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“AI can be used to draft contracts; however, we have to be careful, it often omits our local legislations, and it trivialises certain terms.”

This caution was shared by Jermaine Reid, International Maritime Lawyer and lecturer at the Caribbean Maritime University, during the PMAC Presents webinar on Contracts, Claims & Cargo, hosted in partnership with ADVANTUM.

It reflects a broader reality facing ports today, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes embedded in daily operations, delivering efficiency while introducing new areas of risk and responsibility.

Many ports now rely on AI-driven systems to improve efficiency, increase speed, and strengthen decision-making. These technologies provide real-time insights and predictive capabilities, from forecasting vessel arrivals to optimising crane deployment and labour allocation, along with automating routine administrative tasks.

For port managers, these gains translate directly into faster turnaround times, improved resource utilisation, and stronger cost control.

AI as an Enabler, Not a Decision-Maker in Port Operations

This increased reliance on AI, however, raises a critical question: where does responsibility sit when systems make or influence decisions? As AI’s role expands, so does the need for careful oversight, particularly in environments where decisions carry operational, legal, and financial consequences.

Reid, in his presentation, underscored this point:

“AI can enhance how quickly and efficiently ports operate, but it does not shift responsibility. The accountability for decisions, outcomes, and risks still rests with the legal parties involved, not the technology itself.”

AI systems are only as reliable as the data they use, and without proper validation, flawed data can lead to flawed decisions. Operators must therefore actively validate AI-generated outputs. They need to question anomalies and apply contextual understanding that machines may lack. AI also struggles with unexpected situations such as sudden disruptions or labour challenges, where human judgment and discretion are critical.

Balancing Efficiency with Accountability in the Age of AI

The most effective approach therefore is to treat AI as a decision-support tool rather than a decision-maker. It enhances human capability by providing faster insights, identifying inefficiencies, and reducing manual workload. However, final decisions, especially those related to safety, compliance, and financial impact, must remain in human hands.

As digital transformation continues across the maritime industry, the role of the operator is changing, not diminishing. Ports that succeed will be those that maintain a balanced approach, leveraging AI to improve performance while upholding strong governance, investing in training, and ensuring that operators remain actively engaged in decision-making.

AI is transforming port operations. The question is no longer whether AI should be used, but how it is governed. Getting this balance right will define the next generation of port management.