EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
2023 will be a pivotal year for reducing carbon emissions , as companies and governments around the world look to meet their climate targets . The maritime industry contributes 2 % of all global emissions , so decarbonisation remains high on the agenda . However , some of the most necessary solutions for the industry to achieve net zero – such as future fuels and building more efficient vessels – will require massive time and investment commitments . But there are solutions that can already be implemented in order to drive immediate emission reductions .
In a competitive and capital-driven market , the maritime industry needs to find every means possible to cut wastage and maximise efficiency . By using data to find cost savings , businesses can also free up money to reinvest in devices that will reap even further energy-saving benefits . So , expect to see AI technologies play a pivotal role in fast-tracking global emissions reduction in 2023 and beyond .
The true power of today ’ s software algorithms is that they make recommendations that can then be analysed and interpreted by the user to course-correct , blending software insights with human reasoning to chart the optimum , most sustainable and efficient course . AI technologies enable data-driven decisionmaking within the maritime industry , delivering key voyage optimisation recommendations that can save fuel , enable more sustainable journeys and also unlock commercial benefits .
However , there remains a lack of detailed knowledge within maritime to reach the digitalisation utopia which we see becoming central to the industry and is crucial to bring about change going forward . Managing and analysing data is a skillset that is still emerging , despite the industry generating vast amounts of data from different sources every day .
To best capitalise on AI and data-driven technologies in 2023 , maritime will need to attract talent from adjacent sectors , such as logistics or supply chain professionals . Hiring data , IT and sustainability specialists will be critical to unlock the full benefits that data , AI and Digital Transformation have to offer , increase the pace of change when it comes to decarbonisation and deliver against companies ’ ambitious net zero strategies . p
Recent Wärtsilä research shows that eight-in-10 professionals understand the importance digital technology will play in halving carbon emissions by 2050 . The industry simply doesn ’ t have time to wait and must take action to decarbonise now .
There is technology available to help identify and drive efficiencies that can have an immediate impact on lowering carbon emissions in the maritime industry .
SARAH BARRETT , PRODUCT INSIGHTS AT
WÄRTSILÄ VOYAGE
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO EUROPE 37