Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often framed as a disruptive force, but in the maritime industry, many professionals see it as a partner that can enhance their work. Optimism is high, though it is tempered with caution. This article explores industry sentiment and why the majority of stakeholders see AI as a tool for efficiency and support, not replacement.
Recent research conducted by Thetius in partnership with Marcura reveals a generally optimistic outlook among maritime professionals regarding the role of AI in the workplace. In a survey of more than 100 maritime stakeholders, just over 40% of respondents said they are highly optimistic and see significant potential for improvement through AI, while a further 41% described themselves as cautiously optimistic. This indicates a predominantly positive outlook, tempered with some caution.
Confidence in maritime AI appears to be growing, with 72% of survey respondents identifying improved efficiency as the first thing they associate with AI in the workplace. This is a clear sign that many view it as a tool to enhance rather than disrupt daily operations.
One ship management company we spoke with confirmed that AI is widely seen as a positive development across their organisation. “AI is a real value. It is not just a technology. It is solving actual pain points faster, smarter, and at scale,” said Theofano Somaripa, Group CIO at Newport S.A. “AI will be a part of our life, like it or not. In a few years, we could not imagine how life was before AI implementation, like we cannot imagine how to live without electricity.”
Confidence in how AI could or should be applied is also encouraging. 64% of professionals said they feel somewhat confident in the role of AI within their job function, and 23% reported feeling very confident. Crucially, there is a strong preference for keeping people in control, with 70% believing that AI should recommend actions, but that humans should always make the final decisions. This reflects a clear desire to balance technological support with human judgement, reinforcing the view that AI should be a partner, not a replacement.
“If you use AI correctly as an assistant tool, and not as a replacement for a human, it will be a great addition to the work of every single person,” Giuseppe Oliveri, Director at d’Amico told us.
For further insight into the areas highlighted in this article, download our thought leadership report, Beyond The Hype, created in partnership with Marcura.
