Digital Transformations in Shipping: Is Technology Making Shipping Safer?

Data privacy is another challenge that must be overcome for the successful digitalisation of the shipping industry. As the use of certain technologies involves the collection and processing of personal data, stringent data privacy best practices must be observed.

Equally, the overall cost of implementing maritime technologies can also be a barrier for some shipping companies to access all digital technologies.

For shipping companies who can access and implement digital solutions, there are some significant benefits for overall maritime safety.

The use of AI in shipping (Artificial intelligence) means that systems to detect and avoid collisions are being developed. AI integration in shipping can also be used to monitor the health of a ship’s systems and alert the crew to potential problems before they become detrimental.

Similarly, big data can be used to identify trends, such as weather patterns in certain areas. This information can then be used to forecast the risk of storms, enabling shipping routes or schedules to be altered. Big data can also be used to track the performance of ships and to identify areas where safety improvements can be made to enhance overall safety onboard.

Another benefit of digitalisation is the use of blockchain in shipping which can help to track the movement of cargo. This can help to prevent theft and fraud and to improve the transparency of the supply chain. Blockchain can also be used to store and share safety data, such as maintenance records and incident reports, reducing the risk of data breaches.

The advantages of digitalisation in the shipping industry have extended beyond the ships themselves. Remote monitoring can be used on shore to monitor the condition of ships and their equipment, ensuring that problems can be identified early on, and corrective action can be taken before a major incident occurs. Remote monitoring can also be used to provide support to the crew by providing weather updates or technical assistance.

Equally virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can be used during crew training to simulate risky situations and improve safety awareness and skills. VR and AR can also be used to inspect ships and equipment, again enabling potential problems to be identified and rectified early on.

Some additional benefits of digitalisation in maritime safety also include:

• Automating certain tasks to improve crew efficiency and enable them to focus on other tasks.
• Real-time, enhanced situational awareness about the ship's environment (weather conditions, traffic density, and cargo loading).
• Improved decision-making by providing the crew with access to more data and by simulating different scenarios.

Digitalisation in shipping also has a positive environmental impact. Not only can businesses reduce their paper usage, but by optimising shipping routes, companies can reduce their overall fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This effort towards ensuring sustainable shipping practices are followed is something that businesses can then promote, helping to set them apart from their competition.

With so many industries embracing the use of technology, companies who are quick to adapt to new regulations and advancements will be able to offer more innovative services than other businesses in their sector, helping them stand out from the crowd.

Ultimately, the digital transformation in the shipping industry brings a multitude of benefits. From improved efficiency to increased safety and customer satisfaction, the future of shipping relies on the embracement of maritime technology.