Shipping Forecast considering AI within data expansion

Today’s the 100th anniversary of the first broadcast of the Shipping Forecast in the UK on the BBC, although keen MIN readers will no doubt be aware that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency celebrated the forecast’s actual 100th anniversary in January 2024.

Now, a century on, it looks like the forecast is likely to be powered by AI.

“We are always looking to make our forecasts as accessible and useable as possible. As such, we are investing in next-generation capabilities such as advanced satellite data, innovative AI models, and better ways to share vital safety information with people at sea,” says James Shapland, head of regulated transport services at the Met Office. “We have started the journey towards producing visualisable, graphical weather warnings and forecasts to accompany the current textual suite of forecasts and warnings, such as the Shipping Forecast.”

UK’s Shipping Forecast broadcast turns 100 5 January 2024

Currently the provision and dissemination of the Shipping Forecast involves a significant cross-government effort from both the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (including HM Coastguard), and the Met Office.

Shapland continues by noting that the Met Office is working with its partners to develop the next generation of marine weather warnings and forecasts. This means looking at ways in which more user-friendly Maritime Safety Information (MSI) can be delivered, in the form of visual maritime weather warnings and forecasts. Part of that work is considering the potential of AI and machine learning in maritime products and services.

“Although still a long way off, this development would represent a major leap forward in how we communicate critical weather information to mariners, improving navigational decision making with better integration of forecasts into ship’s navigational display systems and thus, improving maritime safety and supporting the growth of the Blue Economy.”

He says the Met Office is also working with international bodies such as the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), to update the global regulatory frameworks for maritime forecasting.

“This advancement would represent a major leap forward in how we create critical weather information for mariners. It will enhance navigational decision making by allowing integration of forecasts into ship’s display systems and thus, enhancing maritime safety.

“This is not just about safety though, it’s about growth. Marine services are a cornerstone of the UK’s blue economy and with smarter navigation, more efficient logistics, and better environmental stewardship, we are helping to unlock new opportunities for innovation, trade, and sustainability.”

Keeping an eye on the storm, the Met Office notes that ships are essential for collecting surface meteorological data like air temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed and sea surface temperature, as well as visual observations like sea state, ice, and clouds. All this data contributes decisively to the understanding of the ecosystem, the quality of weather forecasts, and effective response to severe weather events. Thus, the Met Office is supporting the ‘10,000 Ships for the Ocean’ initiative launched at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference. That aims to increase the number of vessels equipped for ocean and weather monitoring.

The Shipping Forecast is produced by the Met Office on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as part of the UK’s statutory obligations to provide Maritime Safety Information to seafarers via approved broadcasting methods. The Shipping Forecast is also shared with the BBC for its own broadcast. While many Britons know the Shipping Forecast for its poetic rhythm and familiar sea areas like Dogger, Fisher and German Bight, its primary purpose remains the protection of those who work and travel on the seas.

The forecast is an integral part of radio listeners lives.

“The Shipping Forecast is something you absorb unconsciously if you live in the UK. It’s been on the airwaves for over 100 years…Now technically speaking, it’s a weather guide designed to help sailors on the high seas. But it helps people navigate in other ways than that. For instance, for insomniacs, it’s a mantra that hopefully helps them drift finally off to sleep,” says Jarvis Cocker who has recorded a special shipping forecast to be broadcast for an audience at the Crossed Wires Podcast Festival in Sheffield.

Pulp’s frontman then told the BBC that some of his favourite place names include, German Bight – “for some reason I always think of a cocktail sausage there. I suppose it’s because a frankfurter cocktail sausage is a small frank.” – and Hebrides – “I’ve actually been to the Hebrides, so that conjures up some kind of real image.”

Main image courtesy of MCA.