AI is being adopted by the shipping industry as a valuable, innovative technological tool for applications including weather routeing and voyage optimisation. The future of bridge operations could see AI-powered radars and ECDIS interacting with navigation officers to help them navigate more safely and efficiently, said Columbia Group director of crewing and training Faouzi Fradi.  AI technology is developing faster than anticipated and could be further integrated onto ships, but safeguarding measures and regulations need to be in place, he added. “I can see it being used directly with ECDIS and radar systems to help officers to navigate the vessel and recommend solutions when problems arise,” said Capt Fradi. “We need to be open to new innovative technological solutions and look at how it can improve our current operations.” AI could provide valuable information to navigators and officers of the watch to avoid hazards and prevent ship groundings and collisions. “It is a very interesting piece of technology that I believe will revolutionise shipping in different areas of operations,” said Capt Fradi. “But we are yet to fully understand AI and what it can do at its full potential.” AI requires data, instructions for analysis and algorithms employed to process the...

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In December 2023, leading ship management provider Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) signed a scholarship agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cyprus Maritime Academy (CyMA), the first maritime academy in Cyprus to offer a four-year degree in nautical science. The initiative to participate in CyMA’s Cadet Scholarship Programme reflects CSM’s continuous efforts to promote academic excellence, professional training, and research in the maritime industry. With the MOU, CSM commits to providing three full scholarships for CyMA’s newly enrolled cadets on an annual basis, on the condition of meeting specific socio-economic and academic criteria.  This agreement enables CSM to collaborate with CyMA in selecting scholarship recipients and offering them on-board sea service practicums, mentorships, internships, and various training opportunities. “We are pleased to announce our collaboration with the Cyprus Maritime Academy,” said Columbia Group CEO Mark O’Neil. “Investing in the next generation of seafarers and providing them with opportunities for personal and professional development is a strategic priority for us. Through this collaboration we are investing in our people, nurturing their potential, and preparing them for a future on board in the ever-evolving maritime industry.” A private maritime academy, CyMA  is part of the educational organization of Intercollege and the University...

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