AI is already delivering measurable gains across shipbuilding and vessel operations, according to industry leaders gathered for shipping’s annual tech confab. But fragmented data and incomplete digitalisation are preventing wider adoption. As investment pours into maritime AI, the sector’s biggest challenge may be organisational readiness rather than technology itself

Infrastructure upgrades and the rise of subsidiary Hede Shipping are strengthening Tangshan’s container handling capability

From 50m-teu milestones to million-minute customs clearance, Shanghai is racing ahead on every front but the one it can’t control — global trade politics

Growth may have slowed, but records were still being broken at terminals

Geopolitical factors affecting the port’s trade prospects may continue to weigh on throughput for some time yet, keeping the northern hub treading water as China’s smallest major port

Strong transhipment volumes drove growth at the world’s second busiest transhipment port and overcame volatility from alliance restructuring, and tariff issues and trade tensions

Container volumes rose 6.5% to 32.9m teu as Qingdao expanded its shipping and inland networks, while pushing ahead with automation, alternative-fuel bunkering and new terminal capacity

DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port maintained stable container throughput in 2025

The Baltic Exchange named an eventual successor to Mark Jackson as part of a ‘planned and orderly leadership transition’ announced in October last year

Technology best used to supplement sound navigation basics

Stronger international co-operation, clearer regulations and greater financial support will be essential to help the maritime sector manage geopolitical and economic challenges while continuing its transition toward net zero