THERE are six key approaches that start-up companies will take to totally disrupt shipping according to David Rowan, editor-at-large at the tech publication Wired. Talking at the Transas Global Conference in Malta, Rowan outlined the ways young agile start ups will take. He said these companies will quite simply not care what shipowners, freight forwarders or others think.
- Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are already being used in society, with a growing list of innovative tech start-ups showing what can be done with optimised processes and better use of data. In shipping, a company called Windward is demonstrating what can be done with vessel tracking data through the use of position analytics. It reportedly raised $10.8m in funding in 2015.
- They’ll uberise you
Uberise: an all too familiar word today as bold companies disrupt any number of existing business status quo processes. In shipping the company Flexport is offering a one-stop logistics shop threatening the existence of freight forwarders. While not a maritime shipping example, trucking service Convoy also demonstrates disruption and the risks to any number of incumbent businesses.
Want to know more about Convoy, watch the interview below
- They’ll automate your processes
Everything is giving data and the shipping industry has masses of it, from vessel tracking, vessel performance to freight data. Companies like Oden Technologies are alerting factories and plants of maintenance needs. Maritime tech firms are also beginning to go down this route, but the signs are there: there are start-ups in shore-based industries with an eye for the potential in the maritime sectors.
- They’ll use blockchain more
Blockchain is a distributed network of data inputs that cannot be easily forged. It is a data ledger best known as the technology behind Bitcoin. The use of blockchain in many industries including banking and real estate is developing and the recent announcement of a three year pilot project between Maersk and IBM shows its potential in shipping. The video below explains blockchain.
- They’ll simulate
The gamification of learning and situation awareness is a growing tool, particularly for the younger generation. While there are sophisticated simulators already being used for advanced officer training, some of the potential being shown for developing these point to industrial gamification and even augmented reality.
The YouTube video below outlines gamification.
- They’ll evade the bad guys and make things easier
There is a lot of value in the network, and the growing use of digital systems and solutions in society will push up security while offering a simpler, easier way of life. The same will happen with shipping. As start-ups see opportunity to make business life easier and more straight forward for your customer, they will create the risk of existing business ideas becoming redundant. It will also create heightened security solutions.
Clearmetal and Xeneta are two companies offering shippers simplified access to critical business information.
And finally, here’s a video of David Rowan talking a year earlier about technology changing business and life, including the influence of drones.
fathom-news
editor@fathom-mi.com
