Navis warns on risks of data misinterpretation

Speaking exclusively to Port Strategy at TOC Europe, Frederik Stork, director of automation services at Navis, said that if data is not processed correctly then it may result in incorrect conclusions being drawn with resulting actions taken which may not be right for a port or terminal.

He said: “One thing we have seen as well is that too often people take data, interpret it manually and make conclusions from it which are not true.

“So, you have to be very careful. Be smart with the data, it’s very important. We have seen examples where people have been driven into doing something because of false data analysis.”

More work needed

Mr Stork stressed that if a terminal has a lot of automated equipment and substantial data, more use of the data and better decisions can be made but stressed decisions needed to be made in a smart way.

He reflected that AI is already ingrained in the maritime industry but there are still many modifications needed to enable software “to look at the terminal more realistically and notify operators in the control room about things that are supposed to happen or happening in the future, so they can take pre-emptive action rather than being reactive.”

There are two schools of thought about the development of automation, he stated. Those that are prepared to invest in it and those who have dismissed it.

“I think for some of them they have a very clear vision and they would like to go down a certain path that they have developed for themselves and others. Maybe manual terminals that haven’t put a lot of effort into automation or technology in general couldn’t care less. For them it’s just not something that will happen.”