Artificial Intelligence System

  • There is increasing speculation regarding when the first unmanned cargo ship will set sail. The more important question is when will the first unmanned cargo ship spectacularly fail?

     
    We (not me personally, but humans as a group) have utilized artificial intelligence to launch unmanned craft into space on increasingly long and complex voyages. Mostly, these space missions succeed and provide us with wonderful images and reams of important data. Therefore, it is theoretically and practically possible to construct and operate an unmanned cargo ship.
     
    The difference between the unmanned space missions and a similar maritime mission is fundamental.
     
    A space mission involves a large team of specialists working together for years. Assumptions are challenged and refined. Technology is pushed to the limit and beyond. Money is spent in truckloads. Tests are performed and analyzed. Triple and quadruple redundancies are built in. The rocket and payload are assembled with the highest degree of quality control. The rocket is launched. It mostly works now-a-days, but that was not true previously. Even after a successful launch, the space craft is monitored closely by a large team of experts who continually analyze the data and make corrections as needed. They are also available to reprogram the space craft and make course corrections as necessary when something goes wrong – a not infrequent event. Eventually, the space craft performs its mission (be it a fly-by past Pluto or an orbital mission around Jupiter). There are well-deserved congratulations all around and the public increasingly gets the impression that success is routine.
     
    Even with all the checks, double-checks, and triple-checks, space missions do not always succeed. 
     
    •In 1999, NASA’s Mars Climate Orbiter burned up in the Martian atmosphere because the thrust of the maneuvering rockets on the orbiter had been calculated in metric units (newtons) while the mission team assumed that they had been calculated in English units (pounds). 
    •When launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope provided only fuzzy images. Analysis revealed that the device used for the final grinding of the 2.4 meter mirror had been incorrectly assembled. The mirror had been ground very precisely, but to the wrong shape. It was only in 1993 after a risky space shuttle mission to install corrective lens that Hubble was fully able to fully explore space. The take-away is that few things go as planned.
    •On December 14, 1996, the fully-loaded grain carrier Bright Field was downbound under pilotage on the Mississippi River passing through the Port of New Orleans. The main engine suddenly stopped. Exercising great skill, the pilot was able to guide the freighter into the Riverwalk promenade while sounding the ship’s whistle to alert those ashore. The allision into the promenade resulted in 66 injuries, but none was serious. Repair costs for the ship were $2 million and for the promenade and associated property $15 million. Investigation revealed that the engine was designed with an automatic shutdown in the event of low lubricating oil pressure. No one had thought through the ramifications of such an automatic shutdown on the safety of the ship.
    •The U.K Royal Navy recently launched and placed into service a squadron of highly sophisticated Type 45 destroyers. The six warships, costing approximately $1.4 billion, have experienced repeated power outages because the gas turbine engines are unable to operate on extended deployments in warm water, such as that found in the Arabian Gulf. Pre-production planning and testing were obviously inadequate.
    •On 7 May 2016, a Tesla Model S automobile collided with a tractor trailer on a highway outside Williston, Florida. The driver of the car died. Investigation revealed that the automobile was being operated in its driver-assist mode, meaning that it was guided by the on-board artificial intelligence system. Evidence indicates that the driver may not have been paying attention to the operation of the automobile as his DVD was heard playing a Harry Potter movie when individuals arrived at the scene of the casualty. It appears that the automobile’s guidance camera was unable to distinguish the white body of the tractor-trailer from the bright sky as there is no indication that the brakes were applied before impact. 
     
    The bottom line is that designers of machines, no matter how sophisticated, can’t anticipate and plan for every eventuality. They also can’t design and manufacture equipment and structures that will last forever and require no maintenance. Another thing we know is that no matter how many cautions accompany new labor-saving technology, users will invariably operate that technology beyond the published limits.
     
    It is a fool’s errand to design and operate an unmanned ship over an extended period unless you are willing to devote the time, effort, manpower, and monies expended by organizations such as NASA. Such devotion will, by definition, make the venture unprofitable.
     
    This is not to say that there is no place for artificial intelligence in the maritime industry. Humans cause the majority of marine casualties. Judicious use of artificial intelligence has proven the possibility of reducing the number and severity of those casualties. It must be recognized, though, that artificial intelligence, because it contains its own unique set of flaws, will also cause its own unique set of casualties.
     
    There are numerous tasks that can be improved through the studied use of computers and related technology. Increased use of artificial intelligence, though, must be accompanied by increased training of crew members, whose tasks will be changed. For example, we quickly learned that Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) cannot be installed in ships without providing detailed training to the crew members expected to utilize that computerized system. At the same time, basic maritime training for those crew members must not be jettisoned. Unless the mariner understands, for example, what information a maritime chart is expected to provide, ECDIS will be of no more value that a video game.
     
    There are boundaries to human knowledge. These boundaries may expand over time, but they continue to exist. Artificial intelligence still relies on the skills of human programmers, engineers, and operators. We don’t know what we don’t know. While artificial intelligence is pushing the existing boundaries, stupidity and hubris are limitless!
     
     
    The Author
    Dennis L. Bryant is with Bryant’s Maritime Consulting, and a regular contributor to Maritime Reporter & Engineering News as well as online at MaritimeProfessional.com. 
    t: 1 352 692 5493 
    e: [email protected]


    (As published in the August 2016 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News)
  • MR May-24#64 Index page MR May2024:MN INDEX PAGE  5/3/2024  1:05 PM)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 64

    Index page MR May2024:MN INDEX PAGE 5/3/2024 1:05 PM Page 1 T MARITIME REPORTER. A - HIS DIRECTORY SECTION IS AN EDITORIAL FEATURE PUBLISHED IN EVERY ISSUE FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE READERS OF QUICK REFERENCE ’ , ’ , , READERS

  • MR May-24#60 In the Shipyard
Green Ship Designs & Deliveries
Brunvoll)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 60

    In the Shipyard Green Ship Designs & Deliveries Brunvoll Propulsion for Hydrogen Ferries the largest size that Brunvoll delivers today. The installation of high propulsion power is one of the design considerations which make the vessels ready for the rough sea conditions experienced in this area which is

  • MR May-24#59 In the Shipyard
Green Ship Designs & Deliveries
Sanmar)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 59

    In the Shipyard Green Ship Designs & Deliveries Sanmar Delivers Camperdown to Targe Towing MISC Makes a Move MISC Toward Ammonia MISC entered into Time Charter Party Contracts (TCP) with PETCO Trading Labuan Company Ltd Sanmar Shipyards (PTLCL) via its petroleum arm, AET for the world’s Sanmar Shipyards

  • MR May-24#58 In the Shipyard
Green Ship Designs & Deliveries
Bibby)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 58

    In the Shipyard Green Ship Designs & Deliveries Bibby Orders Zero Emission eCSOV system, complemented by dual-fuel methanol engines for emissions-free operations. It will be equipped with mission equipment, a spacious insulated warehouse and climate con- trolled electrical store. Ensuring comfort for

  • MR May-24#56 EVENT MARITIME RISK SYMPOSIUM
our national security.)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 56

    EVENT MARITIME RISK SYMPOSIUM our national security. To date, the efforts have not produced the nating with international partners, government agencies and non- directed strategy. This panel will discuss the latest attempt to de- governmental organizations to combat gray zone activities? velop the strategy

  • MR May-24#55 MARITIME RISK SYMPOSIUM
awareness, policy imperatives)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 55

    MARITIME RISK SYMPOSIUM awareness, policy imperatives, maritime cyber, assessing risks during great change, and Arctic collaborations. As in previous years, a Coast Guard Evergreen facilitated session for strategic- concept generation is being help immediately afterward. The MRS 2024 program aims to

  • MR May-24#54 EVENT
MARITIME RISK SYMPOSIUM 2024: 
Great Power Competition)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 54

    EVENT MARITIME RISK SYMPOSIUM 2024: Great Power Competition and Gray Zone Engagement By Dr. Joe DiRenzo and Dr. Don Brutzman or 15 years the Maritime Risk Symposium (MRS), an international adversaries present growing dangers to freedom annual three-day event, has brought together govern- of navigation

  • MR May-24#53 GREEN TECH THORDON BEARINGS
CLASS MOVE 
SIGNALS 
INDUSTRY)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 53

    GREEN TECH THORDON BEARINGS CLASS MOVE SIGNALS INDUSTRY DRIVE TOWARDS OIL- Image courtesy Thordon Bearings FREE PROPULSION long with cost savings and greater operational ef- shaft for examination as speci? ed…for the normal survey may ? ciency, the seawater-based lubrication of propel- be extended to

  • MR May-24#48 MILESTONE
in the exo-atmosphere to charting the bottom of)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 48

    MILESTONE in the exo-atmosphere to charting the bottom of the ocean; and tion Service in 1947, which then became part of MSTS. After 14 “service support” ships serve as hospital ships, salvage ships, being laid up at the Maritime Reserve Fleet at James River, Vir- ocean-going tugs, command-and-control

  • MR May-24#45 CYBER SECURITY
mandatory veri?  cation scope for new)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 45

    CYBER SECURITY mandatory veri? cation scope for new vulnerable and, in turn, expose physical fective training. Most maritime orga- vessels contracted from July 2024. As a systems to being targeted and breached. nizations lack critical cyber security classi? cation society, DNV already has This can

  • MR May-24#44 CLASSIFICATION
The Maritime Cyber Priority: 
Staying)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 44

    CLASSIFICATION The Maritime Cyber Priority: Staying Secure and Seizing New Connectivity Opportunities By Svante Einarsson, Head of Maritime Cyber Security Advisory, DNV ecent decades have seen the global maritime industry nization’s current OT cyber security is as strong as its IT security. give considera

  • MR May-24#40 CLASSIFICATION
“Ultimately, fuel conversion 
is essential)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 40

    CLASSIFICATION “Ultimately, fuel conversion is essential, as it is the sole solution to achieve decarbonization.” – Dr. Song Kanghyun, Head / SVP of KR’s Decarbonization Image courtesy KR says Koutsourakis, and ABS has developed a Carbon Diligence Platform (CDP) to digitalize carbon emissions monitoring

  • MR May-24#38 CLASSIFICATION
Image courtesy CCS
UILDING THE
EW UELS)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 38

    CLASSIFICATION Image courtesy CCS UILDING THE EW UELS ATHWAY P N B F Long-term initiatives led by classi? cation societies are building the foundation for future fuels uptake. By Wendy Laursen Image above: CCS issued the ? rst AIP certi? cate for the marine liquid hydrogen fuel supply system

  • MR May-24#37 HIROAKI SAKASHITA, PRESIDENT & CEO, CLASSNK
"ClassNK is)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 37

    HIROAKI SAKASHITA, PRESIDENT & CEO, CLASSNK "ClassNK is now tackling to expand its services beyond conventional class services with the slogan 'Charting the Future'." – Hiroaki Sakashita President & CEO, ClassNK Image courtesy ClassNK cal role in processing and decision-making, driving the industry

  • MR May-24#35 HIROAKI SAKASHITA, PRESIDENT & CEO, CLASSNK
ec ec ec)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 35

    HIROAKI SAKASHITA, PRESIDENT & CEO, CLASSNK ec ec ec Decarbonization will [most dramatically] change the tr tr tr t structure of seaborne trade, ships’ speci? cation and g g g g g g g design, ships’ operation, and the economic mechanism of maritime transportation. – Hiroaki Sakashita President & CEO

  • MR May-24#27 CAROLINE YANG, HONG LAM MARINE & THE SINGAPORE SHIPPING)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 27

    CAROLINE YANG, HONG LAM MARINE & THE SINGAPORE SHIPPING ASSOCIATION and economic viability of these technologies pose signi? cant concerns in the waters off of Somalia. challenges for implementation.” “The indiscriminate ? ring of drones and rockets toward commercial ships, as seen in the Red Sea

  • MR May-24#26 CEO IN FOCUS
tons of green methanol.” Hong Lam Marine also)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 26

    CEO IN FOCUS tons of green methanol.” Hong Lam Marine also completed a SSA and its membership are focused on the evolving industry, study on the building of an ammonia bunker tanker, together driven by environmental concerns. “Our top three priorities with Pax Ocean and BV. this year are decarbonization

  • MR May-24#25 CAROLINE YANG, HONG LAM MARINE & THE SINGAPORE SHIPPING)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 25

    CAROLINE YANG, HONG LAM MARINE & THE SINGAPORE SHIPPING ASSOCIATION “You need all hands on deck to support this: the owners, charterers, bankers and even the governments: all need to have a skin in this decarbonization journey.” – Caroline Yang CEO, Hong Lam Marine & President, Singapore Shipping

  • MR May-24#20 DEEP SEA MINING
Of these four tasks, the receipt of nodules)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 20

    DEEP SEA MINING Of these four tasks, the receipt of nodules, transport of fuel, pre-determined mining pattern and cannot and the transfer of personnel raise several challenges, partic- “weather-vane”. ularly around Standards and Regulations. These impact the • Likely necessitates the use of slurry

  • MR May-24#16 Classi?  cation
Momentum Builds for Ammonia 
as Technology)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 16

    Classi? cation Momentum Builds for Ammonia as Technology Solutions Mature Strong demand is driving development but emissions issues remain, writes René Sejer Laursen, ABS Director – Fuels & Technology, Global Sustainability he interest in ammonia stems both from its zero quired, and some engine makers

  • MR May-24#13 ton SS Keystone State (T-ACS 1) started life as a commercial)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 13

    ton SS Keystone State (T-ACS 1) started life as a commercial breakbulk ship in 1965, and acquired by MSC in 1984 and converted to its current role. As we recapitalize the prepositioning ? eet, I propose the next generation of MPS and ACS vessels could not only be similar, but potentially even be the

  • MR May-24#11 The actual propulsion controls (the throttles) are integrate)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 11

    The actual propulsion controls (the throttles) are integrated be designed for progressive upgrades and avoid any controls into the electric drive system, but the electric power producers that may become obsolete or may suffer from programming are only very lightly integrated into the propulsion controls

  • MR May-24#10 Back to the Drawing Board 
Hybrid Blood, Sweat, and Tears.)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 10

    Back to the Drawing Board Hybrid Blood, Sweat, and Tears. By Rik van Hemmen n earlier columns, I have discussed various approaches cated facility, and the car is put back on the road. and issues with Hybrid Propulsion. I have now had the In maritime, that does not work out so easily. There can be pleasure

  • MR May-24#9 pabilities, knowledge, and experience, and who exists for)
    May 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 9

    pabilities, knowledge, and experience, and who exists for no the question remains whether an AI is capable of a nuanced purpose other than to maximize the skills and knowledge of understanding of the trainee’s needs, the ability to adapt to that individual trainee. completely unforeseen circumstances