Breakbulk Americas to Offer First AI Workshop

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries worldwide, the maritime and logistics sectors are navigating uncharted waters in adopting this technology. "AI has become a buzzword that's often overused and misunderstood, especially in the maritime and logistics sectors," says Marco Poisler, COO of Global Energy & Capital Projects at UTC Overseas. "This workshop is crucial because it cuts through the hype, offering a balanced, critical perspective on AI adoption."

In an industry first, the 2024 Breakbulk Americas exhibition and conference will host an AI-focused workshop, Navigating the AI Wave in Supply Chain, Logistics & the Maritime Industry: A Cautionary Exploration. The session, held in partnership with the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business, will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

Led by Meng Li, Founding Director of the Human-Centered AI Institute at UH Bauer; Dr. Gulshan Singh, Global Procurement Data Analytics Manager at Huntsman Corporation and Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering; and Marco Poisler who is also an Adjunct Professor at the  University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering, the workshop will address the realities of AI in maritime operations. It will equip participants with a clear understanding of AI’s potential, limitations and ethical concerns within the industry.

"We’re not here to sell AI as a magic solution," says Poisler. "This course is about helping decision-makers navigate AI implementation with healthy skepticism, making informed decisions that serve real-world progress."

Participants will explore AI’s role in supply chain and logistics through case studies – learning strategies for successful integration and gaining insights into the ethical and regulatory challenges AI presents.

Attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the University of Houston Bauer and can network during coffee breaks and lunch.

The workshop is open to the public for $450, while Breakbulk Americas ticketholders save $70. Space is limited. For more information, visit Breakbulk Americas' AI Workshop page.