Artificial Intelligence in Shipping: The State of Digital Innovation

The book addresses strategic and innovation management matters that emerge with AI technology deployment in shipping. It illustrates the making of an AI-powered shipping operation as a process; advances in AI technology as well as trustworthy design and development principles and practices can frame, inspire, and guide the contextualized AI-instigated shipping digitalization.

The volume elaborates on foreseen value aggregation models stemming from the AI and human symbiosis possibilities, and the consequences these developments imply for shipping business organizations and markets. Preemptive value creation models are exemplified, including endeavours for deep shipping knowledge creation, shipping business process augmentation for both low-discretion and high-criticality tasks, and autonomous vessel and maritime infrastructures establishment, as well as new AI-supply side oriented business models. The author posits that AI-driven renewal strategies do not imply a disinvestment in ‘legacy’ functions (aka ship ownership and management) paired with aggressive investment in AI development and platformization; AI management directs a new mix of conceivable physical and digital assets, resources, and capabilities for the chosen nuance of a firm’s business model innovation. The central argument of the book elaborates how shipping companies in the loop can be nothing but the negotiated outcome of a new AI-powered institutional entrepreneurial regime; embedded, distributed agency mechanisms enact the wealth-creating, progressive, and responsible digitalization of shipping.

This volume will be of value to students and researchers interested in shipping markets, digital technology, and innovation management.

Maria Lambrou is Professor of Digital Business at the Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport, Business School, University of the Aegean, Greece. Her research focuses on innovation and strategy, digital entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence technology, and cybersecurity capabilities. Professor Lambrou is studying organizational transformation matters, emerging with multiple options for machine-learning-enabled algorithmic management. Currently, she works on artificial intelligence technology, algorithmic management, and the evolution of maritime organizations.

Professor Lambrou holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece), an M.A. in Industrial Relations from Brunel University London, UK, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science (School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, NTUA, Greece). She has worked on numerous European R&D projects creating communication networks technology, eBusiness, eGovernment, and eLearning platforms, as well as digital platforms and services for freight transport digitalization.

Professor Lambrou held Academic Visitor positions at Imperial College London, University of Melbourne, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, and Paris 8 University. Her research has appeared in leading academic journals such as Maritime Business Review, Journal of Shipping and Trade, WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, Telematics and Informatics, and Sustainability. Professor Lambrou teaches courses in technology and innovation management, management information systems, digital entrepreneurship, and shipping digitalization management.