CMA CGM, Bureau Veritas and SDARI Launch AI-Assisted Containership Concept

During the SMM 2026 exhibition in Hamburg, Germany, a trio of maritime giants – Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), CMA CGM and Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) – have joined forces to develop an AI-assisted concept for container vessels. The project aims to enhance operational performance and safety through advanced decision-support technologies while maintaining human oversight.

Project Details

The partners launched a Joint Development Project (JDP) agreement aimed at exploring the feasibility of integrating digitalization, AI enhancement and decision-support technologies into container ships. According to Marine Logistics Professional, this initiative will assess how these tools can support onboard energy efficiency, reduce crew workload, and provide more effective operational support through digital-assisted systems.

The project will focus on developing a technology-neutral assisted-vessel concept that increases operational efficiencies while keeping humans in control, as stated by Seatrade Maritime News. The partners are combining their expertise to create a system that supports onboard functions with AI assistance, leading to improved safety and maritime security.

Partnership Composition

CMA CGM will contribute its shipowner perspective, operational requirements, and use cases. SDARI will leverage its experience in designing merchant ships, systems engineering, and smart-ship technologies. BV will offer independent class, safety, risk-assessment, regulatory expertise, and conduct risk-based assessments aligned with its rules.

“This collaboration brings together the strengths of a major shipowner, a leading classification society, and an innovative ship design institute to address key challenges in container shipping,” said a spokesperson from BV. The companies aim to define enhanced roles for crew members, assisted functions, and shore-based support while ensuring safety and human factors are prioritized.

Development Phases

The project will be carried out in several phases. Initially, the partners will conduct a study to develop the concept using AI, digitalisation, and decision-support technologies. Following this, they will identify priority areas for assistance across main onboard functions before selecting specific systems for detailed development.

“Our focus is on developing a clear understanding of how technology can be used effectively without compromising human oversight,” said CMA CGM’s representative. “This includes assessing the technical, safety, regulatory and commercial viability of different levels of AI-assisted operations.”

Next Steps

The next phase involves creating a Concept of Operations and Basis of Design that outlines the roles of crew members in an assisted-vessel environment. This will be followed by developing technical specifications and submitting an Approval in Principle application, complete with high-level capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX) estimates.

A detailed development roadmap will guide the entire process, from initial concept to implementation. The companies plan to conduct trials before finalizing the design for broader adoption within the industry.

What this means for operators

The successful outcome of this project could significantly impact container ship operations by reducing crew workload and enhancing safety and efficiency. Operators can expect more reliable vessel performance, improved energy management, and advanced decision-making support systems that streamline daily operations. This collaboration represents a step towards modernizing the shipping industry with smart technologies while maintaining human oversight.