“Escaping the Matrix” - Steve Simms on AI, Bunker Trading, and Marine Fuel Supply
J. Stephen Simms | ship.energy magazine | August 2026
In “Escaping the Matrix,” Steve Simms examines how artificial intelligence is transforming bunker trading and marine fuel supply while emphasizing that human judgment must remain in command.
AI can rapidly analyze markets, pricing, credit, sanctions, logistics, contracts, customer data, and operational risks, improving efficiency and decision-making. However, AI produces models of reality rather than reality itself and may overlook commercial relationships, changing conditions, legal nuances, or strategic priorities.
Simms argues that companies should treat AI as a decision-support tool, not an autonomous decision-maker. Effective implementation requires human review, strong governance, protection of confidential and privileged information, cybersecurity safeguards, records management, employee training, and legal oversight.
The industry’s future leaders will be those that combine AI’s analytical power with experienced professional judgment, accountability, integrity, and sound commercial decision-making.
