Digitalization: Key Driver in the Maritime Industry

The need to reduce costs and remain competitive in what is a highly competitive and often economically uncertain environment is crucial to shipping and maritime operators today. Furthermore, not only does greater automation and digitalization mean reduced costs but there is also an increased focus on the need to keep ships and offshore infrastructures productive and in operation with a minimum number of personnel while adhering to the highest safety standards.

This is where areas such as remote control operations and preventative maintenance come to the forefront with a need for greater intelligence and integration within and between critical components so that maintenance and safety requirements can be predicted with high levels of confidence. The focus on fuel efficiencies and reducing carbon emissions is also a key driver in the maritime sector today with a strong climate-friendly business model and reduced environmental footprint becoming a key differentiator.

Finally, there are performance efficiencies. The 2018 Review of Maritime Transport by the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) cited technological advances, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and autonomous ships as having the potential to significantly “boost efficiency in the global shipping industry”. Many maritime and shipping organizations are looking to make this a reality. The world's first autonomous and emission-free container ship is already on its way. Read more about it in our ex-magazine.