Page 124 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2024

OPINIONS ON GREEN SHIPPING

In light of the upcoming environmental regulations, Achieving the IMO’s 2050 decarbonisa-
half of the participants believe that investing in tion targets will be challenging. The rapid
machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence adoption of alternative fuels like hydrogen,
(AI) alongside green technologies and alternative ammonia, methanol, and biofuels, alongside
fuels is critical. What are some ways in which ML the development of a robust global supply
and AI could fundamentally transform the way we chain infrastructure, currently seems dif-
perceive the energy efficiency of vessels? ficult to achieve. Early adoption and pilot
AI will enhance operational efficiency and projects are expected from 2030 to 2035,
safety onboard by optimising fuel con- with widespread availability anticipated
sumption and voyage routes, predicting between 2035 and 2050.
maintenance, improving energy efficiency, Technological advancements in fuel pro-
optimising port traffic and vessel interface, duction, energy storage, and ship design are
adjusting emissions, reviewing vessel per- essential to this transition. Breakthroughs in
formance, and making actionable sugges- carbon capture and energy-efficient propul-
tions across all aspects of vessel operations. sion systems will play a key role in lowering
However, there are still challenges to be emissions. Additionally, regulatory frame-
addressed with regard to the implementa- works, such as carbon pricing and emis-
tion of AI systems. These include the need sions caps, must be strengthened globally
for consistent, high-quality data, the signif- to incentivise investment in green technol-
icant investment required for their imple- ogies.
mentation, and the possibility of cyber- While early investments are being made,
security attacks and terrorist acts on fully large-scale adoption remains slow due
IT-integrated systems. Most importantly, to high costs and uncertainty over which
the impact on crew roles and their interac- fuel will dominate. However, if regulatory
tion with AI systems must be considered. pressure increases and alternative fuels
As AI takes over routine tasks like fuel man- become more cost-competitive, the pace
agement, route planning, and predictive of adoption could accelerate.
maintenance, crew responsibilities will shift The projected increase in the world pop-
towards monitoring and overseeing these ulation by 2050 must also be taken into
systems. The introduction of AI will demand account. This will create an additional bur-
new skill sets for the crew, including data den for the environmental cycle, as more
analysis, system troubleshooting, and AI ships, voyages, and demand for products
monitoring. Ongoing training will be critical will be generated.
in helping crews adapt to new technologies In summary, the next 10 to 15 years will be
and interfaces, which must be user-friendly critical. If the shipping industry, govern-
and intuitive for successful integration. ments, and technology developers collabo-
AI will also improve the communication rate effectively, significant progress can be
between shipboard crews and shore-based made. However, delays in fuel availability or
teams through real-time data sharing, infrastructure development could hinder the
enabling faster, data-driven decision-mak- industry’s ability to meet these goals on time.
ing. Additionally, AI could reduce the
crew’s workload by providing actionable The EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, and CII have all been
insights, allowing them to focus on high- criticised as regional or inefficiently designed regu-
er-priority tasks. lations. How can a regulation focusing on a vessel’s
Overall, AI will transform the shipping energy efficiency ensure fairness, transparency,
industry by creating more efficient, data- accountability, and competitiveness?
driven operations, while the crew’s role will The new EU and IMO regulations represent
evolve to include the supervision of AI sys- significant steps toward decarbonisation
tems and strategic decision-making based and increased energy efficiency in shipping.
on AI-generated insights. The level of trust, though, from operators
is mixed, primarily due to concerns over
The availability of alternative fuels is considered regionalism, increased operational costs,
the most significant challenge in achieving the goal port infrastructure issues, challenges in
of green shipping. What do you consider a realistic the availability of new fuels, and regulatory
timetable for the widespread production of alter- complexity.
native fuels and the development of the necessary One major issue is the lack of global uni-
supply chains? formity. The EU ETS and the FuelEU Mar-

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