Glander International Bunkering’s CEO, Carsten Ladekjær, believes that AI-driven innovation will be the primary transformative force in the maritime industry over the coming year.
“We anticipate sustained progress in AI-driven optimisation and digitalisation,” he states in this week’s big Maritime CEO interview, highlighting a collaborative project that employs an AI-powered propulsion control system as a key example of how technology enhances fuel efficiency and regulatory compliance.
The AI-powered propulsion control system minimises fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by automatically adjusting engine RPM and power output according to environmental conditions. This not only boosts efficiency and reduces costs but also aids in adhering to IMO regulations.
Shipping has the data, but AI connects the dots in new ways
Additionally, the company’s digital platform has been enhancing bunker procurement by simplifying the bidding process and facilitating smarter workflows and data-driven decision-making, which clients increasingly regard as a strategic asset in their digital transformation and ESG initiatives.
“Naturally, we stay close throughout the process to ensure the human connection remains intact,” Ladekjær adds.
Looking forward, he sees AI transitioning from a purely advisory capacity to one that takes autonomous actions due to the technology now being mature, connected, and ready to scale.
“Instead of only analysing data, AI will help run operations, interpret contracts, manage compliance, and optimise fuel purchases in real time,” Ladekjær reckons. “Next year will be about turning insight into action automatically, intelligently, and with measurable business value.”
The company also employs AI internally to automate emissions reporting, forecast fuel prices, and evaluate credit risk, significantly expediting complex tasks that previously required days to complete in just minutes.
“Shipping has the data, but AI connects the dots in new ways,” he notes, adding that the sector is still uncovering AI’s full capabilities. “We focus on using AI to free people from repetitive work so they can focus on strategy and innovation.”
Ladekjær also reckons that the shipping industry is starting to see that tech investment leads to savings, competitiveness, and decarbonisation. In turn, they are willing to pay more to save money in the future.
“As more of our clients adopt AI-powered propulsion systems and digital bunker management programs, it signals a clear shift in the industry toward investing in technologies that deliver measurable savings. These tools reduce fuel costs, improve operational efficiency, and support ESG goals,” he claims.
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