AI Agents vs Agentic Workflows: What They Are, Why They Matter, and Where the Hype Stands

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it's now a real tool used daily, even in complex industries like shipping and offshore energy. But two terms are becoming more common: AI agents and agentic workflows.

What do they mean? How are they different? And why should you care?

What Is an AI Agent, Really?

An AI agent is a digital assistant that takes action—not just answers questions. It understands goals, makes decisions, and completes tasks.

Example: An AI agent could read a Port State Control report, compare it with safety procedures, and update manuals.

Unlike chatbots, agents act like junior colleagues—they learn, adapt, and work over time.

“Agents are the next big thing” — Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO

What Do the Numbers Say?

• McKinsey: Generative AI could add $2.6–$4.4 trillion globally per year.
• CB Insights: $14B+ in AI agents and automation tool funding in H1 2024.
• Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are actively building agentic AI tools for logistics and compliance.

What’s a Workflow, Then?

A workflow is a series of steps to finish a task—manual or automated.

Example: Preparing for drydock:

• Review past maintenance
• Check classification rules
• Update project plan
• Prepare documents

AI can speed it up, but workflows follow a fixed path. They don’t think.

Types of Agentic Workflows

Agentic workflows vary based on the goal. Below are six types relevant to shipping, offshore, and compliance-heavy sectors:

1. Multi-step Task Flows

Breaks down complex tasks into steps.

Example: Updating Safety Management Procedures

1. Detect regulatory change
2. Identify impacted procedures
3. Draft revisions
4. Flag for review
5. Prepare crew notice

✅ Best for compliance and traceability.

2. Multi-Expert Analysis

Multiple AI agents analyze the same input from different angles.

Example: CE Certification Readiness

• AI 1: Checks EU directive compliance
• AI 2: Verifies technical file
• AI 3: Reviews risk assessments
• AI 4: Validates labeling

✅ Ideal for legal, technical, and documentation review.

3. Ensemble Voting

Multiple AIs do the same task independently, then vote on the best result.

Example: Ballast Tank Coating Assessment

• AI 1–3: Classify conditions from inspection photos using different inputs

✅ Boosts accuracy—useful for high-stakes evaluations.

4. Parallel Processing

Divide large tasks across agents for faster output.

Example: Fleet Incident Analysis

• AI 1: Oil tankers
• AI 2: Bulk carriers
• AI 3: Offshore vessels

✅ Great when inputs are large or time-sensitive.

5. Iterative Refinement

One AI drafts; another evaluates against rules. Repeat until perfect.

Example: CE Owner’s Manual

• Creator AI writes
• Evaluator AI checks ISO compliance
• Loop until content meets quality and safety standards

✅ Ideal when review criteria are well-defined.

6. Dynamic Planning

The AI builds and executes a custom plan for the task.

Example: MRV Emissions Verification

• Planner AI: Builds steps
• Execution AIs: Validate logs, fuel use, and position data
• Final AI: Summarizes with flags and confidence levels

✅ Flexible planning, structured execution—perfect for regulation-heavy tasks.

So, What’s the Difference Between a Workflow and an Agent?

• Workflow = Follows instructions
• Agent = Figures out what needs to be done

Think of:

• Workflow as an assembly line
• Agent as a colleague who says, “This looks outdated—want me to fix it?”

Agents thrive in industries with scattered info and shifting rules.

What Could Go Wrong?

• Loss of control: Poorly scoped agents might go rogue
• Trust issues: Safety tasks need traceable decisions
• Legacy systems: Hard to integrate with AI

That’s why companies are cautious. Value is clear, but responsibility is key.

Conclusion: AI Isn’t Just for Big Tech Anymore

AI agents and workflows are already improving how companies operate—fleet management, technical documentation, audits.

Start small:

• Automate updates
• Streamline compliance

Find where agents vs workflows fit.

AI won’t replace your people—but it can help them focus on what matters most.

Ready to explore AI for your fleet or operations?
Let’s talk. Whether it’s automating manuals or deploying agentic compliance tools, we’re here to help.