Maritime decarbonization and computerization “Slow ahead” [REPORT]

By Marek Grzybowski

Decarbonization and computerization of maritime transport and ports is proceeding slower than expected and it will be difficult to achieve the assumed goals by 20250 – according to the “Global Maritime Trends Barometer 2025” developed on behalf of Lloyd’s Register. In the implementation of the assumptions of reducing the negative impact on the environment, there are clearly a few leaders and a large group of those sailing much slower.

At the recent Polish Ports 2030 Congress, the need for cooperation in the introduction of innovations in ports, joint action to participate in the process of building renewable energy was clearly emphasized. The signed agreement between the presidents of the boards of sea ports of fundamental importance to the economy and the letter of intent between companies supporting the development of small hydropower plants are in line with the actions taken earlier by the presidents of maritime economy companies, who established the Polish Maritime Cluster over 20 years ago, today operating as the Baltic Maritime and Space Cluster.

Alliances, clusters and industrial groups in the maritime industry use their potential not only to build a competitive advantage based on costs and price competition. First of all, they focus on implementing innovations, using new technologies, developing maritime business with the support of IT, AI, IoT, VR and satellite technologies. All these activities require support with educational activities at the highest level. High quality of personnel in maritime logistics is a basic and necessary condition for implementing new technologies and building a competitive advantage. This can be seen in the latest reports of Lloyd’s Register, Global Maritime Forum and IMO recommendations.

Source: LR Global Maritime Trends Barometer, 2025

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has published the first comprehensive study of its kind to assess the shipping industry’s progress in transforming and decarbonising the shipping industry based on new technologies. Each transformation is divided into five key components of maritime transformation identified in the Economist Impact Global Maritime Trends 2050 (GMT 2050 Report). The Global Maritime Forum is highlighting the delays in implementing innovations in shipping.

The findings are presented in the Global Maritime Trends Barometer 2025 using indicators that illustrate the transformation trajectory towards net zero ambitions, ranging from full alignment to unachievable transformation. These components include internal and external factors that affect the pace of decarbonisation in shipping. Lloyd’s Register has presented the barometer readings to focus the industry’s attention on the key areas requiring decisive action to decarbonise.

Lloyd’s Register is blunt: “The first edition of the GMT Barometer is a stark assessment of the industry’s progress” and notes that this is “a critical opportunity to correct course with minimal disruption”. With each passing year, the efforts to decarbonise shipping and the entire sea-to-land logistics chain are becoming more complex. The costs of adapting the industry to net zero emissions in shipping and ports are rising significantly. This issue was raised during panel discussions at the Polish Ports 2030 Congress.

Innovation in shipping ‘slow ahead’

Implementation problems have been identified across all key components of both the energy and digital transformations, as confirmed by the latest research from the Global Maritime Forum presented in the ‘Getting to Zero Coalition Action Framework 2025’. It shows that progress in the introduction of new technologies is slower than expected. The research suggests there is scope for improvement across the entire maritime transport sector, the Global Maritime Forum suggests.

The Global Maritime Forum report states: “To some extent, scores below 50% reflect the early stages of the shipping transformation: the actions have not been benchmarked against any assessment of where leading companies in the transformation ‘should’ be in 2024 and it may turn out that the average scores of 44% and 28% reflect leading practices in the sector.” As such, the actions will be best assessed for many years to come. In addition, certain barriers in the ecosystem prevent companies from operating at the highest level of ambition for some actions.

Source: Global Maritime Forum, Getting to Zero Coalition Action Framework, 2025

In the implementation of innovation in maritime transport, “uncertainty surrounding the adoption of medium-term measures by the IMO is playing a role in limiting ambition in many areas of action”. Therefore, the Global Maritime Forum states that “a qualitative review of the results clearly shows room for improvement, regardless of structural factors”.

For many actions, there were clear differences between stakeholders operating at a moderate or high level of innovation and companies that did not take any action at all or significantly lagged behind the innovators. As a result, the picture of the overall action to decarbonise maritime transport is not very optimistic.

The Global Maritime Forum aims to “help improve the performance of the Getting to Zero Coalition as a whole”. These actions can be viewed from a transition perspective: “from creating an enabling environment for the implementation of zero-emission shipping worldwide through market creation, niche initiatives and early investments in human and physical capacity”. For each action, different activities of the logistics chain. The study shows different levels of progress, from no action illustrated in deep red to active action illustrated in deep green.

Source: LR Global Maritime Trends Barometer, 2025

The human component is very important
Analysts creating the GMT 2050 Report stated that “The human component was an area of ​​particular concern in formulating conclusions”. The research allowed for the identification of barriers to the introduction of progress in decarbonization and computerization. Slowdowns in the introduction of the latest technologies result not only from investors’ savings or lack of funds. The barrier is insufficient training and investment in the development of qualified specialists. And they are essential in the processes of management, management of the operation of innovative ports and ships of the future.

These issues were discussed in detail in the first Global Maritime Trends report on the sustainable development of seafarers. At that time, attention was drawn to the need to support the development of African countries. Attention was also paid to the education of women, who constitute the background of the future staff of maritime transport. According to the report, “Africa has become a key force in the maritime workforce, with women expected to make up 25% of the maritime workforce by 2050.”

“Within the industry, digitalisation efforts such as increased connectivity and automation have untapped value in improving the productivity and well-being of seafarers and other workers,” the LR report says. These are important issues given the challenges of labour market gaps. LR believes the situation will improve if, “As the number of young professionals who are digitally savvy and environmentally conscious grows,” it says.

“Shipping has the potential to attract talent by presenting career opportunities that bridge the digital and physical worlds, from developing software that tangibly reduces greenhouse gas emissions to operating some of the world’s largest ships.”

The research, presented in the GMT Barometer 2025, reveals the underlying challenges facing the workforce. It found significant gaps “in the enforcement of safety standards, workers’ rights, diversity and access to new labour markets”, factors that both affect workers operating in ports and on ships today and limit the industry’s “ability to attract new talent”.

Source: LR Global Maritime Trends Barometer, 2025

Progress in seaports is too slow
Based on the analysis of the implementation of new technologies within ports, it was concluded that “digital and environmental progress remains largely limited to advanced ports and port clusters”. It is emphasised that the increase in “the number of smart ports is positive for the sector”. Automation and computerisation of ports improve terminal efficiency and the quality of customer service, and also contribute to the reduction of emissions of substances harmful to the environment. It was noted that on a global scale, the pace of development of innovative port infrastructure is still too slow and customer expectations require the acceleration of innovation implementation.

– To achieve a credible trajectory towards net zero emissions by 2050, the maritime industry must address its challenges by translating commitments into concrete actions. Agreements, targets and strategies must be transformed into measurable achievements that generate sustainable momentum. Only through decisive action, cooperation and innovation can the industry ensure a sustainable and resilient future, the authors of the GMT 2050 Report appeal.

The analysts preparing the GMT 2050 Report examined potential scenarios of change in the maritime industry. A matrix was used here, taking into account the pace of technology adoption in society and global cooperation on climate change. Barometric charts were designed to help forecast the most likely future of decarbonization of the maritime industry at the current pace of progress. LR announces that this forecast will be