Harnessing AI for risk management in port operations

In an illuminating session at the World Ports Conference, experts discussed the transformational potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in port risk management whilst emphasising the necessity to navigate several significant challenges to realise its full benefits. The session, entitled “AI to strategically manage risk,” brought together a panel of industry leaders who elaborated on how AI is reshaping the landscape of port operations.

Michael Bergmann, managing director of BM Bergmann Marine GmbH, led the discussion by asserting that AI is no longer a luxury but an imperative component in today’s data-centric world. His remarks underscored a growing consensus that the integration of AI into port operations is essential for managing the complex risks associated with global maritime activities.

Neelima Pamulapati, director of sales at CrimsonLogic, a company renowned for its technological innovations in global trade and part of the PSA Group, showcased their cutting-edge risk management system. She detailed how the system employs a blend of network, predictive, detection, and text analysis models to deliver holistic 360-degree risk assessments applicable to both shipments and seafarers. Pamulapati highlighted that while the system is proficient in identifying both known and emergent risks, its effectiveness is contingent upon the availability of high-quality data, and its implementation might necessitate considerable infrastructural modifications within ports.

Lars Reger, chief technology officer at NXP Semiconductors, added another dimension to the discussion by emphasising the capabilities of edge AI. He explained that edge AI facilitates the processing and assessment of data in real time at its source, thus reducing latency issues that typically accompany data transfer. This edge-focused approach allows for scalable solutions tailored to the specific needs of individual ports, and Reger suggested that such advancements could significantly contribute to the uptick in robotisation in the maritime sector over the next 15 to 20 years. Nevertheless, he cautioned that this evolution will require strategic planning to manage the ensuing energy demands, environmental implications, and the necessity for workforce skill enhancements.

The panel discussion also shed light on the hurdles that could impede the full-scale adoption of AI in port risk management. Key challenges identified included persistent data silos, the complexity of regulatory frameworks, the substantial costs involved, cybersecurity threats, and the resistance from entrenched traditional operational paradigms. The panellists proposed several strategies to overcome these barriers, such as establishing standards for interoperability, investing in workforce development programmes, fostering regulatory collaboration, and initiating pilot projects to assess AI’s pragmatic applications within the maritime industry.

As the session concluded, attendees were left with a comprehensive understanding of both the potential benefits and the existing challenges of integrating AI into port operations. The discourse at the World Ports Conference highlighted the necessity for the maritime industry to collectively advance its technological capabilities while carefully considering the multifaceted implications of such advances.

Source: Noah Wire Services