PANEL: Trustworthy AI for Sustainable Marine and Offshore Systems
In the maritime and offshore energy sectors, the integration of AI and digitalization is revolutionizing traditional practices. Historically, design and operational efficiency have been the primary drivers of digital transformation in these industries, dictated by risk and cost considerations. However, this landscape is dramatically changing due to the emergence of a green energy transition and sustainability requirements, accelerating the adoption of AI-enabled technologies throughout the marine and offshore community. For the safety-critical marine/offshore industry, this rapid adoption brings pressing questions regarding the trustworthiness of AI systems. To this end, there has been growing demand from industry and decision-makers to develop and deploy AI models and machine learning (ML) algorithms that are not only accurate but also explainable, verifiable and robust. This panel discussion aims to explore the need for trustworthy AI technologies and their role in supporting the transition to sustainable marine and offshore systems.
Topics of discussion will include the utilization of digital design tools, product lifecycle management, the integration of multiphysics modeling and simulation in concept design exploration, leveraging AI for multi-objective optimization and real-time control, and deploying advanced digital technologies within shipyard and sustainable maritime operations. Drawing on real-world examples and case studies (e.g., decarbonization, ship noise, ocean renewables, aquaculture), the panelists will provide insights into the practical applications of digital technologies in enhancing efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. In the context of certification of AI, the verification and validation techniques for AI-enabled data-driven learning models will be discussed, along with the needs for (i) sharing knowledge and collaboration among industry and academia, (ii) leveraging high-quality simulations/experimental data and (iii) ensuring the AI-enabled model's predictive performance for reliability and safety. The panelists will also discuss the progress made in developing standards and regulatory frameworks for AI in the context of the marine/offshore industry. We hope to identify actionable strategies and recommendations for building AI systems that inspire collaboration and innovation, thus contributing to the long-term sustainability of our coastal and ocean environments.
Panel Presenters:
Rajeev K. Jaiman
Biography: Rajeev K. Jaiman is currently a Professor and NSERC/Seaspan Industrial Chair in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada. He has over 25 years of experience in computational engineering and high-performance computing and his Lab is currently focusing on the integration of AI-enabled data-driven models with traditional mechanics and multiphysics simulations for reducing ship noise and greenhouse gas emissions. Prior to his current appointment at UBC, he was an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and has worked on deepwater technologies at Keppel-NUS Corporate Lab. Before joining NUS, he was a Director of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Development at Altair Engineering and worked as a lead software developer over 5 years at ACUSIM, California. Dr. Jaiman earned his first degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai. He received his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a fellow of SNAME and an Associate Editor of JOMAE.
Adil Rasheed
Biography: Adil Rasheed is a Professor in the Department of Engineering Cybernetics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. There, he works to advance the development of novel hybrid methods that combine big data, physics-driven modeling, and data-driven modeling in the context of real-time automation and control. In addition, he also holds a part-time Senior Scientist position in the Department of Mathematics and Cybernetics at SINTEF Digital, where he previously served as the leader of the Computational Sciences and Engineering group from 2012 to 2018. His contributions in these roles have been the development and advancement of both the Hybrid Analysis and Modeling and Big Data Cybernetics concepts. Over the course of his career, Rasheed has been the driving force behind numerous projects focused on different aspects of digital twin technology, ranging from autonomous ships to wind energy, aquaculture, drones, business processes, and indoor farming. He is currently leading the Digital Twin and Asset Management related work in the FME Northwind center.
Xiuju Fu
Biography: Dr. Xiuju Fu is the Director of the Maritime AI Research Programme and Senior Principal Scientist at Institute of High Performance Computing, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore. With expertise in AI, big data intelligence, simulation, and optimization techniques, she focuses on advancing complex system management and enhancement. Recognized for her contributions, she was honored as an SMI Fellow in 2023. Currently, she spearheads the Maritime AI Research Programme in Singapore, driving research and development initiatives in maritime data excellence, AI modeling excellence, maritime AI computing, and application excellence. Her efforts aim to foster the development and application of AI in the maritime industry.
The Panel will be moderated by Xiuju Fu