How ships will look in 10 years’ time

The shipping industry is on the cusp of one of its most transformative decades. Driven by decarbonisation, digitalisation, and a shifting geopolitical landscape, the vessels that traverse our oceans in 2035 may look similar at first glance—but beneath the surface, they’ll be smarter, cleaner, and more efficient shaped by technological innovation and regulatory pressure.

While hull shapes may remain largely familiar, function is set to redefine the form.

“Externally, we need to expect evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, change,” says Ajay Chaudhry, CEO of shipmanagement at Synergy Marine Group. “Constraints like port infrastructure and classification limits will inevitably curtail radical redesigns.”

Chaudhry says to expect visible additions like wind-assisted propulsion systems, air lubrication systems, larger and repositioned fuel tanks and some modifications to superstructures to reduce wind resistance.

As Stamatis Tsantanis, chairman and CEO of Greek owner Seanergy Maritime puts it: “Function will still dictate form, though sustainability demands will reshape certain visible elements over time.”

If the outside will evolve slowly, the inside will undergo a radical transformation, experts surveyed for this magazine suggest.

“In 10 years, the smartest ships may look familiar from the quayside, but function entirely differently from within,” says Chaudhry.

Digital control rooms, sensor-integrated systems, and AI-assisted operations will be standard, according to Shah Irani, chief technology officer at Fleet Management who predicts a convergence of artificial intelligence for predictive safety and operational decisions, internet of things to enable real-time monitoring and diagnostics, big data analytics for route optimisation and predictive maintenance, and finally blockchain to secure and streamline logistics and compliance. These tools, Irani says, will reshape everything from navigation to fuel efficiency.

The strongest tailwind in shipping’s transformation is decarbonisation.

“The shipping industry stands at a pivotal transformative moment, driven by digitalisation and decarbonisation,” says Nick Copley, co-CEO of Ocean Technologies Group. “First movers who embrace innovation stand to gain a clear and lasting competitive advantage.”

“Economy of scale, engine optimisation, and environmental pressures have historically driven design,” says Kristin Omholt-Jensen, the CEO of Maritime Optima, a shipping intelligence firm. “Now, carbon emissions will drive change—sails, propellers, dual fuels—all will influence the future.”

“Vessel design will continue to evolve; to address regulatory requirements in particular around emissions and to promote improving operational efficiency,” says Gareth Burton, senior vice president of global engineering at ABS.

Yet, challenges abound. As Dr Kanghyun Song, a senior vice president at Korean Register, points out, there are four key uncertainties namely fuel price volatility, regulatory ambiguity, technological immaturity where the likes of fuel cells and carbon capture are still unproven at scale, and finally infrastructure gaps with many ports lacking bunkering for alternative fuels.

To address this, Song says new vessels will need flexible fuel systems and modular configurations that can evolve as regulations and fuels mature.

For all the promise of technology, adoption must consider real-world usability.

“Technologies should be employed such that they are not only technically sound but also practical and usable in real-world maritime environments,” says Eric Van Der Horn, ABS’s manager of technology.

“It is important to understand and listen to the challenges that shipowners and crew face when adopting new technologies,” says Patrick Wadden, marketing and communications manager at coatings specialist GIT.

Stefan Schindler, general manager of BestShip, a joint venture of Wilhelmsen Ship Management and MPC Capital, adds: “A common challenge lies in the lack of accurate onboard measurement mechanisms to validate the business case for new technologies. For crewmembers, the biggest concern is often the complexity of maintenance associated with these solutions.”

Manufacturers must incorporate seafarer feedback in design to ensure safety, efficiency, and practicality.

The move toward smarter, greener ships demands capital. But finally more shipowners are realising the long-term payoff.

“The decarbonisation agenda is now forcing a spend-to-save mindset,” says Manish Singh, who heads up UK-based advisory Aboutships. “Owners increasingly see digital investments and predictive tools as ways to manage opex, not just capex.”

As fuel prices fluctuate and carbon pricing tightens, digital optimisation becomes a strategic necessity, not a luxury.

One barrier to rapid tech adoption is the inherent diversity of the shipping industry.

“Shipping is a uniquely complex industry. Unlike land transport or aviation, vessels vary significantly in design, type, and operational profile,” says BestShip’s Schindler. “This lack of standardisation makes it difficult for technology vendors to develop solutions that are universally applicable.”

Tailored, modular solutions will likely become the norm, allowing for fleet-specific customisation while maintaining core technology platforms.

The next decade will not completely reshape the silhouette of ships, but it will redefine their soul. From AI-driven decision-making to cleaner propulsion, shipping is entering an era of intelligence, efficiency, and accountability. And for those who invest early and wisely, the tide may bring not only compliance—but competitive advantage.