A fresh revolution at sea. AI-powered farming for a healthier, more resilient maritime workforce

by Oren Saar, CEO, Agwa

As the maritime industry undergoes a profound transformation – driven by digitalisation, automation, and decarbonisation – the health and well-being of the 1.9 million mariners powering global trade often remain an overlooked priority. The reality is that poor diet and nutrition at sea present a growing challenge, affecting not only individual health but also vessel safety and operational efficiency.

Despite their indispensable role, seafarers continue to face alarming health challenges, largely driven by poor diet and nutrition. According to the 2024 edition of the Re:fresh Global Seafarer Wellbeing Report , 70% of the people working at sea are classified as overweight or obese, a direct consequence of diets high in processed and preserved foods. Studies also indicate that long-term consumption of low-quality food at sea is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

Beyond the physical toll, inadequate nutrition can cause impaired cognitive function while exacerbating mental health struggles. In an industry already facing a projected shortage of over 60 thousand officers by 2028, the question is no longer whether crew nutrition needs to change but how quickly the industry is willing to embrace solutions that directly enhance crew health, morale, and operational resilience.

As younger generations bring new expectations to the workforce, the industry must rethink its approach to crew welfare. This is where artificial intelligence

(AI)-powered onboard agriculture is poised to be a game-changer.

The Virtual Agronomist

Traditionally, ship provisioning has been limited by infrequent port resupplies, long voyages, supply chain disruptions, and storage limitations, leading to a reliance on frozen, dehydrated, and canned products. Even when fresh produce is stocked, it often perishes within days.

Advancements in controlled-environment agriculture now make it possible for vessels to autonomously grow fresh produce on board. AI-powered hydroponic systems, such as those developed by Agwa, deploy a Virtual Agronomist, continuously monitoring plant growth through three key data streams: image analysis, sensory data, and consumer behaviour insights.

These intelligent systems analyse environmental conditions in real-time, adjusting variables, such as light, humidity, and nutrients, to optimise growth and ensure the highest-quality yield, regardless of a vessel's location or climate.

This 'plug & play' technology requires only water, electricity, and Wi-Fi to function, and the integrated app provides real-time updates on vegetable growth, alerts for optimal harvesting times, and the ability to customise plant selections. This means that crew members with no agricultural experience can easily operate the system.

Owners-operators using Agwa's technology - including Maersk, Synergy Marine, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Capital Shipping, Anglo Eastern, and others - are already cultivating leafy greens, herbs, nutrient-rich greens, and bulbs year-round. Additional crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and sprouts, are under development. This variety ensures a more balanced diet for seafarers, catering to different culinary preferences and dietary needs while providing essential vitamins and minerals.

This shift to self-sustaining onboard food production means that vessels can harvest fresh vegetables on demand, reducing spoilage, food waste, and logistical complexities. More importantly, it provides seafarers with consistent access to high-quality, nutrient-rich vegetable supply, improving both health and morale.

A sound mind in a sound body

The link between nutrition, cognitive function, and safety is well-documented.

Poor diets contribute to fatigue, cognitive decline, and reduced alertness, increasing the risk of human error, which is one of the primary causes of maritime accidents. Mental health challenges among seafarers are also rising, with stress, anxiety, and depression reducing job satisfaction and exacerbating retention issues. At the same time, higher incidences of chronic disease related to inadequate nutrition are also likely to result in more medical emergencies at sea.

Conversely, research into seafarers' dietary habits found that 98.8% of crew members believe a healthy diet is essential for well-being, highlighting the widespread demand for fresh, nutrient-rich foods. Evidence shows that access to balanced meals enhances concentration, reaction times, and overall performance, making vessels safer and more efficient.

Beyond its nutritional value, onboard agriculture introduces a vital connection to nature in an otherwise industrial ship environment, providing significant psychological and social benefits. Engaging with plants through gardening, harvesting, and preparing fresh meals fosters teamwork, strengthens community bonds, and enhances morale.

Meanwhile, the 'biophilic' effect of having greenery aboard reduces stress, improves mental well-being, and instils a sense of accomplishment. The autonomy gained from growing and consuming fresh produce counteracts feelings of isolation, offering crew members greater control over their diet and health.

Closed-loop & hyper-local

Currently, ship operators' budgets are spent inefficiently on port-supplied vegetables, much of which is wasted due to spoilage. Onboard food production allows ships to spend the same while receiving more - ensuring a reliable, high-quality vegetable supply year-round. By addressing limitations in the maritime food supply chain, AI-powered farming presents a practical, scalable, and financially viable solution.

Onboard vegetable production also supports industry-wide decarbonisation efforts. By growing food at the point of consumption, onboard farming reduces emissions from food transportation, storage, and packaging disposal, eliminates packaging waste associated with traditional provisions, minimises food waste as vegetables are harvested fresh when needed, and strengthens food security, reducing the impact of global supply chain disruptions.

For an industry increasingly under the ESG microscope, adopting a closed-loop, hyper-local food production model aligns with global sustainability commitments while supporting better long-term planning for ship operators.

The standard

The maritime sector can no longer afford to overlook the fundamental needs of its workforce. AI-powered onboard farming is not a futuristic concept - it is a real, scalable solution that is already transforming crew welfare and sustainability.

While the industry has invested billions in automation, digitalisation, and fuel efficiency, the people who keep ships running must remain on the front burner. By ensuring access to fresh, healthy food at sea, shipping can foster healthier, happier, and more resilient crews while addressing retention challenges and supporting maritime decarbonisation.

Food security and crew well-being must become strategic priorities as the industry navigates economic pressures and ESG commitments. Onboard growing systems like Agwa's offer a practical, cost-effective solution that bridges the gap between life at sea and life on land. Fresh food should not be a luxury - it should be the standard. The future of shipping isn't just about efficiency; it's about people.

It is time to set a new benchmark for crew nutrition, resilience, and well-being - and AI agronomists are the answer.

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Agwa is spearheading a fresh revolution at sea with an advanced, fully autonomous system that empowers vessel crews to grow fresh, chemical-free vegetables year-round. Using state-of-theart AI technology, Agwa ensures a reliable supply of nutritious produce, no matter the route, port restrictions, or weather conditions. Visit agwafarm.com to harvest more.