The global ocean economy is valued at USD 1.5 trillion, and will outperform the global economy as a whole, and could double reaching USD 3 trillion by 2030. To address this opportunity, many shipping companies have to embrace change, and modernize their fleets, business models and leverage scientific and technological advances.  

The traditional maritime shipping sector is undergoing a profound revolution through the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), shedding its age-old practices for innovative approaches. “AI’fying” everything seems be a distant elusion, and an overreach to say the least, but, using data that is aligned to the business goals and initiatives is an appropriate application of this “ocean breaking” transformation in Maritime.  

From autonomous ships, to fleet management, cargo optimization, supply chain risk management to reducing empty miles on voyages, AI is making significant changes in the way operators work in the shipping industry.

Although daunting at first glance, steady advances in combining a company's best practices with the use of technology can prepare those riding this “blue wave”. Scheduling ships and cargoes relies on the stitching of hundreds of sources of data, strewn across a myriad of both on and offline resources. For that very reason, human assisted intelligence is the future for placing critical disparate data in the hands of the charterers and schedulers in today’s rapidly changing and competitive sea world.

I found some interesting references in this report; “Debunking the mythical beasts of maritime digital transformation”. more specifically, the fourth myth appropriately titled “The Cthulhu of Decision-Support” that elevates the need for technology to improve efficiencies in connecting the dots across big data.

Seaber’s pre-fixture and planning technologies can lead to unprecedented efficiency and profitability improvements. Leveraging cutting-edge algorithms, our pre-fixture and planning suggestions transform the complexities of fleet management into streamlined processes. All this is done keeping contract, port, vessel and cargo restrictions in mind. Let us dive into how our advanced scheduling AI enhances capacity utilization by answering key operational questions swiftly and effectively. Seaber gives you answers in minutes compared to hours or days with traditional industry standard tools. You can consider this “data at your fingertips”.

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1. Best next voyage for a vessel

Our next voyage suggestions algorithm goes through all possible cargo combinations available. As an outcome, you’ll have a definite answer on which voyage is the most efficient from capacity utilization or financial perspective. Depending on the scope desired, COA or spot, inquiries or fixed cargoes are taken into account.

2. Best placement for a parcel

Our system quickly identifies where an urgent parcel can most optimally fit within the existing schedule, given available capacities, previous cargo or vessel compatibility restrictions.

3. Optimizing an entire trade lane

Determining the most efficient next voyages for an entire trade lane can be a complex task. Our algorithms analyze the different possible parceling combinations on all vessels on a trade lane to suggest the voyages that maximize fleet utilization.

4. Enhancing existing voyages

A common query we address is whether additional cargoes can be integrated into existing voyages without disrupting planned schedules. Our algorithms assess the potential for adding any fixed cargoes or market cargo inquiries to existing voyages, thereby increasing the revenue potential per voyage while adhering to contractual commitments.

5. Strategic voyage swaps

Our system also facilitates smart decision-making regarding voyage swaps between vessels. This functionality allows characters and schedulers to discover any inefficiencies in the schedule and to adapt to changing conditions by reallocating resources more efficiently, enhancing overall schedule performance and fleet utilization.

6. Complementary market cargoes

Identifying which market cargoes would best complement a fleet schedule is another feature that our algorithms handle adeptly. By aligning cargo types with fleet capabilities and schedules, companies can avoid empty backhaul runs and ensure that each voyage is as productive as possible.

7. Innovating parcel swaps

Currently in development, our algorithm will soon offer suggestions for parcel swaps between voyages. This innovative feature aims to further optimize pre-fixtures and planning  by making adjustments that respond dynamically to logistical requirements and market conditions.

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Our algorithms are designed with attention to detail, including compatibility between cargoes and vessels, draft restrictions at ports, and current port congestion situations. This holistic approach ensures that our suggestions are not only feasible but also practical in real-world conditions.

Leon Gordon, a lead in data analytics and a current Microsoft MVP states “Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the need for digital transformation, it is more important than ever for businesses to embrace data and AI in their operations.”

Seaber’s advanced pfre-fixture and planning algorithms represent a quantum leap in maritime logistics management. By providing granular, understandable suggestions in minutes—contrasted with the hours or even partial solutions offered by traditional methods—our technology empowers operators to make informed decisions swiftly.

We embed learning in everything that we do. Our living breathing methodology is ever changing to reflect the changing needs of the industry, and more importantly, the fabric of our technology learns as we adapt to these shifting requirements.

I understand that some of the content I've shared might seem overwhelming, and I'm open to discussing your thoughts further. Throughout my career, I've been deeply involved in modernizing businesses and technologies. My insights are based on extensive observations, numerous industry conversations, and a wealth of research articles.

I welcome the opportunity to engage in dialogue with you or anyone interested in this critical topic, which is already shaping our present and future. It's an area I'm passionate about, and I firmly believe we're already experiencing its impact.

With a background in executive sponsorship for multimillion-dollar modernization projects, as well as founding successful technology startups, including those focused on upgrading maritime systems, I'm now leading growth efforts at Seaber.io.