By Wasana Nadeeshani Sellahewa
(Commonwealth) _ There is technology in practically every aspect of human life. is a factor in the maritime sector as well, especially when it has more autonomy. The autonomous technology and smart ship are two examples of innovations employed in the contemporary maritime industry. The job on the world’s oceans is becoming simpler because to advancements in shipbuilding (megaships), high-tech materials, smart shipping, propulsion, robots, big data, and sensors. To enhance their workforce, businesses and ship engineers should be aware of these technologies. The maritime industry may now be more environmentally friendly while still controlling the growth of the worldwide market thanks to technological advancement.
Some of the technological advances that benefit shipping firms are discussed in the paragraphs that follow. Technology must be used if ocean industries are to change. Planning a marine space policy and managing maritime traffic may both benefit from it. The problems and trends facing marine management are being set up by technology. Smart fleet management and autonomous vessels have promise. AI has the ability to eliminate monotonous labor and raise the standard of the transportation business. Logistics is a field where AI is used. Automation, safety, decision-making, and route optimization are all aided by artificial intelligence. Above all, AI is assisting in dispersing cargo among the hundreds of ships that are passing through ports while reducing traffic.
According to the McKinsey Global Survey, the use of AI in conventional company has increased by about 25%. Sensor technology is currently one of the most sophisticated and well-developed technologies. Particularly common in sectors related to transportation. Many human jobs, such as inspecting the equipment on ships, have been replaced by sensor technology. Marines and ship technicians benefit from connecting all equipment to sensors. Using wireless communication, one may precisely track the state of a machine’s operation. As a consequence, they may analyze the routine maintenance required and their overall operability onboard ships. Sensors can communicate with AI and machine learning. As a result, they are able to connect to distant facilities, analyze data, and send out alarms when any of the ship’s components require maintenance. Sensor technology that is calibrated properly can increase ship efficiency.
Numerous industries, including marine, are being enhanced by advanced robots. Security, maintenance, and inspection of vessels are already performed by industrial robots. They are capable of carrying out activities including packaging, transporting, inspecting, and even combating fires.
By piloting and spinning the ship, robots can also assist in hazardous settings when a human’s life is in danger. Some robotic systems use sensors to locate, record, and analyze all of the ship’s data. Drones are another technology that supports the marine sector besides robots. In addition to helping with remote inspections, security, and monitoring, they may carry supplies to vessels.
The shipping sector is affected by 3D printing as well since it helps make spare components on board ships more readily available when they are needed. There might be a reduction in workforce in the future.
Results on historical container patterns and maritime conditions can be obtained from big data on ships. Responding to different shifting weather conditions, the ship moves. Efficiency and overall performance may be improved by analyzing several aspects. The Internet of Things (IoT) also makes some things remotely controllable. It functions using a GPS and a cloud-based database that keeps all the information gathered by equipment on the ship. Through wireless networks, IoT may link all other equipment and shipments, such as robots.
