Compliance costs are climbing while operational decisions are getting harder to manage.

The real challenge is no longer collecting more data. It is knowing which systems, fuels and technologies genuinely improve control onboard and ashore.

As pressures across the maritime industry intensify, many maritime leaders are starting to ask the same question: are today’s digital investments actually simplifying operations, or making them harder to manage?

It’s also a question we expect to hear more of at the Digital Ship Summit, as the industry looks beyond technology adoption and towards operational value.

— Arnel Murga

Sealenic’s Sebastian Toft argues the maritime sector does not need more disconnected AI tools layered across vessel operations. Instead, he believes operators need systems that simplify fragmented workflows, reduce administrative burden and support human judgement in real operational contexts. The discussion also raises deeper questions around trust, cybersecurity and how far AI should go onboard ships.

Delegate registrations are now open for the Digital Ship Summit in Athens — and we’re thrilled to announce our first three shipowner keynote speakers.

Joining the summit on the 15th October are senior technology leaders shaping digital transformation across three major global maritime organisations:

• Alena Pedersen, VP Corporate IT | Odfjell SE
• Michalis Michaloliakos, Group Head of ICT & Cyber Security | TMS Group
• Peter Jackson, CTO | Seaspan

Together, these leaders represent a broad cross-section of the maritime industry and will share practical insight into how their organisations are approaching digital transformation, cyber resilience, AI adoption, connectivity strategy, and the future of maritime IT infrastructure.

This is exactly the type of discussion the industry needs right now: real operational experience from the people leading technology strategy inside some of the world's global shipping companies.

The Digital Ship Summit 2026 is designed as a focused, industry-led gathering bringing together maritime IT leaders, shipowners, operators and technology providers for candid discussion around the challenges and opportunities shaping the next decade of shipping.

📍 Athens
📅 15 October 2026
Delegate places are limited.

Secure your spot now!

Iran’s reported “Hormuz Safe” platform combines maritime insurance, cryptocurrency settlement and digital verification within one of the world’s most politically sensitive shipping corridors. The proposal raises fresh concerns around sanctions exposure, insurance recognition and operational risk as Gulf tensions continue to affect commercial trade. The platform could reportedly generate more than $10bn in revenue if adopted at scale.

HD Hyundai Marine Solutions has entered the North American data centre market through a long-term engine maintenance partnership with Aperion Energy Group in Texas. The deal links maritime lifecycle service expertise with rising AI-driven power demand and digital infrastructure growth.

Researchers from University College London, Erasmus University Rotterdam and the University of Copenhagen examine how emissions rules, digital compliance systems, fuel decisions and contractual pressures are creating interconnected risks for shipowners. The study warns that fragmented decarbonisation strategies could expose operators to operational disruption, cyber vulnerabilities and stranded asset risks.

A Wärtsilä survey of 225 maritime leaders found that 68% see unpredictability as a constant operational challenge, while 42% struggle to balance investment costs with expected returns. The report examines how cyber risk, AI adoption and alternative fuel technologies are increasing pressure on crews and shore teams as operators seek more predictable ways to manage compliance and operational reliability.

Hapag-Lloyd’s proposed green methanol deal with Southern Energy Renewables has intensified attention on future marine fuel supply and long-term availability. As methanol-capable vessels enter fleets, operators are increasingly weighing fuel security, environmental credits and the commercial realities of lower-emission shipping.

Wind-assisted propulsion continues to face scrutiny over long-term reliability and commercial practicality. Blue Planet Shipping’s M/V Afros has now completed more than eight years of service with Rotor Sails installed, offering independently verified operational results for shipowners evaluating decarbonisation investments.