Advances in software solutions are driving a significant technological transformation in the maritime industry. Traditionally used for basic applications like navigation and route planning, maritime software now incorporates data analytics, big data, automation, and AI, making it an integral component of fleet management and operational efficiency.
Staci Satterwhite, CEO of ABS Wavesight, describes this evolution as a shift from passive monitoring to active, value-creating roles within fleet operations. The industry faces challenges, however, in achieving this potential, especially among smaller companies with limited resources. Albrecht Grell of OceanScore notes that many maritime operators are small- to medium-sized enterprises with limited access to advanced digital tools, making it difficult to adapt to the rapidly changing technology landscape.
One of the biggest challenges in the maritime sector today is the complexity of regulations, particularly around environmental impact. According to Eric Christofferson, Chief Product Officer at Veson Nautical, the industry needs sophisticated software solutions to meet regulatory demands for sustainability, safety, and efficiency. Big data and analytics are key to managing emissions and improving compliance, as shown by the emergence of “digital twin” technology, which allows for advanced predictive capabilities in vessel maintenance and route optimization.
As the industry’s reliance on data grows, connectivity has become paramount. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems, like Starlink, now enable reliable, high-speed connections that were unavailable even a decade ago. This connectivity has paved the way for Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions and cloud computing in maritime operations. For example, ABS Wavesight has transitioned to a SaaS model, which DNV Maritime Software also supports for enhanced accessibility and cost efficiency. Nevertheless, Torsten Kappel of DNV Maritime emphasizes that as connectivity improves, so do cybersecurity risks. To adequately protect data and communication channels against cyber threats, he advocates for stringent cybersecurity protocols and third-party audits like SOC 2.
Real-time analytics, powered by high-speed connectivity and big data, enable operators to continuously monitor and adjust vessel performance. Christofferson points out that tools that allow for real-time assessment of factors like carbon pricing and emissions data are invaluable as regulations evolve. With carbon pricing coming into effect, access to accurate emissions data will be crucial for maritime companies to manage operational costs and avoid penalties. The European Union’s ETS and FuelEU initiatives are prime examples of regulatory frameworks that demand accurate emissions tracking and reporting.
The industry’s push for digitalization has also increased the demand for standardized data practices. Julian Panter of SITA emphasizes the need for consistent data protocols to streamline operations across different systems. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is making strides with its Maritime Single Window (MSW) initiative, which seeks to create a unified data-sharing system across ports and shipping lines. This standardization would address one of the main barriers to efficiency in maritime software: the fragmentation caused by disconnected systems.
AI, a rapidly evolving technology, presents a promising future for maritime operations. While already applied to optimize fuel consumption, route planning, and maintenance, AI’s potential goes far beyond current capabilities. Satterwhite sees AI as transformative, with the ability to support proactive decision-making across various aspects of fleet management. Through machine learning, AI can help operators predict maintenance needs, monitor emissions, and optimize fuel usage, offering insights that were previously inaccessible.
Among the early adopters of AI in maritime operations is French shipping company CMA CGM, which partnered with Google to leverage AI for route optimization, container handling, and logistics management. This integration aims to enhance efficiency and adaptability in the face of market fluctuations and disruptions. DNV Maritime Software also sees AI as instrumental, particularly with its “digital twin” technology that offers sophisticated simulations for fleet optimization.
