The maritime industry is no stranger to data-driven decision-making, but a recent development in digital consent policies is stirring debate about how far tracking should go—and who benefits. A new cookie consent framework, designed to improve user experience and personalize advertising, is raising eyebrows among industry professionals who question its necessity and impact.
At its core, the policy outlines several categories of data processing, from strictly necessary technical functions to behavioral tracking for marketing purposes. The language is clear: “Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site.” But for maritime professionals, the implications are less straightforward.
“In shipping, we deal with vast amounts of data—vessel performance, fuel consumption, weather patterns—but we’re selective about what we track and why,” says Captain Maria Santos, a veteran in maritime operations. “This policy seems to blur the lines between necessary data and optional tracking. For us, every data point has a purpose.”
The policy distinguishes between technical storage necessary for site functionality and data used for statistical or marketing purposes. “The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user,” it states. But critics argue that the distinction isn’t always clear-cut.
“In shipping, we rely on data to optimize routes, reduce emissions, and improve safety,” says Dr. Raj Patel, a maritime analyst. “If this policy is applied to industry-specific platforms, it could complicate data collection for legitimate operational needs. We need to ensure that necessary data isn’t caught in the crossfire of privacy concerns.”
The policy also addresses anonymous statistical data, noting that “without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.” While this may reassure some, others in the maritime sector remain skeptical.
“Anonymized data is still data,” says Captain Santos. “In an industry where cybersecurity is a growing concern, any data collection—even if anonymized—needs to be scrutinized. We can’t afford to be complacent.”
The policy’s most contentious aspect is its provision for user profiling and behavioral tracking for advertising. “The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes,” it states. For maritime professionals, this raises questions about relevance and necessity.
“Shipping is a highly specialized field,” says Dr. Patel. “The ads I see while researching fuel efficiency or regulatory compliance should be as relevant as possible. But if the data driving those ads is based on behavioral tracking rather than explicit user preferences, it’s a missed opportunity.”
The debate extends beyond user experience to the broader implications for the maritime industry. As digital transformation accelerates, data is becoming a cornerstone of operational efficiency and sustainability. Policies that restrict data collection could inadvertently hinder progress.
“In shipping, we’re striving for zero emissions, optimized routes, and predictive maintenance,” says Captain Santos. “Data is the lifeblood of these efforts. If policies like this create barriers to data access, it could slow down innovation.”
The maritime industry is at a crossroads. As digital tools become more integral to operations, the balance between data utility and privacy will be critical. The new cookie consent framework is a reminder that the rules of the digital age are still being written—and the maritime sector must engage in the conversation to ensure its needs are met.
“Shipping is a global industry, and our digital policies should reflect that,” says Dr. Patel. “We need frameworks that support our unique data requirements while respecting user privacy. The challenge is finding the right balance.”