Cynthia Worley, VP of Strategic Accounts at Sedna, pointed out the challenges arising from the implementation of artificial intelligence in the shipping industry during the panel "AI, Digitalization, and the Maritime Workforce" held last week in Singapore. She emphasized that the maritime challenge goes beyond technology adoption; it is about managing the transition that AI creates.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Maritime Workforce
Worley stated, "If we can't keep up, we may lose our jobs," describing this moment not as a catchy tech tune but as a wake-up call. She stressed that these challenges must be addressed with clarity, not at full speed.
Matthew Talbot, co-founder of Complexio, mentioned that change management remains the biggest barrier. He clarified, "People's jobs are not directly replaced by AI; rather, it is someone using AI alongside you who will replace your job." According to Talbot, AI acts as a multiplicative effect that enables everyone to perform better, faster, and more effectively.
Redesigning Processes and the Need for Human Skills
During the panel, there was strong disagreement on whether the shipping industry should start with small productivity gains or redesign all workflows. Talbot suggested starting with repetitive tasks to build confidence and then expanding the use of AI. In contrast, Chakib Abi-Saab, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Lloyd’s Register, believed that true competitive advantage comes from redesigning processes around AI, adding, "You will never need more maritime knowledge and expertise than you do today."
Janani Yagnamurthy, SVP of Product and Strategic Growth at Marcura, also emphasized the importance of trust, stating, "If you don't provide evidence of your observations, you have effectively turned your end user into a quality control officer without AI rights." She also mentioned that Marcura is increasingly starting with business decisions and moving towards technology.
In maritime sectors, Rajesh Divakaran, General Manager and Head of Crew Services Group at BW Group, pointed to the necessity of caution in adopting AI, stating that systems must first be solidified on land and then tested on a limited number of ships.
Finally, a big question was raised by the audience: If AI eliminates repetitive and basic tasks, who will be able to challenge AI in 20 or 30 years? This question was posed by Pradeep Chawla, Head of MarinePALS, and Abi-Saab deemed it the best question he has received in any AI panel so far.
Read more: Development of Environmental Capabilities in the Maritime Industry with a Focus on Training
