GenPro’s 5th Annual Blue Day, held in Limassol on Wednesday 25th November, brought together procurement specialists, shipmanagement leaders and technology experts to examine the practical use of AI in maritime sourcing.

This year’s theme, “Single Point of Truth: Turning AI into Action in Sourcing and Procurement,” reflected the growing need for structured data and clear governance as AI tools enter day-to-day operations.

The session was held as a fireside chat with Maria Theodosiou, GenPro’s Managing Director;  Christina Orfanidou, Head of Group AI at Columbia Group; and Margarita Maimonis, CEO of Exelia Technologies, speaking to both in-person and livestreamed audiences.

Opening the discussion, Ms Theodosiou said: “AI cannot fix chaos. AI is not magic. Your data needs to be consistent. If your data is inconsistent, AI will simply automate the chaos faster.” She noted that even small inaccuracies in catalogues, pricing or part numbers can skew analysis, distort reporting and undermine trust in procurement decisions.

On the topic of implementation, Ms Maimonis highlighted the importance of realistic planning. She said: “You cannot think you are going to take on the whole beast from A to Z. You have to digitise processes, remove fragmentation and start small with one realistic use case.” She added that many failed AI projects stem from unclear business cases and expectations that technology alone can solve structural issues.

Governance and regulatory obligations formed a substantial part of the conversation. Ms Orfanidou stressed the need for disciplined data structures and ongoing monitoring, noting the arrival of the EU AI Act and the introduction of ISO 42001 for AI system management. She said: “Data governance is the answer. You need classification schemes, data quality KPIs and clear ownership. The maritime industry is very data-intensive, but data is still scattered. Building a single point of truth is the foundation for both AI and reliable reporting.”

The panel also considered how AI will change roles across procurement. Ms Maimonis said: “We should not have human beings doing repetitive tasks. The grunt work will go, and it should go. AI frees people to focus on more creative and higher-value work.”

Talent expectations are also shifting. Ms Orfanidou noted that younger professionals increasingly expect AI-enabled workplaces and that thoughtful adoption can help companies attract and retain skilled staff.

Closing the session, Ms Theodosiou said: “AI is not here to replace anyone, but teams who structure and govern their data will move faster and make better decisions. If we invest in our people, their skills and the right tools, we can use AI to enhance what we do best.”