From ports to policy: why AI is now on the shipping executive agenda

As Jamaica’s shipping and logistics sector navigates rising costs, digital disruption, and increasing global competition, one question is moving quickly from the margins to the boardroom: How prepared are our leaders to leverage artificial intelligence?

Across industries, AI is no longer a distant concept confined to technology firms. Tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity are already reshaping how executives conduct research, analyse data, prepare reports, and develop strategy. For shipping and maritime businesses — where efficiency, documentation, forecasting, and compliance are daily realities — the implications are significant.

Recognising this shift, the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), through its SAJ Academy, will host an executive workshop exploring what AI means for decision-makers and how it can be applied in practical, responsible ways. Rather than focusing on theory, the session will demystify key concepts such as generative AI and large language models, and demonstrate how leaders can use these tools to improve productivity, enhance communication, and support business development.

Importantly, the conversation will also address security, confidentiality, and ethical considerations — issues that are particularly relevant in a sector that handles sensitive commercial and trade data. As AI adoption accelerates globally, organisations that understand both its capabilities and its risks will be better positioned to compete.

The workshop forms part of a broader effort to equip shipping and non-shipping executives with the knowledge required to operate confidently in an increasingly digital economy.

For additional information, interested participants may contact sajacademy@jamports.com.