UK will spend $9.85 million to launch AI for international shipping

Britain's Gower Maritime Secretary Lord Davies announced an 8 million pounds ($9.85 million) increase in funding to launch a feasibility study of smart shipping technologies such as artificial intelligence, robots and self-driving ships.

The Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund launched in Southampton could lead to innovation that will boost the economy and support coastal communities. Winning projects from these funds will also need to match funding, leveraging further investment from the private sector. Successful ports will be able to use artificial intelligence to detect safety hazards, optimize port activities, and reduce their environmental footprint.

Lord Davis said:"The use of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology to make ships smarter and transform port operations is part of our plan to decarbonize shipping, improve the safety of seafarers and help economic growth. AI has the potential to revolutionize the industry, create jobs, and support the economy."

In the past 10 years, the UK has invested 3.5 billion pounds in artificial intelligence and doubled the team of "artificial intelligence incubators" to further promote artificial intelligence integration across the public sector.

Chris Shirling Rooke, chief executive of British Maritime, added:"This new fund will promote innovation and acceptance of cutting-edge technology, so we can ensure that the UK maintains its position as one of the global hubs for green maritime technology." 

英国将斥资985万美元为国际海运注入人工智能的基因

       英国Gower海事大臣Lord Davies宣布增加800万英镑（985万美元）的资金，以启动人工智能、机器人和自动驾驶船舶等智能航运技术的可行性研究。

       在南安普顿启动的智能航运加速基金可能会带来创新，从而提振经济并支持沿海社区。这些基金的获胜项目还需要匹配资金，利用私营部门的进一步投资。成功的港口将能够使用人工智能来检测安全隐患，优化港口活动，并减少其环境足迹。

       戴维斯勋爵表示：“使用人工智能和尖端技术使船只更智能，并改变港口运营，是我们实现航运脱碳、提高海员安全和帮助经济增长计划的一部分。人工智能有可能彻底改变该行业，创造就业机会，并支持经济。”。

       在过去10年中，英国已经在人工智能方面投资了35亿英镑，并将“人工智能孵化器”团队增加一倍，以进一步推动整个公共部门的人工智能整合。

       英国海事公司首席执行官Chris Shirling Rooke补充道：“这项新基金将促进创新和接受尖端技术，因此我们可以确保英国保持其作为全球绿色海事技术中心之一的地位。”