by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor
Recent initiatives taken by major shipping enterprises to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations show that the industry could soon undergo significant transformation.
Intermodal Europe, one of Europe's important annual events for the container shipping, transport, and intermodal logistics industry, reports that companies, including Maersk and CMA CGM, have stepped up their AI investments.
Intermodal Europe says that Maersk has been actively trialling autonomous vessels for several years as part of its AI and digital innovation strategy.
Meanwhile, carrier CMA CGM announced a partnership with Google earlier this year to accelerate the rollout of AI-driven solutions.
These tools aim to optimise delivery routes, speed up container handling, improve inventory management, and minimise operational costs and carbon emissions.
Experts believe that adopting AI across the sector will become standard practice in the next decade.
But what are the current benefits of AI for the industry?
Better data analysis and risk management
One of the key uses of AI is handling large amounts of data.
AI is already being deployed to analyse historical data and real-time conditions for route optimisation, helping to cut fuel costs and reduce delays.
Automation also streamlines freight verification and documentation, which can result in faster processes and substantial cost savings.
Furthermore, data is used to minimise risks that may impact goods or equipment. Sensors within shipping containers, for example, now provide live updates on variables such as temperature and humidity, supporting the safe transport of perishable goods and sensitive cargo.
Another key area of progress is predictive maintenance, powered by AI. Systems can monitor equipment performance and preempt potential failures, thereby reducing costly downtime.
Risk mitigation has also improved, as AI analyses factors like weather and geopolitical events to aid contingency planning.
More efficient port operations
A study conducted by Akquinet, a German IT solutions provider, highlights the applications of AI at ports.
In addition to automation, ports use AI-controlled cranes, autonomous vehicles, and machine learning algorithms to optimise cargo handling, vessel scheduling, and traffic management.
These advancements increase speed, accuracy, and reliability while reducing the need for manual intervention.
Importantly, the capacity to predict maintenance needs further minimises operational disruptions and associated costs.
The potential uses for AI at ports are countless, from simplifying customs clearance to optimising berthing of megamax vessels.
As companies venture to deploy AI's benefits, analysts expect that the application of AI is progressively ushering in a new era for shipping that would bring smarter, safer, and more efficient processes.
