Successful Conference on Shipping Maintenance and AI Solutions Held at University of Nicosia

The Department of Engineering of the University of Nicosia, in collaboration with the Cyprus Maritime Academy, successfully hosted the Conference on “Maintenance Strategies in Shipping and AI-Driven Solutions” on Monday, 7 April 2025. The event took place at the UNESCO Amphitheatre at the University of Nicosia, attracting industry professionals, researchers, and technology innovators.

The conference served as a significant platform for attendees to exchange insights on the latest advancements in maintenance strategies within the shipping industry. Discussions centered on the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in optimising maritime operations, enhancing efficiency, and improving reliability. Participants explored emerging trends and recent research achievements shaping the future of shipping maintenance.

A key highlight was the presentation of the “Maritime Health Usage and Monitoring System” (MHUMS) project. Funded by the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation under the CO-DEVELOP programme, the MHUMS project aims to develop advanced AI-driven problem solvers for the maritime sector. The presentation detailed the system’s mission to enhance vessel operational capabilities through sophisticated data collection, interpretation, and utilisation from state-of-the-art monitoring systems. It focuses on improving ship machinery, communications infrastructure, and hull structural health monitoring.

The MHUMS system utilises integrated databases for data filtering, analysis, and the delivery of actionable insights. An innovative Virtual Assistance interface (chatbot) was also showcased, designed to provide intuitive interaction, swift responses, and guidance for vessel operations and decision-making.

The project partners are the SKYLD Security and Defense Ltd, the University of the West of Attica, and the University of Nicosia.

The conference underscored the substantial potential of such initiatives to strengthen ship maintenance planning, proactively mitigate equipment failures, and ultimately ensure higher reliability, safety, and operational performance in the maritime industry. The event successfully facilitated knowledge sharing and networking among key stakeholders committed to advancing maritime technology.