Liverpool's maritime future 'depends on AI' - researchers

Maritime is back in the big time and with LJMU’s rich heritage in scholarship in shipping and ports, the university is starting to show its world-leading contribution with initiatives such as the establishment of the Global Centre for Maritime Innovation.

Dr Huanhuan Li has emerged as a trailblazer in the application of Artificial Intelligence in maritime transport with 31 Q1 SCI papers published in the past 18 months, including four in the top 1% of Web of Science-cited publications. Notably, she ranks first worldwide for her age in the number of high-impact publications in maritime research and was named the LJMU's 'Rising Star,' at the recent Research & Knowledge Exchange Conference.

We spoke to her.

Q. Huanhuan, what are the big questions for you as a maritime transport researcher looking at 2025 and beyond?

The future of shipping—both freight and passenger—is poised for transformative changes, driven by key technological, economic, and environmental imperatives. The really big issues are decarbonisation, as shipping is still considered a major polluter, automation and the application of AI. Several projects in Liverpool, such as Mapping Hydrogen Supply and Demand in the Liverpool City Region’, ‘Maritime and Last Mile Net Zero’ (MaLaMi), and ‘Green Shipping Corridors’, are playing a pivotal role in advancing maritime decarbonisation toward net-zero emissions. Liverpool City Region boasts a thriving maritime economy, handling 45% of the UK’s trade with North America and contributing approximately £800 million in gross value added annually. I am particularly excited by the MaLaMi initiative which is fostering collaboration among researchers, government and business, driving innovation in things like fuels and vessel design.

Q. Autonomous cars have not yet worked, but what will success look like for autonomous shipping?

Maritime transport is a much more controlled environment with fewer variables compared to urban road networks. Autonomous shipping will require communication protocols, real-time traffic monitoring, and standardised regulations. AI has a big role to play minimise human error, a primary cause of maritime accidents. My research could contribute to safer operations in challenging conditions like adverse weather or high-traffic waterways and work we are doing in emission modelling could play a role in reducing pollution and optimising fuel efficiency.

Ultimately the success of autonomous shipping is crucial if we are to achieve an industry which is safer, smarter, and greener.

Q. Are there likely to be more accidents when ships ‘drive themselves’?

The likelihood of accidents when ships operate autonomously depends on several factors, including the maturity of autonomous technology, integration of human oversight, regulatory frameworks, and the operational environment.

Q. What in particular has your research shown?

My research has made substantial contributions to advancing the field of autonomous shipping and maritime safety. Much of this is around modelling risks, particularly in scenarios involving automation. So I’d look at all the factors - human, ship, environment, and management -  in mitigating risks. My studies on AI-driven situational awareness have improved the ability of autonomous ships to recognise and adapt to dynamic maritime environments, reducing collision risks. Also my study of machine learning has demonstrated the potential for autonomous ships to respond faster and more effectively to risk. I have also explored how the Internet of Things and AI can work together to monitor vessel systems, ensuring operational reliability and safety. Image: Dr Li receives her Rising Star award from Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Power.

Q. Most people’s experience of ships is when they go on a ferry or a cruise. What could AI do for the maritime leisure sector, do you think?

Computer vision algorithms can detect unusual activities on deck. Now, if that activity was related to stowaways or passengers overboard, you can see that AI can be the difference between life and death.

A huge number of marine accidents were caused by equipment failure or human error, so to start to equip ships with these powerful detection and prediction tools is certainly progress.  AI can improve fuel efficiency and route planning, minimising environmental impact while ensuring timely arrivals. AI-driven energy management systems can also optimise the use of resources onboard, such as air conditioning and lighting, based on real-time occupancy and weather conditions.

AI-enabled facial recognition and biometric systems can streamline passenger boarding and check-in, and you can even apply AI to leisure time at sea in things like health monitoring of both passengers and crew. AI can enhance onboard entertainment through Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, providing passengers with unique experiences such as virtual tours, interactive games, and educational content about maritime history or ecosystems.

Q. Liverpool’s maritime sector looks very strong. How can technology and AI contribute to its future success?

Liverpool’s maritime sector has long been a cornerstone of the UK’s maritime economy, with its rich history in global trade and logistics. Its continued success and competitiveness depend strongly on how it now applies new technologies, like AI.

There are huge opportunities to optimise vessel traffic management, cargo handling, and berth allocation and use sensors and IoT devices to monitor infrastructure, reducing downtime and improving asset utilisation.

AI can support Liverpool’s commitment to environmental sustainability by optimising energy use, reducing emissions, and promoting green shipping practices. For example, AI can enhance route planning to minimise fuel consumption or monitor pollution levels in the Mersey River to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. There are also potential wins for supply chains, safety, workforce development and tourism.  As a major port for cruise ships, Liverpool can use AI to offer personalised services for passengers, improve shore excursion planning, and streamline boarding processes, further solidifying its reputation as a world-class tourist destination.

Q. Do you expect Asia to continue to lead the way in Maritime technologies over the coming decade?

Yes, it is highly likely that Asia will continue to lead the way in maritime technologies over the coming decade. This dominance stems from a combination of factors, including substantial investment in innovation, strategic infrastructure development, and a proactive approach to embracing emerging technologies.

Asia boasts some of the world’s busiest and most advanced ports, such as Shanghai, Singapore, and Busan, which have become benchmarks for operational efficiency and innovation. These ports serve as critical nodes in global trade, handling massive cargo volumes while leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to maintain seamless operations. For instance, the Port of Shanghai, the largest in the world by container throughput, has implemented fully automated container terminals that enhance efficiency and reduce labour costs.

Asia has also invested substantially in R&D and pioneered autonomous and green shipping.