AI/ML in Maritime Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday, 11 June 2026, 15:30 - 17:30
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are rapidly transforming the maritime industry, particularly in the areas of design and operations. While their adoption in maritime applications is still emerging, interest from academia and industry continues to grow significantly. This workshop will delve into the evolving role of AI/ML in maritime innovation, ranging from generative AI for novel ship designs to simulation AI for accelerating engineering analyses. Topics could include knowledge-informed and physics-based AI approaches, as well as the critical role of data in enabling these technologies. Through a series of presentations by the Panelists, the workshop aims to showcase the latest advancements and practical applications of AI/ML in shipbuilding and design, offshore and marine operations, and broader maritime systems. This workshop is a presentation-only event; no written papers are included.
Panelist
Dr. Namwoo Kang
CEO, Narnia Labs
Professor, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)
Presentation Title: AI Transformation for Engineering Design: From Generative AI to Agentic AI
Biography: Dr Namwoo Kang is the CEO of Narnia Labs and an Associate Professor at Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST). He previously worked as a Research Engineer at Hyundai Motor Company. He received his Ph.D. in Design Science from the University of Michigan. He also earned an M.S. in Technology Management and a B.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Seoul National University. His research focuses on Agentic AI-driven engineering design through the integration of physics and data. His research interests include generative design, data-driven design, machine learning, deep learning, design optimization, topology optimization, CAD, CAM, CAE, and HCI.
Panelist
Dr. Xiuju (Flora) Fu
Director of Maritime AI Research Programme, Senior Principal Scientist
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (Singapore)
Presentation Title: Harnessing AI to Transform Maritime Shipping: Innovations, Impact, and the Road Ahead
Biography: Dr Xiuju Fu is the Director of the Maritime AI Research Programme and Group Manager under Systems Science Department 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 big data and AI in the maritime industry.
Panelist
Dr. Putu Hangga Nan Prayoga
Deputy Manager, Maritime and Logistic Technology Group
MTI Co., Ltd.
Presentation Title: AI Agent-Enabled Digital Ship Management with STPA-Based Safety Constraints: Applications to Dock Specification and Trouble Reporting
Biography: Dr. Hangga is the Deputy Manager of the Ship IoT Team within the Maritime and Logistic Technology Group at MTI Co., Ltd., the R&D arm of NYK Line. He holds a B.Sc. in Naval Architecture from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (Indonesia), and both an M.Eng. and Dr. Eng. in Marine System Engineering from Kyushu University (Japan).
He specializes in data-driven and AI-enabled solutions for maritime systems, with research focusing on ship data integration, Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM), and propulsion systems for autonomous ships. His work emphasizes translating advanced analytics into practical industrial applications. He has led multiple R&D initiatives and actively fosters collaboration between academia and industry.
His recent interests include AI safety and the responsible deployment of emerging paradigms such as Agentic AI. He also promotes human-in-the-loop approaches to ensure safe, reliable, and trustworthy AI adoption in maritime technologies.
Panelist
Dr. Rodolfo Trentin Gonçalves
CEO
JB Energy - Japan Blue Energy Co., Ltd.
Presentation Title: Digital Twin and AI/ML Applied to the Offshore Wind: The Importance of a Demonstration Project
Biography: Dr. Rodolfo Gonçalves has been based in Japan since 2016, has a bachelor's and a doctor's degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from the University of São Paulo (Brazil), is currently the CEO of JB Energy (a Japanese company focused on the Offshore Wind developments), and is a Specially Appointed Researcher at the University of Tokyo (Japan). With a career spanning academia and industry in Brazil and Japan, with more than 20 years of experience in offshore engineering, his work focuses on floating offshore wind technologies, hydrodynamics, and model tests.
Moderator
Dr. Christina Wang
Vice President of Engineering Applications
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Biography: Dr. Christina Wang serves as Vice President of Engineering Applications at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), where she plays a pivotal role in supporting safety, regulatory compliance, and digital innovation within the marine and offshore industries. Her journey from a Ph.D.-trained expert in classical naval architecture to a forward-thinking executive in emerging technologies reflects both her professional evolution and her enduring commitment to the global maritime community.
Dr. Wang earned her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Marine Structures from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. She is a Fellow of both the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME). In addition to her technical and leadership credentials, she has completed the Stanford Executive Program and holds an Executive Certificate in Management and Leadership from MIT. Dr. Wang is also a member of the ASME CIE Executive Committee.