Maritime Industry and AI — Navigating the Future with Digital Power

Today, let’s take a closer look at “AI in the maritime industry.”

While AI adoption is accelerating across many industries, it’s finally making serious inroads into traditional sectors like shipping and shipbuilding.

The AI Wave Sweeping Through Maritime

The global AI market is expected to reach $4.3 billion by 2024 and grow at nearly 40% annually through 2030.

This is more than a trend — it signals a new era where AI becomes essential for operational efficiency.

The logistics and maritime sector is a treasure trove of data — routes, weather, cargo loads, port congestion, market conditions.

Far too complex for manual processing, but AI can deliver optimal decisions instantly.

Breaking the “Tribal Knowledge” Barrier Through Automation

The most common application of AI is in planning operations:

• Fleet deployment: Assigning vessels to routes
• Voyage planning: Adjusting for schedules, port congestion, and weather
• Load planning: Optimizing stowage patterns for transport efficiency

In the car carrier segment, where cargo types and schedule changes are frequent, some companies used to spend over 6 hours on load planning.

With AI, they’ve dramatically reduced that time, while also improving GHG emissions and efficiency.

Enhancing Safety — From Collision Avoidance to Fire Detection

AI is also being used in safety systems.

France’s Sea.AI developed a camera-plus-AI system that detects ocean obstacles invisible to radar, such as debris and small boats.

Trials have already begun in yachts and commercial vessels.


In addition, AI cameras are being installed in car carriers to detect fires earlier than traditional sensors, helping crews prevent major incidents before escalation.

Market Forecasting and Operational Optimization

AI is revolutionizing market forecasting.

Freight rates depend on cargo demand, vessel supply, and macroeconomics — far too complex for human forecasting alone.

AI can analyze massive datasets to offer short- and mid-term outlooks.


AI is also transforming customer service.

For example, CMA CGM invested $500 million in a French AI firm to process over 1 million inquiries per week.

This improves both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Autonomous Shipping — A Glimpse into the Future

Looking ahead, AI is key to autonomous shipping.

Hyundai Glovis (South Korea) plans to launch the world’s first AI-assisted car carrier (230 meters long, 100,000 tons) by 2026.

While not fully unmanned, the vessel will rely on AI for routing and optimization, with human oversight — and nearly crewless operations could be next.

Conclusion

AI is evolving from a tool for efficiency to a shaping force for the maritime industry’s future.