Page 40 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

GEN Z & BLUE ECONOMY

holds more promise than the continued break-
throughs we are witnessing in large language
models and generative AI. With their capacity
for multi-modal data processing, predictive
analytics, and even coding autonomy, tools
like ChatGPT and GPT-4 are already beginning
to reimagine how we design ships, manage
logistics, monitor terrestrial and marine envi-
ronments, and empower humans with cogni-
tive augmentation.
The applications extend into every Blue Econ-
omy domain, including smart ocean farming,
While the seas we must now autonomous offshore robotics, and fuel-op-
navigate are turbulent, timising routing systems. What previously
Generation Z finds itself required decades to learn, these language
equipped with new stars to steer models can expedite through foundational
by, such as technologies that can modelling and constitutional dissemination.
bend the forces of climate change They are true intelligence multipliers poised
to our will and tools that can to rapidly advance our maritime technological
elevate our symbiosis with the renaissance.
marine environment to sustainable Nevertheless, as powerful as these innovations
harmony. may be, we must not succumb to the mis-
guided vision of a “tech solutionism” devoid
of human mastery. Tools like AI can never sup-
plant the indispensable element of the newest
generation’s inspired leadership. Rather, these
tools must serve as enabling engines, helping
to unleash the fullest extent of Generation Z’s
creativity and daring.
Education remains the industry’s guiding force
in realising this fusion of human and artificial
intellect for a thriving Blue Economy. The
Eugenides Foundation has radically re-envi-
sioned maritime studies and vocational cur-
ricula to incorporate emerging tech directly
quo of emissions, which creates economic into skills training. The Foundation’s AI for
burdens, resource depletion, and lax environ- Oceans initiative is creating novel programmes
mental governance. A profound technological blending multidisciplinary coursework in data
and systems reset is required across the Blue science, machine learning, and environmental
Economy. systems customised for tomorrow’s maritime
Fortunately, we do not entirely lack the tools to leaders. Finally, we have established an AI
enact this transition. In this era of the Fourth Competency Centre to ensure that the next
Industrial Revolution, a full arsenal of expo- generation of Greek mariners will board ves-
nential technologies is reaching cost-effective sels fully equipped with the digital literacies
maturity, offering unprecedented opportuni- necessary for success.
ties to harmonise economic dynamism with So, while the seas we must now navigate are
environmental regeneration. turbulent, Generation Z finds itself equipped
From cloud computing and the Internet of with new stars to steer by, such as technol-
Maritime Things (IoMT) to digital twins, block- ogies that can bend the forces of climate
chain traceability, and additive manufacturing, change to our will and tools that can elevate
we possess the ability to instil circularity and our symbiosis with the marine environment to
sustainability into every maritime operation and sustainable harmony. Generation Z, positioned
supply chain. Artificial intelligence and machine as the rising leaders of the Blue Economy,
learning will be pivotal accelerants, optimising must embrace their role as architects of the
processes in real time for efficient resource global ocean we envision, an ocean of oppor-
usage and integrated decision-making. tunity, ecological rejuvenation, and enduring
But perhaps no other disruptive technology human prosperity.

38