need for constant input from the captain. In the event of an issue, action can be taken immediately thanks to real-time route information.

Many businesses rely on the maritime industry to supply goods, expand, and develop the global economy. Ships and shipping companies must focus on new technologies to ensure efficient trade services. Technology trends in the shipping industry contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions. They also provide alternatives to fossil fuels (fuel cell boats). They are currently the most common energy source used in ships. To summarise, the primary role of technology is to provide a safe environment and to assist businesses in developing and functioning more effectively.