On April 22, the UK government has launched an £8m Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund to advance the use of automation and AI in shipping.
Funding will be used for feasibility studies to encourage the development of new technologies and the refining of existing systems, such as self-driving boats or ports using automated systems.
The move is intended to boost the economy and support coastal communities, while also forming part of the government’s broader plan to decarbonise shipping, especially through use of advanced technologies.
Lord Davies, maritime minister, said: “Using AI and cutting-edge technology to make boats smarter and transform port operations is part of our plan to decarbonise shipping, enhance safety for our seafarers and help grow the economy.
“AI has the potential to revolutionise the sector, create jobs and support the economy.”
Eleanor Watson, AI ethics engineer and AI faculty at Singularity University and IEEE member, added: “It’s ultimately in the interest of businesses to embrace this. AI is advancing at a tremendous rate and its power or potential is now far clearer to the public.
“The technology’s vast applicability opens up so many opportunities and organisations cannot adapt quickly enough to new developments. AI systems will be a huge growth sector, provided leaders acknowledge AI’s limitations, as well as its potential, they can work with it to transform economic efficiency.
“However, we will need to understand the impact on employment and any other implications to ensure everyone can adjust to these developments.”
This funding comes from the wider £206m UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, which was announced back in March 2022.
As part of Lord Davies’ visit to Southhampton today, he visited Ocean Infinity, the creators of maritime automation for a ‘one-world view of remote operations at sea in a real-time, digital environment’.
Ocean Infinity won funding from DfT’s UK SHORE programme to fund projects for maritime decarbonisation, including a recent share of £4.4m to develop future propulsion systems.
