How AI Is Transforming Tanker Operations, Safety, and Decision-Making

AI Adoption Transforms Tanker Operations and Oversight

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is steadily influencing tanker operations in practical, measurable ways. Key areas seeing immediate benefits include voyage optimisation, predictive maintenance, and decision-support systems.

Srini Mullur, Head of HSSEQ at Navig8 Group and a Master Mariner, highlights how AI is already impacting tanker workflows and the challenges faced when integrating these technologies.

Improving Efficiency Through Voyage Optimisation

AI leverages real-time data to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during voyages. Machine learning models predict component wear before failures occur, allowing for planned maintenance and minimizing unexpected downtime.

Safety monitoring is also enhanced with AI-powered surveillance and anomaly detection systems. These tools identify operational risks earlier than traditional methods, providing more opportunities for proactive management.

Challenges in Integrating AI Systems

One major hurdle is integrating AI with legacy tanker systems, which often use proprietary and siloed data formats. Successful AI deployment depends on normalising this data and employing middleware to connect diverse systems.

Human oversight remains essential during this transition. Crew and shore teams need to validate AI-generated outputs to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Shifting Roles for Crew and Office Staff

AI is reshaping workflows by speeding up data-driven decision-making. Crew roles are moving from manual execution to supervising AI recommendations, while shore personnel focus on strategic fleet management.

This shift highlights the need for continuous training so that all personnel can critically interpret and question AI insights.

Data Integrity: The Biggest Barrier

Data standardisation remains the biggest challenge. Vessels often produce inconsistent data formats, and sensor quality or connectivity issues further reduce data reliability.

Since AI models depend on accurate inputs, low-quality data limits their effectiveness. Improving sensor standards and connectivity is crucial for better AI performance.

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations

Operators are increasingly aligning AI use with digital governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with safety and cybersecurity standards. Transparency and human accountability in AI decision-making are becoming standard practice.

Looking Ahead: AI’s Next Steps in Tanker Operations

• Unmanned bridge watch systems for temporary navigation
• AI-assisted compliance tracking
• Energy efficiency optimisation

These advancements promise to improve safety, reduce emissions, and lower operational costs.

The upcoming webinar "How will AI transform tanker operations?" is scheduled for 09:00 BST on 30 June 2025 as part of Tanker Shipping & Trade Webinar Week. Industry professionals interested in participating or sponsoring can contact brand manager Ian Pow.

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