During a recent panel discussion titled Digital Efficiency Drivers at Sea, Alex Albertini, Chief Executive of Marfin Management, articulated a pressing concern within the maritime industry: the overwhelming rush to accumulate data. He framed this phenomenon as “a race to data” and underscored that simply amassing vast quantities of information is insufficient. Instead, he advocated for a focus on how such data can be effectively applied, particularly in relation to decarbonisation technologies like wind-assisted propulsion.
Albertini outlined some of Marfin’s initiatives aimed at aligning with contemporary sustainability goals. These include experimenting with innovative technologies, such as installing wings on vessels and collaborating on ammonia as an alternative fuel. However, he emphasised that these advancements necessitate a fundamental reevaluation of operational practices. A telling example he shared was the use of onboard sensors to gather detailed weather data—monitoring wave heights and directions—that Marfin employs to test the accuracy of prevailing weather prediction models. With OceanSync’s technology in play, the company can collect real-time offshore weather data, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Despite his firm commitment to harnessing data for better decision-making, Albertini lamented the current state of the digital solutions market, which he believes suffers from a disparity between the functionalities promised by providers and the real solutions delivered. He sharply critiqued the maritime sector’s tool overload, stating that while numerous instruments are available, they offer limited practical solutions to overarching industry challenges. He explained, “I think you guys are actually telling us that you are selling solutions. But you’re actually only selling tools. And us, as shipowners, we’re submerged with the amount of tools that we have to use that provide very little solutions to the big problem.” This sentiment highlights a growing frustration among shipowners who find themselves burdened by an excess of under-performing technologies.
The advent of artificial intelligence presents an opportunity for significant operational transformation. Albertini described how emerging AI capabilities can facilitate more precise forecasting aboard vessels, thereby allowing for real-time optimisations in routing to take advantage of favourable winds. This kind of technological integration could relieve ship masters from the overwhelming paperwork that currently accompanies their duties. He pointed out a critical failure within the industry: a disconnect between innovation and meaningful behavioural change. “We can see everywhere innovation, but we cannot see change. And the change is a problem for the humans, not for the technology,” remarked Albertini, emphasising the need to bridge this gap.
Furthermore, he raised an important issue regarding the sharing of data within the maritime ecosystem, challenging the notion of equitable collaboration. He noted, “Everybody’s talking about the ship’s data, and everybody’s talking about collaboration, and everybody’s talking about standardisation.” His argument centred on the idea that shipowners should not bear the entire burden of data provision. Instead, he suggested treating data as a tradeable asset, asserting that all those who contribute to data generation should profit from its utilisation. “The best collaboration is economy, is exchange, is commerce,” he stated, calling for recognition of each stakeholder’s contribution to the data pool.
The broader implications of these discussions cannot be understated, particularly given the significant investments currently being made in real-time data collection technologies. For instance, OceanSync, the company Albertini collaborates with, has received nearly CA$1 million in funding from the Canadian government to develop automated weather stations that gather crucial environmental data. Such investments represent a concerted effort to leverage technological advancements for enhanced shipping safety, operational efficiency, and responsiveness to climate challenges.
In conclusion, as the maritime industry navigates this transformative phase, the integration of high-quality, actionable data emerges as not just beneficial, but vital. Recognising data as a commodity and fostering an environment of reciprocal exchange can lay the groundwork for collaboration that genuinely enhances efficiency and sustainability in maritime operations.
Reference Map
- Paragraphs 1-3: [1]
- Paragraphs 4-6: [1], [2], [3]
- Paragraphs 7-8: [1], [5]
- Paragraph 9: [1], [6]
- Paragraphs 10-11: [1], [4], [5]
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
