The maritime industry is stuck in the AI doldrums—eager to harness artificial intelligence but struggling to move beyond pilot projects. New research from Thetius and Marcura reveals a sector caught between optimism and reality: 82% of professionals are bullish on AI, yet only 11% have formal policies to scale its use. This isn’t just a tech gap; it’s a governance and training crisis.
The study, “Beyond the Hype: What the maritime industry really thinks about AI,” surveyed 130 professionals and found that while 81% are running pilots, only 17% have transparent processes for how AI makes decisions. Nearly a quarter doubt vendor claims, and 37% have witnessed AI failures firsthand. The disconnect is clear—enthusiasm doesn’t equal execution.
Where AI shines, though, is in reducing manual inefficiencies (97% agree) and analyzing charter party contracts (87%). But here’s the catch: 69% worry AI might miss critical red flags in contracts or voyage planning. “A general AI agent might say that SF means standard form, but in shipping, it means stowage factor,” says Janani Yagnamurthy, VP Analytics at Marcura. This highlights a deeper truth: AI in maritime isn’t about replacing expertise—it’s about augmenting it.
Maritime professionals overwhelmingly reject full automation. 70% believe AI should recommend actions but leave final decisions to humans, while 66% fear overreliance on AI could erode human judgment. “Skilled maritime professionals have spent decades honing their judgment in high-stakes roles like chartering and operations,” Yagnamurthy explains. “The best AI functions like a co-pilot, not a replacement, providing insights but always leaving the final decision up to the professional who understands the full context.”
This caution isn’t just theoretical. Marcura’s AI-powered charter party analysis recently saved a dry bulk operator over $120,000 by flagging missing clauses in a draft agreement. Yet, purpose-built solutions like this remain the exception, not the rule. The biggest barriers to scaling? Inadequate training (38%) and weak governance (only 17% have transparent AI decision-making processes).
Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is doubling down on AI, partnering with Altair to boost eco-friendly marine engine performance. The collaboration aims to create simulation platforms for engine design, optimize performance, and improve predictive maintenance—showing how AI can drive real-world impact when applied strategically.
The maritime industry’s AI journey is far from over. The question now is whether companies can bridge the gap between pilot projects and scalable, governed solutions. Because right now, the sector is stuck in the early stages—and the clock is ticking.