ANALYZING TOTAL EFFECTS OF DIGITALIZATION ON VESSEL OPERATION

Abstract

The contemporary period, often termed the "fourth industrial revolution" or Industry 4.0, is characterized by the integration of transformative technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI). Notably, collaborative projects like the construction of the autonomous ship Yara Birkeland by Kongsberg Maritime and Yara, integrating AI, Big Data, and IoT, exemplify the industry's embrace of technological advancements. Consequently, the shipping sector is now immersed in the digitalization era, marked by extensive research into foundational technologies like autonomous navigation. However, a comprehensive analysis of the overall impact of digitalization, especially concerning maritime safety, remains elusive. This study seeks to address this gap, aiming to assess the implications of digitization on ship operations. By scrutinizing strategies employed by major shipping nations, firms, and classification organizations, the research delves into obstacles hindering digitalization and evaluates the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) measures to overcome these challenges.