Taking a reality check on shipping’s digitalisation

Digitalisation and AI are reshaping shipping, promising safer, smarter and more environmentally responsible operations. This is particularly acute in the absence of a clear pathway for alternative fuels. As companies accelerate their use of technologies to optimise operations, the pathway to progress is not without its challenges. Connectivity gaps, fragmented integration, and a crowded marketplace of near-identical solutions are creating growing pains that can’t be ignored.

There is immense opportunity ahead. To create technology infrastructure that delivers ongoing value, we need to cut through the hype and apply ‘practical pragmatism’. It’s necessary to recognise current limitations and challenges, find ways to effectively navigate these and create scalable systems that future-proof investments.

While LEO satellites have revolutionised maritime communications, a significant gap persists between connectivity expectations and practical delivery. In many regions, vessels still operate with bandwidths below what’s ideal, especially for data-heavy applications, leading to performance bottlenecks. This creates two critical imperatives: shipping companies must partner with experts capable of designing adaptable hybrid systems with built-in flexibility. Simultaneously, ship operators should be supported in implementing prioritisation strategies that balance operational requirements with crew welfare needs. Managing expectations both at sea and onshore remains an essential component as connectivity continues to evolve.

Effective connectivity management goes beyond adding capacity. The answer currently lies in implementing strategic bandwidth management through orchestrating hybrid networks, layering technologies, and creating alternative pathways while prioritising usage based on operational value. However, implementing multiple technologies onboard is still in its early stages, and valuable lessons are being learned daily, particularly around system compatibility. This extends beyond software; it requires a clear understanding of how hardware and supporting infrastructure must evolve to accommodate a diverse range of onboard solutions.

This integrated approach is already delivering tangible benefits in areas such as enhanced bridge management and strengthened cybersecurity. Ultimately, success depends not only on connectivity access, but on smart, adaptive integration.

With maritime digitalisation projected to exceed $368bn by 2031, the flood of software offerings is inevitable. Environmental monitoring, voyage optimisation, AI analytics – many appear similar, making it hard to separate genuine value from marketing.

Shipowners face not a shortage of options but a discernment challenge that can delay action. Some less proven solutions can be implemented without sufficient testing or integration capabilities, creating isolated systems resistant to scaling. The resulting complexity frequently undermines the clarity these tools promise to deliver.

Success requires looking beyond marketing promises to evaluate true compatibility, sustainability, and strategic alignment. The objective isn’t accumulating more digital tools but building coherent ecosystems where technologies communicate effectively, data flows seamlessly, and solutions genuinely advance operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

What’s needed now is realism over hype: scalable infrastructure, interoperable solutions, and a systems-based mindset. Progress will come from those with extensive experience who can present a clear evaluation of where the industry is today and what it will take to move forward.

If we establish the right foundations for digital progress today, we can scale technology integration to realise a future where fully connected vessels drive more efficient, sustainable, safe, and cost-effective operations, enhancing global supply chains in the process.