Shipmanager OSM Thome has launched a new generative AI tool based on OpenAI’s ChatGPT model, integrated via Microsoft, to support its teams in accessing Safety Management System (SMS) information for its managed vessels.
The new system, called ‘Ask OSM Thome’, has been designed to provide a chatbot experience through MS Teams on both desktop and mobile platforms, to assist personnel in extracting required information from the large volume of documentation across three different SMSs for each division within the Technical Management business unit.
The chatbot leverages natural language processing to provide near-instant access to the SMS knowledge base, whether onshore or onboard, through the existing Teams interface. The company notes that ‘Ask OSM Thome’ is designed solely to facilitate faster access to knowledge, not to make decisions on behalf of its personnel.
“Developed in collaboration with Microsoft’s technology partner Tiger Analytics, ‘Ask OSM Thome’ represents the first step towards a more integrated and intelligent knowledge management system,” said Jamie Ramsamy, Chief Digital Officer of OSM Thome.
“We are already integrating additional knowledge sources, which will make it one of the most comprehensive AI tools for accessing organisational knowledge within the maritime industry.”
OSM Thome staff have been provided with user guides and undertaken familiarisation sessions as part of the company’s management of change procedure in rolling out the system, which has been globally deployed to all technical management locations and to three ships to date, with the intention to continue deployment across the managed fleet.
During development and deployment, the tool underwent user testing to ensure the accuracy of responses. The project was managed by Sunit Sikand, who will continue to spearhead the initiative going forward following this initial deployment.
Among the crew members using the new system is Igor Grubisic, Marine Superintendent, who notes that: “When I encountered some term or clarification in our system that does not appear frequently in my day work, I had to filter through SMS, business processes, and various teams, and it takes time. With the chatbot, simply type enough clear questions, and you get a comprehensive reply in a matter of a few seconds.”
