Book chapter, 2026
Designing Interfaces for the Integration of AI Agents in Maritime Navigation and Control: Potentials, Guidelines, Risks, and Emerging Requirements
The maritime sector is both vast and crucial for society on a global scale. At the same time, it is extremely complex, relies on multiple information flows, operates in constantly changing conditions, integrates hazardous environments, and depends on critical human decision-making informed by all the previous elements. Such an environment arguably constitutes fertile ground for AI-powered optimisation, ranging from warning systems to co-pilot functions to autonomous vessels. These AI integrations would benefit from standard user interface design practices to ensure they are well integrated into mariners’ work. There are potential benefits, as well as risks and challenges, inherent in attempting such an integration. Reviewing these elements informs the requirements for designing the user interfaces for this purpose. This paper discusses the emerging picture of the qualities, conditions, and requirements, as well as the implications of the implemented design decisions.