In 2022, the head of the International Maritime Organisation Kitack Lim told a Hamburg delegation that the most fundamental change in shipping is going to come from a changing mindset. A shift towards greater transparency, more data sharing, better data analysis and collaborative thinking. He emphasised that progress on key issues like decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and modernising the maritime ecosystem will only be possible through generating and sharing the correct data with the right partners at the right time.
However, these collaborative efforts must be driven by more than just the largest and most influential shipping companies like Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM. With 80% of ports still relying on manual processes, breaking down barriers to a more comprehensive data access is critical. There are certainly challenges from legal, political, competitive and technological standpoints. Concerns around antitrust and competition law will continue to test the boundaries of collaboration and consent. Cultural inertia and legacy behaviours will also apply drag. Ultimately, change comes with monetary, cultural, and psychological costs.
The time is right to leverage digital data to drive the evolution and growth of shipping. The industry can choose to achieve decarbonisation and modernisation proactively, not just due to political pressure, by recognising the depth of its common interests. Data sharing and collaboration distribute risk and create economies of scale. It is practical, necessary, and mutually beneficial, a powerful combination.
There is little doubt that the shipping industry aims to catch up on digitalisation and data integration across its functions, assets and services. In partnership with Bureau Veritas, the Common Interest report examines how data generation and exchange are accelerating in the sector and how policies, regulations and laws further enable these trends. While competitive instincts still dominate in some areas, leading companies are pioneering data sharing initiatives for the collective good. Port authorities collaborate more closely than ever with ship owners, agents, terminals and other players to optimise flows. The benefits of shared meteorological and navigational data are being demonstrated through reduced accidents, risks and fuel consumption.
However, barriers remain to fuller ecosystem collaboration. Hesitancy around data transparency is still common, driven by commercial sensitivities, security risks, and lack of trust. Developing common data and interface standards across disparate systems is technically and organizationally difficult. Resistance to change makes overcoming institutional silos challenging. To fully realise the gains of cooperation, mindsets must evolve further, and key enablers must fall into place.
Wise legislation and regulation will provide the right nudges without overreach. The European Union’s strategy of facilitating voluntary data sharing consortia is one good example. Leadership coalitions can set sharing examples for mutual benefit, the Sea Cargo Charter for carbon reporting is a model. Common data platforms and standards will need to emerge through bodies like DCSA. Workforce skills around data analytics must be strengthened through new training programs.
The destination is clear, a shipping ecosystem where data flows securely between all players to provide insights for safer, greener, more resilient maritime trade. The journey has begun but will require sustained commitment, investment and trust in shared success. By understanding the power of collaboration and pressing ahead practicably and transparently, the industry can show the world it is capable of transformational change from within. The momentum is building. The mindsets of both established players and new entrants are shifting. With thoughtful policies and leadership, shipping can undergo a digital evolution – from guarded data silos to ecosystem collaboration. This collective awakening, driven by visionary thinking, holds the key to a brighter future.
For a more in depth understanding of the topics covered in this article, refer to our latest thought leadership report titled ‘Common Interest; How the maritime industry can share data, collaborate with trust, and build a mutually beneficial digital ecosystem.’ This comprehensive guide benchmarks shipping’s progress on using digital solutions to collaborate on decarbonisation goals and shows how industry frontrunners are breaking down the technical, legal, financial and cultural barriers.
