The global commercial shipping industry has long been a significant contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, responsible for 3 percent of the world’s total. However, a recent study conducted by Orca AI, an autonomous shipping startup, shows that the industry has the potential to significantly cut down its carbon emissions by deploying artificial intelligence (AI) for sea navigation. The study reveals that the use of AI can reduce carbon emissions by a staggering 47 million tonnes per year.
One of the primary ways AI can help reduce emissions is by minimizing the need for maneuvers and route deviation caused by close encounters with high-risk marine targets such as vessels, buoys, and sea mammals. By alerting the crew in real-time, AI technology can provide crucial information and enable them to make more informed decisions. This, in turn, optimizes the voyage, reduces fuel consumption, and ultimately decreases emissions.
Yarden Gross, the CEO of Orca AI, emphasized the potential benefits of AI in sea navigation, stating, “In the short term, it can lead to fewer crew members on the bridge, while those who are on the bridge will have a reduced workload and more attention to tackle complex navigational tasks, optimizing the voyage and reducing fuel and emissions.” Gross also believes that in the long term, AI technology opens the door to fully autonomous shipping.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target of reducing emissions by 20 percent by 2030. However, this target is at risk due to the ongoing Red Sea crisis. To achieve these emissions reduction goals, stricter pollution control measures need to be implemented across the industry. The adoption of AI in sea navigation could be a significant step towards meeting these targets.
The context surrounding the need for reducing carbon emissions in the shipping industry is further supported by statistics. Global carbon dioxide shipping emissions reached an estimated 858 million tonnes in 2022, showing a marginal rise from the previous year. Additionally, Orca AI’s study revealed that an average of 2,976 marine incidents are reported each year, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in the industry.
The potential impact of AI on reducing carbon emissions and improving efficiency in the shipping industry is substantial. Orca AI’s report suggests that by minimizing route deviations, ships could save an average of $100,000 in fuel costs per vessel and shave off 38.2 million nautical miles per year from their travel. Furthermore, AI has the potential to lower close encounters by 33 percent in open waters, reducing the risk of incidents and improving safety.
The integration of AI into sea navigation has the potential to revolutionize the shipping industry, not only in terms of reducing carbon emissions but also in streamlining operations and increasing safety. As the industry faces increasing pressure to meet emissions reduction targets, the use of AI technology presents a promising solution. However, it is essential to ensure that the implementation of AI is done in a way that prioritizes safety, maintains human oversight, and complies with regulations. With the potential for a greener and more efficient future, the shipping industry must embrace the power of AI in sea navigation.
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