Green energy, artificial intelligence, alternative fuels – and Trump (of course) – were recurring topics as the Thurlestone Shipping research team attended insightful conferences, reconnected with industry peers, and forged new relationships during the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2025. Through in-depth discussions with industry leaders, three dominant themes emerged: Digitalization, Decarbonization, and Deglobalization
Navigating the Digital Wave
Digitalization was a key focus, with discussions highlighting its potential to streamline operations, improve safety, and enhance decision-making. While the current emphasis remains on narrow AI applications — designed for specific tasks — there is a gradual shift toward generalized AI, which could eventually support multiple functions. However, widespread commercial viability remains distant.
One of the most talked-about innovations was the digital twin technology, which virtually replicates vessels and ports to enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and operational optimization.
Despite its potential, digitalization presents significant challenges, particularly for smaller stakeholders. High implementation costs and limited data accessibility were key barriers discussed throughout the week. A clear takeaway was the pressing need for scalable, cost-effective digital solutions to create a more level playing field in the industry.
Steering Towards 2050: Challenges and Innovations in Maritime Decarbonization
Decarbonization was another major theme, driven by the looming 2030 emissions targets and the 2050 carbon neutrality goal. While governments and regulatory bodies continue to introduce policies to steer the industry toward compliance, some stakeholders are proactively exploring various adaptation strategies.
For instance, FMG launched the world’s first dual-fuel ammonia-powered vessel, while Vale implemented wind-assisted propulsion on Guaibamax and Valemax vessels — both significant steps toward emissions reduction.
However, regulatory inconsistencies remain a major challenge. For instance, Fuel EU Maritime focuses on lifecycle emissions, while the EU ETS prioritizes combustion emissions, creating uncertainty around compliance pathways.
Additionally, while alternative fuels like ammonia and methanol are widely discussed as viable decarbonization strategies, their scalability and commercial viability remain uncertain. Despite their potential, progress has been slow, making large-scale investments and industry-wide adoption difficult to justify at this stage.
The Challenges of Deglobalization
Beyond environmental and technological challenges, the maritime industry is also grappling with the impact of deglobalization. Lloyd’s List’s Richard Meade referred to this as the “Trump Effect”, highlighting how rising protectionist policies are disrupting trade flows and stifling investment decisions.
According to Bloomberg, Chinese ship sales have already begun to decline and are selling at discounts in response to the proposed USTR port fees. Amid this uncertainty, many industry players are adopting a wait-and-see approach, prioritizing flexibility over immediate action.
Looking Ahead
As SMW 2025 came to a close, one clear consensus emerged: uncertainty is the only certainty. With rapid technological advancements, evolving regulations, and shifting geopolitical landscapes, the maritime industry faces both challenges and opportunities. Navigating this complex environment will require adaptability, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies. As stakeholders continue to assess the implications of digitalization, decarbonization, and deglobalization, the industry must stay agile to chart a course through an increasingly unpredictable future.