Predicting shipping markets is not an easy task – how often do analysts get it right? In an effort to improve its ability to forecast the market K Line is researching the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

K Line has reached an agreement with Hiroshima University, the National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology (MPAT) and Marubeni Corporation to work on research and analysis on maritime logistics and shipping market conditions using AI.

The research aims to use data such as ship movement, speed, port calls with AI to identify hidden patterns and make predictions.

“The purpose of the research is to estimate maritime logistics by combining data and technology, and to explore the possibility of developing predictive models with high accuracy,” K Line said.

“The shipping market is one of the more difficult economic indicators to predict because it fluctuates greatly under the influence of various market and social conditions, and sometimes market sentiment as well. The method developed by the research is expected to enable more accurate and transparent business decisions.”