Navigation Technology – Pacific Maritime Magazine

Navigation Technology 2024

Across various industries, companies are increasingly incorporating more technology into their operations and the maritime industry is no different, as shippers now employ data programs to track cargo vessels and use artificial intelligence to perform organizational tasks. Some of the more exciting advances happening in the maritime industry have been in the development of navigation technology as mariners abandon paper charts in favor of electronic charting display and information systems, or ECDIS, serving not only as the primary means of navigation, but also as a backup. “Marine technology has been getting more and more advanced in both the recreational and…

Navigating Challenges at Sea: Lessons Learned from the Loss of El Faro

When contemplating technology in the maritime context, the mind often gravitates towards sophisticated electronic tools like GPS, AIS and ECDIS. However, it is essential to broaden our perspective. Technology – defined as “the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes” –encompasses not only the technical skills associated with electronic tools, but also the soft (or human) skills crucial for human interaction and decision-making. The tragic loss of the El Faro and her crew serves as a somber reminder that the intricate balance required between advanced technology and human expertise is a critical determinant of safety and success. (El Faro and…

Navigation Technology: The Useful, the Cool and the Wonky

The march of technological innovation continues, and the maritime navigation space is no exception. From reckoning with newer artificial intelligence and augmented reality capabilities to more traditional evolutions of larger multifunction displays and more accurate compasses, the modern mariner might think he is facing a science fiction novel as he peruses a product catalogue. Pacific Maritime spoke with a number of notable leaders in the maritime navigation technology industry to keep abreast of notable innovations and products on their radars – pun intended. The challenge for all parties: navigating the boundless imaginations and profit-seeking motives to find the tools mariners…

Smart Technology Leads the Way in New Navigation Solutions

Maritime navigation has gone from a sailor finding his way with a sextant and the stars to technology so advanced that artificial intelligence can chart a precise course without a human being on board a vessel. Companies around the world have developed a variety of smart solutions and services in recent years that support seafarers and marine vessels in achieving safer, more accurate and efficient voyages. Industry-wide, there’s a focus on autonomous control, reducing human error, increasing connectivity, improving route planning and overall digitalization. Industry leaders shared some of their latest innovations, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI), with…

Navigation Technology Takes Major Strides Forward

The earliest mariners charted their courses in the open sea by examining the location of the sun and stars, the direction of currents, and even by following the movements of seabirds. Over time, our ability to find our way around the ocean has developed to the point that today we can track the position of ships with satellites, identify hazards with camera technology and quickly share location data with other ships and the land. Today, navigation is taking more steps forward. Maritime technology companies, including Alphatron Marine, Raymarine and ABB are working on technologies that further change the way mariners…