Marcel van den Broek reports on the Nautilus Netherlands Branch's recent symposium, which explored technological change in the maritime industry and how artificial intelligence will affect members' jobs in future
On the afternoon of Tuesday 17 June, Nautilus International organised a symposium to follow the Union's annual national branch conference for Dutch members.
The event, which was well-attended despite a train strike, took place at the Delta Hotel in Vlaardingen and addressed the theme Artificial intelligence, maritime craftsmanship: navigating by the compass of the future.
The symposium attracted a large number of members, as well as many other interested parties from across the maritime industry.
The machine takes over
The symposium was opened in a humorous and engaging way by Sascha Meijer, assistant general secretary of Nautilus International and chair of the NL executive board, with support from an artificial intelligence tool which, fittingly, took over her opening speech.
AI for crew-centred design
The first speaker was Bas Buchner, chairman of the Dutch Maritime Network. He took the audience on an inspiring journey into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI). According to Mr Buchner, this is a world that holds great promise for the maritime sector, particularly in creating safer, cleaner, and smarter ships and shipping practices. He emphasised that AI is much more than just Large Language Models (like ChatGPT); its real strength lies in pattern recognition.
He stressed that AI should be used to support the crew – for instance, by allowing them to experience their future vessel through simulations and simulators, and by implementing what is known as 'crew-centred operational ship design'. This approach considers the needs and experience of the crew from the earliest design stages of a vessel.
All the official information (manuals, etc.) about a specific Alfa Laval separator model had been stored digitally in a secured space and made accessible via a single telephone number. The demonstration went almost flawlessly, with technical crew members in the audience asking questions that the system answered perfectly in a whole range of different languages
AI in education
ASV Nautis, the Amsterdam-based student association for maritime officer (MAROF) trainees, is now a familiar presence at the annual Nautilus symposium. Trainees Niels Frank and Christijn Medendorp from ASV Nautis shared insights into how future maritime professionals view developments in AI within the shipping industry and their education.
Starting with education, they explained that AI is not yet a part of the MAROF curriculum. However, the educational institutions are actively working on developing guidelines for its use during studies. Echoing Mr Buchner's perspective, both trainees said that they view AI primarily as a tool that will help to support those working onboard.
Technical assistance
The final speakers on the day were Nils van der Kolk and Robin Blekemolen from technology firm AIDIO.
Mr Van der Kolk and Mr Blekemolen demonstrated how AI is already being used onboard ships. AIDIO offers a system that allows users to retrieve information about a specific subject, stored in a secure environment, through a phone connection in nearly 200 different languages.
To illustrate, a live demonstration showed how the system could function in practice using an Alfa Laval separator. All the official information (manuals, etc.) about a specific Alfa Laval separator model had been stored digitally in a secured space and made accessible via a single telephone number. The demonstration went almost flawlessly, with technical crew members in the audience asking questions that the system answered perfectly in a whole range of different languages.
This system has already seen successful use in other industries, and the enthusiasm in the room was clear. Audience members began spontaneously discussing other possible applications.
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