Fuel costs remain volatile. Cyber risks are tightening their grip on vessel operations. Environmental regulation continues to add pressure to every investment decision made in the boardroom.

What stands out is how shipowners, operators and technology providers are responding with practical action. Across the industry, investment is shifting towards technologies and assets that improve operational control while reducing compliance and emissions exposure.

The conversation around maritime technology has changed. Executives are looking for measurable operational and commercial value, not just innovation alone.

— Arnel Murga

MSC Cruises is rolling out an AI-powered digital concierge across its fleet after a pilot involving more than 170,000 guests and over one million interactions. The platform allows passengers to book services, access information and receive personalised recommendations through the MSC for Me app in more than 90 languages.

AI is finding its place on the bridge, not by replacing seafarers, but by helping them make better decisions at sea

The technology is already influencing operations in ways that stretch from reducing close-encounter incidents and improving situational awareness to supporting route planning and managing fatigue. At the same time, cases involving GPS spoofing, alarm fatigue and flawed AI recommendations reveal why human judgement remains essential onboard.

In this feature, Charlie Bartlett examines how shipping is balancing automation with accountability, and why the future of AI at sea may depend less on autonomous vessels and more on strengthening decision support for crews.

Get your free copy and discover how AI is changing decision-making at sea: The Digital Ship AI & Automation Journal.

Robustel has secured ClassNK approval for its MG460 maritime networking platform, completing certification across DNV, CCS and ClassNK as cyber resilience requirements tighten for shipowners and shipyards. The company says its platform is designed to support secure shipboard communications and compliant vessel network architecture under new IACS rules.

Greek maritime technology company NeptuneZero has raised €500,000 to expand its AI-powered vessel reporting and fleet optimisation platform already deployed across more than 100 vessels. The company says its system can cut fuel consumption and emissions while helping shipowners manage EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime compliance.

CMA CGM and Bel Group are expanding their low-carbon shipping partnership through the ACT+ programme, with emissions reductions of up to 83% on selected cargo movements. The initiative gives cargo owners more flexibility in managing Scope 3 emissions linked to maritime transport.

Braskem Trading & Shipping has introduced two next-generation LR1 tankers expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by around 30% compared with the company’s existing fleet average. The vessels will operate on long-haul naphtha trades between the United States and Brazil using advanced engine and hull efficiency technologies.

Safe Bulkers is adding four Japanese-built dry bulk vessels designed to comply with IMO GHG-EEDI Phase 3 and NOx Tier III standards. The investment forms part of the company’s long-term fleet renewal programme focused on fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

As shipowners assess future fuel pathways, injector technology is emerging as a critical issue for engine reliability and combustion control. Accelleron’s investment in OMT examines how dual-fuel injectors, digital monitoring and advanced materials are shaping the use of LNG, methanol and ammonia across commercial fleets.