Texas A&M University’s Galveston campus will launch two new “SEA-AI” courses next year to prepare students to defend ships from cyberattacks and apply artificial intelligence to maritime operations. The program, developed with international partners, will admit 24 students in its first year.
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Texas A&M University is pioneering advancements in maritime education through two innovative programs aimed at addressing cyber threats in marine environments and leveraging artificial intelligence to improve the shipping sector.
Starting next year, the university’s Galveston campus will introduce the “SEA-AI” courses for a select group of 24 students. A new initiative spearheaded by Maritime Business Administration professor Jean-Paul Rodrigue aims to equip future maritime professionals with the skills needed to prevent and respond to cyberattacks that threaten global shipping systems.
“Essentially, we want to train AI in a simulation environment and buy the equipment so all students have to do is put on goggles and get immersed in a navigation environment,” Rodrigue said in a statement. “One course will focus on autonomous shipping and ensuring the security of your autonomous vessel against hacking.”
Texas A&M has collaborated with universities in Norway, South Korea, India, and Japan to create the SEA-AI curriculum. The courses will focus on the technical and managerial dimensions of maritime cybersecurity, featuring simulator training, performance analytics, and strategies for cyber resilience.
Rodrigue highlights that cybercriminals can interfere with maritime activities through various methods, including disabling navigation systems, causing collisions, or extorting ransom for cargo. “A hacker might attempt to hold a ship hostage for the worth of its cargo,” Rodrigue stated. “One possible, more sinister motive for disabling a ship could be to engage in warfare, hindering the commercial operations of your adversary.”
The second course will cover the application of AI in maritime business management, focusing on analyzing market data, demand forecasting, and traffic flow. "It encompasses the various methods through which we can utilize these agents and machine learning algorithms in business analytics," said Rodrigue. "We should also take into account the potential of AI to enhance the quality and depth of our educational practices."
Students participating in the SEA-AI program, commonly referred to as Sea Aggies, will have the opportunity to transfer credits to the European Credit Transfer system, promoting further education abroad. Rodrigue highlighted that cybersecurity is now a constant concern for port authorities and terminal staff as digital threats continue to evolve.
“The evolution of AI has been so swift that the conversation just two or three years ago would have looked completely different,” Rodrigue stated. “At this point, we’re addressing significant impacts that require us to equip these students accordingly.”
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