AI can help shipping industry cut down emissions, report says

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🗞️ Driving the news: The global commercial shipping industry could reduce its carbon emissions by 47 million tonnes annually through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for sea navigation, according to a study by Orca AI
• AI technology can minimize maneuvers and route deviations by alerting crews to high-risk marine targets in real time
• This could optimize voyages, reducing fuel consumption and emissions

🔭 The context: Shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with the sector responsible for moving about 90% of global trade
• The International Maritime Organization aims to cut emissions by 20% by 2030, but this target is threatened by ongoing crises such as the Red Sea conflict
• In 2022, global shipping emissions were estimated at 858 million tonnes

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Reducing emissions from the shipping industry is crucial for combating climate change
• By leveraging AI to improve navigation efficiency, the industry can significantly lower its carbon footprint, contributing to global efforts to meet climate goals and reduce environmental impact

⏭️ What's next: The deployment of AI could lead to fewer crew members needed on the bridge and open the door to fully autonomous shipping in the future
• In the short term, AI will help crews focus on complex navigational tasks, further optimizing voyages and cutting emissions
• Continued investment in AI technology is essential for achieving these long-term sustainability goals

💬 One quote: “In the long term, it will open the door to fully autonomous shipping," said Orca AI CEO Yarden Gross

📈 One stat: The reduction in route deviations could help ships save an average of $100,000 in fuel costs per vessel annually, according to Orca AI's report

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