Image for representation purposes only A new project has been launched to explore how AI, automation and decision-making systems can be built for container vessels while keeping human intervention and oversight. The three companies, Shanghai Merchant Ship Design, CMA CGM, and Bureau Veritas, signed the contract at SMM 2026 in Hamburg, Germany. The main focus is on making a system which can reduce the workload of the crew members on a container ship, boost safety and maritime security, lead to less fuel consumption and enhance overall performance and efficiency. To achieve this, the companies will first conduct a study to develop the concept using AI, digitalisation and decision-support tech. Next, the developers will choose which onboard systems are suitable for what level of AI assistance before finally developing a concept in detail and implementing it on a trial basis. Bureau Veritas will offer risk assessments, oversee regulations and safety features, and provide classification services. SDARI will assist in designing the ship concept, its engineering and smart-ship features, while CMA CGM will oversee whether all the operational needs and benchmarks are met, and provide use cases and inputs whenever necessary. After this, the companies plan to clearly set out and explain the duties of the crew members who will work alongside the new ship-design concept assisted by AI. Similarly, the roles will be designated for shore-based employees. The design will be tested against different scenarios as per rules set by Bureau Veritas. Executive VP of CMA CGM Christine Cabau Woehrel said that crew members will be involved in developing the revolutionary technology right from the beginning.