Shipowners are discovering that operational control now depends increasingly on the quality of the systems supporting decisions across the fleet.

As compliance exposure, commercial pressure and operational risk continue to intensify, digital tools are moving closer to the centre of daily maritime operations, from vessel verification and logbooks to autonomous navigation and hybrid propulsion.

The companies gaining ground are the ones turning digital capability into operational trust, consistency and faster execution.

— Arnel Murga

Ship verification is entering a new phase as Azimut.ai and Ashdod Port test computer vision systems that identify vessels through hull shape and behavioural patterns instead of relying solely on AIS. The project raises new questions around compliance, sanctions monitoring and operational trust as ports and operators seek cleaner visibility over vessel activity.

Delegate registrations are now open for the Digital Ship Summit 2026 in Athens.

Joining us on 15 October are three senior maritime technology leaders shaping digital transformation across the global shipping industry:

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

We’re bringing together leaders from across the sector to share honest insights into their digitalisation journeys — what's worked, what hasn’t, and the lessons learned along the way.

From AI adoption and cyber resilience to connectivity and maritime IT strategy, the summit will bring together shipowners, operators and technology leaders for candid industry discussion.

📍 Athens
📅 15 October 2026
Delegate places are limited.

Register now!

Saronic Technologies and Lloyd’s Register are working together on certification and assurance frameworks for autonomous surface vessels in Europe, the UK and Australia. For commercial operators assessing future fleet strategies, the partnership offers a clearer indication of how autonomy may fit inside regulated maritime operations.

Helm Operations has received formal US Coast Guard recognition for its digital logbook platform, giving operators an approved alternative to paper reporting. The decision could ease compliance workloads for fleet managers handling growing operational and emissions reporting demands.

For tug operators and port service providers, the latest collaboration between Berg Propulsion, Uzmar and Smit Lamnalco reflects growing pressure to deliver higher bollard pull, lower emissions and stronger operational flexibility from fewer vessels. This also shows how diesel-electric propulsion is increasingly being treated as a commercial and operational strategy.

Hyke and Pascal Technologies are combining lightweight vessel construction with modular electric propulsion systems for a new zero-emission ferry project in Norway. The design aims to reduce operational complexity while giving operators tighter control over energy use, servicing and daily vessel management.

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.