Tuesday, 11th February
Liverpool John Moores University is solidifying its position as a global maritime leader, with initiatives like the establishment of the Global Centre for Maritime Innovation driving advancements. One of the club’s standout contributors is Dr. Huanhuan Li, a trailblazer in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to maritime transport.
Dr. Li has published an impressive 31 Q1 SCI papers in the last 18 months, four of which rank in the top 1% of the Web of Science-cited publications. She was recently named LJMU’s ‘Rising Star’ at the Research & Knowledge Exchange Conference and is recognised as the top researcher globally for her age in high-impact maritime publications.
In an interview, Dr. Li highlighted the transformative potential of AI in addressing key challenges like decarbonisation and automation in maritime transport. She pointed to several Liverpool-based projects such as Mapping Hydrogen Supply and Demand, Maritime and Last Mile Net Zero (MaLaMi), and Green Shipping Corridors as pivotal to advancing the industry’s decarbonisation efforts.
Looking to the future, Dr. Li emphasised that AI-driven advancements in autonomous shipping will improve safety by minimising human error, which remains a significant cause of maritime accidents. Her research has contributed to developing AI-driven situational awareness and exploring how AI and IoT technologies can improve safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in shipping.
Dr. Li also spoke about AI’s potential impact on the maritime leisure sector, where AI could revolutionise passenger safety, streamline processes like boarding, and enhance entertainment options with Augmented and Virtual Reality experiences.
As Liverpool continues to thrive as a maritime hub, Dr. Li sees AI and other technological innovations playing a crucial role in its future success, optimising vessel traffic management, cargo handling, and environmental sustainability.
In discussing global trends, Dr. Li noted that Asia is likely to maintain its leadership in maritime technologies, with heavy investments in innovation, advanced port operations, and green shipping.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/news/articles/2025/1/21/huanhuanli