Bangladesh’s maritime engineering and research community has achieved another international milestone as renowned maritime expert Dr. Sajid Hussain HonDSc MSc CEng CMarEng FIMarEST prepares to present his 50th research paper at the prestigious 18th International Naval Engineering Conference and International Ship Control Systems Symposium (INEC/iSCSS 2026), scheduled for 10–12 November at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Organised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), the international event will bring together more than 300 experts from around 25 countries to explore the future of naval engineering, intelligent ship control, digital transformation, cybersecurity and sustainable shipping.
Marine Engineer Dr. Sajid Hussain’s paper, titled “Human-in-the-Loop AI for Safe and Intelligent Ship Control Systems,” addresses a critical question facing the maritime industry: How can ships harness artificial intelligence (AI) and increasing autonomy without compromising human judgement, accountability and safety? His proposed Human-in-the-Loop AI framework advocates a human-centred approach in which AI assists professional decision-making rather than replacing it. The system would analyse operational data, detect anomalies, predict machinery failures, assess risks and recommend appropriate actions, while qualified human operators retain command authority and ultimate responsibility for safety-critical decisions involving navigation, propulsion and machinery.
The research highlights the importance of explainable AI, cybersecurity, operational resilience, fail-safe mechanisms and human accountability. Potential applications include navigating congested waters, predicting machinery faults and optimising propulsion for improved energy efficiency. By supporting operators with timely, intelligent recommendations, the framework could reduce cognitive workload, enhance situational awareness and strengthen maritime safety. The paper aligns closely with the iSCSS 2026 theme, “Future-Proofing Secure, Smart and Sustainable Ship Control,” and contributes to the wider international debate on the safe integration of AI and autonomous technologies into shipping.
He is scheduled to present his paper on 12 November, representing Bangladesh alongside leading naval engineers, researchers, industry professionals and policymakers. The acceptance of his work provides an important opportunity to showcase Bangladeshi maritime expertise on an international platform. For him, the occasion carries significance beyond another conference presentation. It marks a further milestone in a professional journey spanning more than four decades, beginning as a marine engineering cadet in 1980 and progressing to Chief Engineer before he devoted three decades to maritime education and institutional leadership at Bangladesh Marine Academy for three decades including the responsibility as its Commandant.
His international service has included roles with the International Maritime Organization (IMO – a UN Agency), the World Maritime University (WMU Sweden) and IMarEST (HQ at London). An accomplished author, researcher and educator, he has published 27 books, 50 research papers and approximately 250 professional features, while supervising nearly 60 BSc, MSc and PhD theses.
His central message is both timely and unequivocal: “AI assists. Humans decide. Safety remains paramount.” He further champions the principle, “Rise of Man—not Machine,” emphasising that technological advancement must empower people, preserve professional competence and keep humans firmly in control of critical decisions. From ships’ engine rooms to maritime academies and now the frontiers of intelligent ship control, Dr. Sajid’s continuing journey reflects his commitment to maritime advancement and his pride in carrying Bangladesh’s voice to the global maritime stage.
