Technological Innovations for Digitalization and Efficiency in the Maritime sector (TIDE) project was approved NOK 2.99 million funding by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) undet UTFORSK 2024 funding call. The kickoff meeting of the project with all partners was held on February 12, 2025. 

Project summary

The TIDE project responds to the need for integrating technological innovations in the maritime sector, aiming to improve maritime safety and enhance energy efficiency. To tackle these challenges, the project plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools into the maritime curriculum and research. Students and faculty from the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), Texas A&M University (TAMU) at Galveston, and The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) will engage in developing and utilizing machine learning (ML) and GIS for maritime safety risk assessment and energy efficiency optimization.

The project aims to develop Automated Machine Learning (AutoML), Geospatial Technologies for Maritime Business Administration, and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) courses to facilitate the application of advanced approaches in data analytics to facilitate integration of digital tools and technologies in the maritime sector. This will aid in students’ competency development and research by ensuring that the latest AI and GIS technologies are utilized in higher education and research through a series of student exchanges among the partner universities.

The project underscores the significance of aligning with the institutions’ internal strategic goals, enhancing thesis quality, facilitating internationalization, and introducing latest teaching tools and platforms. It aims to improve research quality, increase international exposure, and create new opportunities for collaboration, contributing to the academic body of work and professional development of students and faculty members. Through the activities outlined in the milestone plan, the project seeks to build sustainable educational and research partnerships over four years, from January 2025 to December 2028.