Here’s what we learnt from London International Shipping Week 2025

London International Shipping Week once again proved why it has become one of the most important events in the maritime calendar. Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the event spanned five days in mid-September with over 350 official events and functions, drawing thousands of industry leaders from shipowners and managers to regulators and innovators.  

Highlights for us included:  

Capital Link forum 

One standout session was Capital Link’s 17th Annual Shipping & Marine Services Forum on September 16, where a panel titled “Smart Shipping is Already Here – AI & Digitalization at Sea” discussed how data-driven technology is transforming the industry. We participated on that panel, alongside Mark O'Neil, President & CEO at Columbia Shipmanagement, Kyle Hurst, Senior Vice President of Fleet Communications & Technology at The Liberian Registry, Yarden Gross, CEO & Co-Founder at Orca AI and Ami Daniel, Co-Founder & CEO at Windward. The session was moderated by Lars Riisberg, Marine Digital Solutions Executive Director at RINA. 

The discussion highlighted some real-world examples of how AI, big data and automation are being used today to improve safety, efficiency and decision-making at sea. In short, “Smart Shipping” isn’t a distant promise. It’s already happening and adding real value. The forum offered a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and gain invaluable insights into topics such as the changing global trade landscape, smart shipping, AI and digitalisation at sea, as well as panel sessions covering the dry bulk, gas and tanker sectors.  

Thetius 150: Recognising maritime innovation leaders 

During a half-day summit on September 16, industry analysts Thetius unveiled their annual report “Thetius 150”, a comprehensive index of the world’s most innovative maritime tech companies.  Out of more than 4,000 companies considered, 1,200 made the shortlist and we are proud that 90POE was named for the second consecutive year among the top 50 SMEs driving innovation in shipping. Our OpenOcean STUDIO platform was cited for its role in helping owners and operators cut costs, improve safety and navigate evolving compliance.  

The recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of our customers and partners. For us, it was a reminder that innovation is not just about creating new tools but about solving the very real problems shipowners face every day. 

Read more about our recognition in Thetius 150, here.

Headline Conference – IMO  

The LISW Headline Conference (co-hosted with the IMO) gathered 700+ senior leaders to debate “the management of paradox” in shipping. A clear theme was the tension between decarbonisation goals and economic realities. Experts noted that while the industry has ambitious climate targets, progress is uneven: investment, technology rollout and political will are all factors. 

Human element 

Amid all the talk of technology and regulation, one of the most pressing concerns was around people. The shortage of seafarers is a real and growing challenge, and many leaders expressed deep concern about how to attract new generations to the profession. Karrie Trauth, EVP and Global Head of Shipping & Maritime at Shell highlighted: “The reality is, if we lose even the seafarers we have today without attracting any more to the industry, none of us wins”. 

Conversations ranged from improving seafarer welfare to investing in training and recruitment to make maritime careers more appealing. It was clear that no amount of technology can succeed without enough skilled people to run the ships safely. 

Key takeaways from LISW 2025 

The conversations across London during LISW25 reflected both the opportunities and the tensions facing the maritime industry today. Some of the main points discussed throughout the week were:

• The IMO vote in October will be fundamental: Delegates repeatedly pointed to the upcoming IMO decision on the Net-Zero Framework as a defining moment. It represents more than a technical debate. It is a test of how climate ambition can balance with industrial and political realities.  

• Fleet readiness remains a concern: Estimates indicate that only approximately one-third of the global fleet will be prepared for 2030, capable of operating on alternative fuels. Despite increasing pressure to decarbonise, new vessel orders continue to favour conventional fossil-fuel propulsion, highlighting the gap between regulatory ambitions and market practices. 

• Geopolitical risks are reshaping maritime safety: The impact of global instability on shipping routes was a key discussion point throughout the week. Rerouting vessels, increased operational costs and evolving security threats are now integral considerations for operators, highlighting that maritime safety extends beyond onboard operations to encompass broader geopolitical realities. 

• Industry fragmentation: Several participants highlighted the need for a more level playing field to ensure that smaller owners are not disadvantaged in the transition to more sustainable and technologically advanced operations 

• Collaboration and data-sharing: Progress in decarbonisation, safety, and operational efficiency relies on effective collaboration across the industry. Yet competitive pressures often limit information sharing, presenting a significant challenge that the industry must address to achieve meaningful and sustainable progress. 

London International Shipping Week proved that the conversations around decarbonisation, digitalisation, security and crewing are not abstract. They are immediate, real and pressing.  

At 90POE, our mission is clear: to provide shipowners and operators with tools that make their operations safer, smarter and more sustainable. The recognition we received during London International Shipping Week was encouraging, but more importantly, it reinforced the responsibility we all share to help the maritime industry move forward.