AI is set to be the biggest transformative shift for maritime with tomorrow’s systems being able to decide and execute. says Pankaj Sharma, Managing Director of OneLink Performance. “The future is self-optimising ships with human-in-the-loop supervision,” he said.

OneLink Performance believes the widespread adoption of AI-driven autonomous decision support systems that integrate multi-source data, including weather, vessel condition and port logistics, will be the next big step for the industry.

Enhanced digital twins of vessels will enable real-time simulation, condition based monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending asset life cycles. Furthermore, blockchain-enabled secure data sharing will revolutionise transparency and compliance across the maritime supply chain, says Mr Sharma.

As a leading vessel optimisation platform OneLink is at the forefront of the AI movement and is integrating a new tool: ‘my AI assistant’ to its service offering – to act as an onboard operation co-pilot. It will not only monitor KPIs but also recommend actions such as ‘adjust RPM to reduce SFOC drift’ or “initiate lube oil top-up based on trace iron levels.’

Mr Sharma said: “Automation will shift the paradigm from reactive to predictive operations. Today’s systems report, whereas tomorrow’s systems will decide and execute under human supervision. AI will later evolve from predictive analytics to prescriptive and cognitive systems that can autonomously adjust vessel parameters and coordinate fleet-wide operations.”

“Enhanced natural language processing and augmented reality interfaces will further empower crews, improving situational awareness and decision-making efficiency while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.”

My AI assistant could simulate three different RPM profiles for a voyage and suggest the most carbon-efficient plan, considering both technical and commercial metrics. It will also help find engine anomalies, suggesting not only what happened, but why, and how to avoid it.

OneLink is a unique solution that unites a number of performance platforms within one, providing a powerful set of digital services and solutions to the shipping industry.