Growing reliance on digital navigation and automation is exposing the maritime sector to new safety risks, including GPS spoofing and cyber attacks, delegates at the NMCI Seafarers’ Conference heard today.
The issue was raised during a panel on “The Impact of Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Future of Seafaring”, chaired by Vice Admiral Mark Mellett (Rtd.), with contributions from Capt. Ann Pletschke (Nautical Institute), David Kiely (EU Maritime Affairs Attaché), William Priestley (Department of Transport), David Noronha (EirGrid) and Dr. Hazel Murray (MTU).
Panellists warned that over-reliance on electronic navigation systems could leave vessels vulnerable if those systems are disrupted.
The discussion highlighted increasing incidents of GPS jamming and spoofing, which can interfere with vessel positioning and navigation.
It was noted during the session that traditional skills such as celestial navigation and paper chart use remain essential backups, particularly in degraded or contested environments.
Capt. Ann Pletschke pointed to the risk of “skills fade” as automation increases, with seafarers becoming less familiar with manual navigation techniques.
Vice Admiral Mark Mellett (Rtd., Chair) with panellists Capt. Ann Pletschke, David Kiely, William Priestley, David Noronha and Dr. Hazel Murray during a session on AI and the future of seafaring at the NMCI Seafarers’ Conference 2026 in Cork.
Dr. Hazel Murray emphasised that cybersecurity must be embedded in operations, noting that resilience can include simple measures such as maintaining offline copies of critical data.
Panellists also stressed that adopting new technologies without clear purpose can introduce additional risk.
AI, it was suggested, should be used to enhance decision-making rather than replace it, with careful consideration of where it adds operational value.
The session further highlighted that maritime systems are becoming part of a wider digital ecosystem, increasing exposure to cyber threats across ports, vessels and energy infrastructure.
Delegates heard that maintaining redundancy—both digital and analogue—will be critical to ensuring safe operations as the sector becomes more automated.
The panel concluded that while digitalisation is transforming shipping, resilience and human oversight remain central to maritime safety.
