Between port state inspections, crew changeovers, and the daily circus of vessel operations, we know your plate is already overflowing. So we've filtered through the noise to bring you everything you should be considering when it comes to voyage optimisation software along with all of the tech developments that actually deserve your attention.

This week, I spoke with Peter Mantel who shared thought-provoking perspectives on voyage optimisation technology; highlighting the paradox of an industry seeking perfect technology whilst often failing to invest in the training and change management needed to realise its full potential.

With over 30 years of progressive experience in the maritime industry, Peter has spent the last 2 years as Chief Commercial Officer at Theyr. Theyr has established itself as a pioneering force in maritime technology, with particular expertise in developing cutting-edge AI voyage optimisation solutions. 

As the maritime industry faces mounting pressure from environmental regulators, the adoption of voyage optimisation software has transitioned from a competitive advantage to a critical necessity. With the IMO's carbon intensity reduction targets tightening and fuel costs remaining volatile, shipping companies can no longer afford to ignore technologies that promise both cost savings and emissions reduction.

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Yet despite the clear business case, many shipping companies remain reluctant to fully embrace voyage optimisation software. Even more concerning, among those who have invested in these systems, many fail to utilize them to their full potential.

Peter argues that this mindset has become more of a barrier to innovation than a genuine technical limitation: "They expect flawless technology, but no system can ever be perfect." Factors such as the accuracy of weather datasets, the quality of ship hydrodynamic models, and the diverse commercial objectives of each voyage introduce inherent variability.

He challenges the maritime sector’s reluctance to adopt imperfect solutions, stating, "The industry constantly fixates on minor flaws, such as claiming that weather forecasts or tide and current databases aren’t precise enough." This obsession with perfection prevents companies from realising the significant benefits that even partially optimised voyages can deliver.

Within his role, Peter has noticed a lack of trust in AI-generated route calculations, "I think at least 50% of captains will tweak routes produced by AI software themselves". This statistic reveals a troubling disconnect – while companies are purchasing the technology, the majority of captains do not fully trust the algorithms behind route calculations and will amend these routes based on ‘gut-feeling’.

Resistance often stems from misunderstanding rather than stubbornness. Many experienced mariners resist optimisation software because they don't fully understand how the algorithms work, "Companies invest in technology but they don’t invest in managing behavioural change."

Peter then discussed in depth how shipowners and operators can ensure their technology adoption is a success.

Firstly, "Rather than using voyage optimisation software as strict guidance, use it as advisory." Introduce the technology as an additional advisory capability for captains to aid in their navigational decision-making process to reduce resistance.

Secondly, create accountability structures: "Every time the ship arrives in port, the shore team should ask, 'Captain, what is your reasoning for taking this route?'" This simple follow-up creates awareness that decisions are being monitored without undermining authority. 

Thirdly, shipping companies should prioritise working with vendors who prioritise transparency  "Theyr are working on what we call 'explainable AI' with the Alan Turing Institute," Peter explained, which uses AI to justify system recommendations with clear reasoning that captains can understand and evaluate in real-time.

It’s worth remembering that while voyage optimisation has been proved to generate significant reductions when it comes to cost and emissions, a lack of standardised frameworks is slowing the progress of optimisation across the industry. 

Without minimum performance standards for voyage optimisation engines, digital ship models, and weather forecast data, the industry struggles to establish benchmarks for quality. Peter explained, "Data reliability and standardisation are still in their infancy, despite the growing adoption of high-frequency data".

The future of maritime efficiency isn't just about perfect data, it's about bridging the gap between technological possibility and human adoption.

 As regulatory pressure mounts and climate concerns intensify, the maritime industry must navigate beyond its perfectionist mindset to embrace both the technology and the training needed to optimise every voyage.

And there you have it - your weekly dose of maritime tech developments wrapped up and ready to go. I'll be back next Thursday with more industry insights from innovation leaders. Stay efficient out there, Ailsa