At a recent maritime digitalisation seminar in Hamburg, industry panellists argued that shipping does not lack digital technology or data—the real gap lies in organisational processes and workforce readiness, which prevents companies from extracting full value from available tools.
What Happened
According to industry media, the seminar focused on how shipping can build a digital, secure and human-centric fleet. Panellists noted that global fleets are already connected, and technologies such as advanced analytics and preventive maintenance are in use, so technology itself is no longer the main obstacle.
One speaker said digitalisation is not just about installing systems but also about transforming decision-making processes. Company representatives shared their practices: a container carrier uses real-time cargo tracking and voyage optimisation to improve speed and flexibility; a towage operator relies on predictive maintenance to preserve operational readiness; and a ship manager uses artificial intelligence to manage vessel emissions.
However, these companies acknowledged that much work remains. One ship manager pointed out that data today sits in isolated systems, and only by connecting them can more savings be uncovered and better decisions made. A carrier established a fleet data ecosystem to bring data together for holistic analysis. Another emphasised a knowledge gap among staff regarding connected onboard systems, calling for more training.
Background
Shipping has invested heavily in digitalisation in recent years, from onboard sensors and satellite communications to cloud-based analytics. Yet the industry faces a common problem: inconsistent data standards, disconnected systems and traditional ship-shore collaboration models make it hard to turn data into actionable decisions.
Panellists also noted that AI's value lies in helping personnel handle time-consuming data analysis and compliance tasks rather than replacing human judgement. As more intelligent AI systems come onboard, demand for connectivity bandwidth and security will rise, and security needs to be built in by design.
Impact on Shippers
For sellers shipping from China to the US, the pace of maritime digitalisation directly affects schedule visibility and cargo tracking reliability. If a carrier's internal processes and data integration are incomplete, estimated arrival times in the first-mile leg may still deviate, affecting last-mile delivery and FBA warehouse appointment scheduling.
In customs clearance, carriers and freight forwarders with better data connectivity can provide accurate manifest and arrival information faster, helping reduce inspections or delays caused by information lags. Conversely, fragmented systems can slow document flow and increase operational risks during peak season. On cost, efficiency gains from digitalisation may not immediately show in freight rates, but over time they can help reduce extra fees caused by information asymmetry.
Recommendations
Shippers are advised not to rely solely on a single tracking source. During peak season, they should proactively verify vessel schedules and arrival updates with their freight forwarder or carrier and build in buffer time. They should also ensure their own documentation is accurate and submitted on time to avoid customs delays caused by data inconsistencies. When choosing channels, consider whether the provider has mature cargo tracking and data integration capabilities to better connect first-mile and last-mile operations.