Q&A: OpenTug’s use of AI in marine logistics

Jason Aristides

Sponsored Content: Jason Aristides, CEO of OpenTug, the marine logistics platform set up to connect freight with barges and terminals nationwide, recently sat down with Marine Log to discuss the company’s AI technology.

Aristides will be speaking at Marine Log’s Tugs, Towboats & Barges (TTB) 2025 conference in Mobile, Ala., on March 25-26.

Marine Log (ML): OpenTug has made significant strides in leveraging AI for marine logistics. Could you walk us through some of the ways AI is being utilized to optimize operations in the maritime industry?

Jason Aristides (JA): AI is transforming the marine logistics landscape in ways no one could have imagined just a few years ago. It allows marine operators to make quicker, smarter decisions confidently, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation.

At OpenTug, we use AI to make barge transportation more efficient, predictable, and cost-effective. One of the biggest challenges in this industry has always been uncertainty—weather changes, fluctuating river levels, and bottlenecks at locks can all cause significant disruptions. AI helps us reduce unpredictability by analyzing historical voyage data, real-time conditions, and external factors like fuel costs to optimize routing and pricing.

We’re also developing tools like BargeOS Autopilot, which, with no additional work needed, automatically converts email nominations and marine traffic updates into structured voyages and events in the BargeOS platform, saving operators hours of data-entry work in Excel and other disparate platforms. On top of that, AI-driven predictive analytics help anticipate delays before they happen, allowing companies to adjust schedules proactively instead of reacting at the last minute.

ML: How is OpenTug’s AI technology specifically contributing to reducing delays and improving the overall speed and cost-effectiveness of marine logistics?

JA: Delays are one of the most significant cost drivers in marine logistics, and AI plays a crucial role in mitigating them. Traditionally, operators had to rely on static schedules and best guesses, but AI allows us to take a far more dynamic approach. AI can predict potential disruptions well in advance by continuously monitoring river conditions, lock congestion, and weather patterns. Instead of waiting for a problem to arise, operators can proactively adjust their routes or schedules to keep shipments moving efficiently and reduce excess demurrage costs 

AI also assists in cost reduction by optimizing fuel consumption. It can identify the most fuel-efficient routes, helping operators cut unnecessary expenses while maintaining delivery timelines. Another key area where AI makes a difference is automating compliance and paperwork by streamlining the process, ensuring accurate documentation, and reducing administrative overhead. All of these innovations allow operators to run their businesses more efficiently.

ML: How does AI enhance visibility for operators, port authorities, and logistics managers, and how does this contribute to better decision-making?

JA: Visibility is everything in logistics, and AI is fundamentally changing how operators, port authorities, and logistics managers access and use real-time data. Instead of dealing with fragmented information spread across multiple systems, OpenTug consolidates everything into a single, easy-to-understand view with the help of AI. This means that shippers and cargo operators can track their assets in real-time, knowing exactly where their shipments are and when they’ll arrive. Logistics managers can anticipate disruptions and adjust accordingly rather than scrambling at the last minute. At the same time, Port authorities benefit from AI-driven predictive insights that help them manage congestion and streamline scheduling.

As impressive as these advancements are, AI’s true power lies in turning that data into actionable insights. AI spots patterns and anomalies humans might miss, offering recommendations leading to smarter, more informed decision-making. It also improves communication across the supply chain, ensuring every stakeholder is on the same page and reducing the risk of costly miscommunications. At the end of the day, better visibility means better efficiency, fewer delays, and more control over operations.

ML: How do you respond to those who fear that AI technologies will lead to significant job losses?

JA: It’s completely natural to feel uncertain about how AI might impact jobs. While it’s impossible to predict the exact outcome, history suggests that new technologies often shift responsibilities rather than simply eliminate them. In many cases, AI can handle routine tasks like data entry, scheduling, and quoting, which opens the door for professionals to focus on more nuanced, human-driven work. It also potentially paves the way for new roles—such as data analysis, AI monitoring, and digital fleet management—which may expand as AI continues to develop.

On a practical level, AI can optimize routes and help with decision-making, but it still depends on experienced individuals to guide these systems and handle complex judgments. Even on the shoreside, positions like deckhands, stevedores, fleet coordinators, and maintenance crews might grow in demand as greater efficiency allows maritime companies to scale up and offer more services. Rather than replacing jobs, AI can reshape the industry by fostering fresh opportunities in both technical and hands-on areas.

Companies that integrate AI often invest in training their workforce rather than trying to reduce it. For example, at OpenTug, we’re dedicated to providing resources that help maritime professionals adapt to—and collaborate with—AI, rather than compete against it. Ultimately, AI serves as a tool that can enhance human expertise rather than replace it. We don’t know exactly how this will play out, but it’s likely that the outcome, as with most technological shifts, will land somewhere in the middle: AI will bring changes and challenges, but also possibilities for growth and skill development.

ML: Looking ahead, what are some of the most significant advancements we can expect in AI-driven solutions for the maritime industry, and how do you see these innovations shaping the workforce in the coming years?

JA: We’re only at the beginning of what AI can do for the maritime industry, and the next few years will be incredibly exciting. One major shift will be the rise of semi-autonomous and autonomous vessel operations, where AI plays a larger role in navigation and safety. While full autonomy is still a long way off, AI-assisted navigation is already improving efficiency and reducing human error. Another big area of advancement is predictive maintenance—AI will soon be able to monitor vessel conditions in real-time, identifying potential mechanical issues before they turn into costly breakdowns. We’ll also see AI play a bigger role in market forecasting, helping operators anticipate demand shifts and optimize pricing strategies. On the logistics side, AI-driven intermodal coordination will make it easier to connect barge, rail, and trucking networks seamlessly.

As for the workforce, these advancements won’t replace people—they’ll shift the type of work being done. Jobs will become more tech-driven, with a greater emphasis on managing AI-powered systems and interpreting data. That means maritime professionals who embrace AI will have an edge, as companies look for talent that can bridge traditional operations with digital logistics. AI is reshaping the industry, but it’s also creating opportunities. The key is staying adaptable and leveraging technology to enhance—not replace—human expertise.