The maritime and shipping industry is undergoing rapid transformation, facing increasing complexity and a growing need for smarter, more sustainable management solutions. At the forefront of this change, PolyU researchers are developing innovative artificial intelligence (AI) and big data-driven tools to support the intelligent evolution of the industry. These innovations not only provide governments and industry stakeholders with cutting-edge management solutions, but also accelerate digital transformation and sustainable development across the industry.

A team led by Professor Yang Dong, Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies and Director of the PolyU Maritime Data and Sustainable Development Centre, has created a suite of innovative tools that are helping to transform the maritime and shipping industry.

Estimating the supply and demand for typhoon shelter berths

One key innovation is a monitoring technology that predicts the supply and demand for vessel typhoon shelter berths in Hong Kong from 2022 to 2035. By combining images captured by unmanned aerial vehicles with deep learning-based computer vision algorithms, this technology can automatically identify and classify ships with an accuracy of 98.6%. This approach significantly enhances the Government’s ability to monitor and manage vessels and typhoon shelters, while also greatly reducing labour and time costs. The Hong Kong Marine Department has already adopted the research results as reference for planning and managing local typhoon shelters.

Analysing port congestion in real time

Another breakthrough from the team addresses the challenge of obtaining accurate and timely maritime statistical indicators. Traditional methods for collecting port congestion and connectivity data are often slow and error-prone. In collaboration with Tsinghua University, Professor Yang’s team has developed big data analysis algorithms that process Automatic Identification System data, creating an online platform that delivers key indicators in real time. This enables comprehensive shipping analysis, supporting operational decision-making and promoting sustainable industry development.

Identifying illegal fishing vessels with AI

PolyU researchers are also tackling illegal fishing by developing a fishing vessel behaviour pattern recognition model using a novel trajectory feature engineering method and a semi-supervised machine learning framework. By integrating maritime domain knowledge with AI algorithms, the model identifies abnormal fishing activities with up to 90% accuracy, reduces manual effort and improves monitoring efficiency.

Prof. Yang Dong (2nd from right) and his team have utilised AI and big data technologies to develop innovative tools to support the intelligent development of the maritime and shipping industry.

Professor Yang stated that the assessment and monitoring tools developed by his team significantly improve the speed, quality and accuracy of data collection. “They also address key operational challenges faced by the industry and make substantial contributions to academic research in related fields. These innovations can further solidify Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre.”

Through these innovations, PolyU is helping steer the maritime and shipping industry towards a smarter, safer and more sustainable future.