Shipping’s digital shift fuels AI gains, cyber risks

Reported incidents climbed to 828 in 2025 from 408 in 2024.

Shipowners, ports, and technology providers expanded their use of artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, and data platforms in 2025 to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and manage complex supply chains.

The Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report 2026 said that the shift towards digitalisation has also increased cybersecurity concerns.

“The number of reported maritime cyberattacks rose  from 408 incidents in 2024 to 828 incidents in 2025, representing an increase of 103% year-on-year,” the report said.

Shipping companies are using AI-powered systems to analyse operational data, optimise voyages, and improve cargo management. These systems assess weather conditions, ocean data, and vessel performance to identify more efficient routes and reduce emissions.

South Korean shipping company Hyundai Glovis announced plans in 2025 to deploy AI-assisted autonomous navigation systems on large Pure Car and Truck Carriers.

Developed with HD Hyundai’s technology arm Avikus, the system supports partial remote control and AI-based route optimisation for vessels carrying up to 7,000 vehicles.

Digital twin technology is also gaining traction across maritime operations, creating virtual models of physical assets such as vessels and port facilities using real-time operational data. These systems allow operators to monitor performance and improve fleet management.

Digital solutions are also supporting emissions reduction efforts. Wärtsilä’s Fleet Optimisation Solutions combined voyage planning, performance analytics, and real-time vessel data across 31 vessels in one deployment.

This resulted in fuel savings of around 5–7% and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by about 600 tonnes, the report noted.

As shipping becomes more connected, cyber risks have emerged as a growing challenge. The report said attacks targeting vessels and shore-based systems included malware, ransomware, and distributed denial-of-service incidents.

From 2025, shipping companies were required to demonstrate compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s cyber risk management requirements under the International Safety Management Code during safety management audits.