Rising tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz are exposing how fragile oversight can become when vessels operate beyond conventional systems. The growth of shadow fleets and evasive behaviour requires the industry to reassess how risk, compliance and environmental exposure are managed in real time. At the same time, shipowners are investing in digital tools across procurement, cybersecurity and data intelligence to regain visibility and control. In parallel, there are decarbonisation efforts that are moving into practical trials, from hydrogen use onshore to carbon capture onboard vessels.

— Arnel Murga

Shadow fleets are operating beyond traditional tracking systems, exposing limits in how the industry monitors risk. New analysis shows how behavioural data and intelligence tools can detect vessels that try to disappear.

Optimisation technology is now widely deployed across the shipping industry. Voyage optimisation tools, speed optimisation systems and advanced modelling have helped operators identify opportunities to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and better manage vessel performance.

The challenge is increasingly less about producing better optimisation plans and more about how consistently speed optimisation and voyage optimisation plans are executed in daily vessel operations. Differences in data quality, operational pressures onboard, and the realities of manual execution can all influence whether optimisation insights translate into measurable performance improvements.

Our next thought leadership report, commissioned by DeepSea Technologies, explores what is required for voyage optimisation to deliver its full potential in real-world conditions, and how the industry can move from insight to consistent execution onboard vessels.

Join us for the launch on our live webinar featuring a panel of maritime experts, where the key findings will be discussed and explored through real-world operational perspectives.

Register to access the full discussion and insights

Digital procurement is gaining traction among shipowners seeking tighter control over costs and supplier networks. A growing number of operators are adopting platforms that automate purchasing and improve visibility.

Cybersecurity risks are increasing as vessels and ports become more connected. A new international partnership is focusing on strengthening protection through joint research and operational exercises. The shipping industry is examining how these efforts translate into real safeguards.

A new book and claim initiative is testing how emissions reductions can be allocated across supply chains. The model allows shipowners to offer verified low carbon transport options without direct fuel use on every voyage. It addresses ongoing constraints in fuel availability.

Onboard carbon capture is being tested as a potential solution for reducing emissions from existing vessels. A new study will examine how captured carbon can be stored, discharged and reused. The results could advance future compliance strategies.

Cyber risk has reached core operational platforms, with a breach exposing data tied to fuel procurement. The incident shows how supplier integration and digital workflows can create new vulnerabilities for the shipping industry. It raises urgent questions about how critical systems are secured across the value chain.