The news overflowing with stories of AI tools and breakthroughs, from dazzling chatbots to headline-grabbing automation. Yet behind the buzzwords and demos, the true power of AI lies not in the hype, but in its ability to solve real problems, deliver tangible value, and scale operations with intelligence and intent.
As a Chief Digital and Information Officer, my role is to cut through the noise and focus on the purposeful application of emerging technologies. For me, AI is not a trend, it is a strategic tool to build a more scalable, efficient, and intelligent organization.
We are applying AI to scale our operations, not by increasing headcount, but by boosting the efficiency of what already exists. AI enables us to automate repetitive, manual processes that consume valuable time and resources. This is not about replacing people; it’s about removing friction, reducing delays, and allowing our teams to focus on what they do best.
Access to real-time data and operational insights can no longer be reserved for a select few. AI has the potential to turn information into accessible knowledge, making it easier for every employee to get the answers they need using natural language, without requiring training on complex tools. From system health and project progress to supply chain status, AI can unlock visibility across the entire organization. Whether you’re in the office or onboard a ship, people need a clear, timely view of what’s happening, and AI can make that a reality.
Our scientists and engineers work with vast amounts of complex data. AI helps us make sense of it all, faster. From accelerating R&D to identifying hidden patterns in system behaviour, AI gives us the power to innovate more rapidly and with greater confidence. It’s not just about automation; it’s about augmentation.
In our industry, maintenance goes far beyond parts and tools, it’s about managing logistics, timing, and location. The real cost isn’t just in repairing a system; it’s in coordinating a ship’s time at port, shipping spare parts across the world, or flying in a specialist at short notice. AI-powered predictive maintenance can significantly reduce these expenses by anticipating failures before they occur, enabling smarter scheduling, and ultimately lowering operational costs.
Our ALS systems must operate efficiently 24/7. With AI, we can continuously monitor the health of our systems, flag anomalies in real time, and even trigger automatic responses to prevent incidents. This is not futuristic thinking, this is how we increase uptime, ensure safety, and reduce operational risk today.
The real value of AI is not in flashy demos or pilot projects, it’s in its ability to scale intelligence across the organization quietly, reliably, and purposefully. The future is not about AI replacing people; it’s about AI enabling people, empowering organizations, and transforming operations for the better.
Our journey with AI is just beginning, but our direction is clear: we will use AI to reduce waste, empower teams, accelerate insight, and predict what matters before it becomes critical. That’s not hype. That’s purposeful transformation.