Splash reaches for its crystal ball in launching Ship Concept 2035, a magazine delegates attending Nor-Shipping can pick up for free. To assess the design of tomorrow’s ships our reporters factored in incoming regulations, the runners and riders in the future fuel race, changing seafarer skillsets, port constraints, shipyards, connectivity, and artificial intelligence.
The shipping industry is on the cusp of one of its most transformative decades. Driven by decarbonisation, digitalisation, and a shifting geopolitical landscape, the vessels that traverse our oceans in 2035 may look similar at first glance—but beneath the surface, they’ll be smarter, cleaner, and more efficient shaped by technological innovation and regulatory pressure.
While hull shapes may remain largely familiar, function is set to redefine the form.
“Externally, we need to expect evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, change,” says Ajay Chaudhry, CEO of shipmanagement at Synergy Marine Group. “Constraints like port infrastructure and classification limits will inevitably curtail radical redesigns.”
Chaudhry says to expect visible additions like wind-assisted propulsion systems, air lubrication systems, larger and repositioned fuel tanks and some modifications to superstructures to reduce wind resistance.
As Stamatis Tsantanis, chairman and CEO of Greek owner Seanergy Maritime puts it: “Function will still dictate form, though sustainability demands will reshape certain visible elements over time.”
If the outside will evolve slowly, the inside will undergo a radical transformation, experts surveyed for this magazine suggest.
“In 10 years, the smartest ships may look familiar from the quayside, but function entirely differently from within,” says Chaudhry.
The smartest ships may look familiar from the quayside, but function entirely differently from within
Digital control rooms, sensor-integrated systems, and AI-assisted operations will be standard, according to Shah Irani, chief technology officer at Fleet Management who predicts a convergence of artificial intelligence for predictive safety and operational decisions, internet of things to enable real-time monitoring and diagnostics, big data analytics for route optimisation and predictive maintenance, and finally blockchain to secure and streamline logistics and compliance. These tools, Irani says, will reshape everything from navigation to fuel efficiency.
The strongest tailwind in shipping’s transformation is decarbonisation.
“The shipping industry stands at a pivotal transformative moment, driven by digitalisation and decarbonisation,” says Nick Copley, co-CEO of Ocean Technologies Group. “First movers who embrace innovation stand to gain a clear and lasting competitive advantage.”
“Economy of scale, engine optimisation, and environmental pressures have historically driven design,” says Kristin Omholt-Jensen, the CEO of Maritime Optima, a shipping intelligence firm. “Now, carbon emissions will drive change—sails, propellers, dual fuels—all will influence the future.”
“Vessel design will continue to evolve; to address regulatory requirements in particular around emissions and to promote improving operational efficiency,” says Gareth Burton, senior vice president of global engineering at ABS.
Yet, challenges abound. As Dr Kanghyun Song, a senior vice president at Korean Register, points out, there are four key uncertainties namely fuel price volatility, regulatory ambiguity, technological immaturity where the likes of fuel cells and carbon capture are still unproven at scale, and finally infrastructure gaps with many ports lacking bunkering for alternative fuels.
The tide may bring not only compliance, but competitive advantage
To address this, Song says new vessels will need flexible fuel systems and modular configurations that can evolve as regulations and fuels mature.
For all the promise of technology, adoption must consider real-world usability.
“Technologies should be employed such that they are not only technically sound but also practical and usable in real-world maritime environments,” says Eric Van Der Horn, ABS’s manager of technology.
“It is important to understand and listen to the challenges that shipowners and crew face when adopting new technologies,” says Patrick Wadden, marketing and communications manager at coatings specialist GIT.
Stefan Schindler, general manager of BestShip, a joint venture of Wilhelmsen Ship Management and MPC Capital, adds: “A common challenge lies in the lack of accurate onboard measurement mechanisms to validate the business case for new technologies. For crewmembers, the biggest concern is often the complexity of maintenance associated with these solutions.”
Manufacturers must incorporate seafarer feedback in design to ensure safety, efficiency, and practicality.
The move toward smarter, greener ships demands capital. But finally more shipowners are realising the long-term payoff.
“The decarbonisation agenda is now forcing a spend-to-save mindset,” says Manish Singh, who heads up UK-based advisory Aboutships. “Owners increasingly see digital investments and predictive tools as ways to manage opex, not just capex.”
As fuel prices fluctuate and carbon pricing tightens, digital optimisation becomes a strategic necessity, not a luxury.
One barrier to rapid tech adoption is the inherent diversity of the shipping industry.
“Shipping is a uniquely complex industry. Unlike land transport or aviation, vessels vary significantly in design, type, and operational profile,” says BestShip’s Schindler. “This lack of standardisation makes it difficult for technology vendors to develop solutions that are universally applicable.”
Tailored, modular solutions will likely become the norm, allowing for fleet-specific customisation while maintaining core technology platforms.
The next decade will not completely reshape the silhouette of ships, but it will redefine their soul. From AI-driven decision-making to cleaner propulsion, shipping is entering an era of intelligence, efficiency, and accountability. And for those who invest early and wisely, the tide may bring not only compliance—but competitive advantage.
To access the whole of Ship Concept 2035 for free online, click here.
the title: “The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation for Mental Health”
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. With the constant demands of work, family, and other responsibilities, it’s important to find ways to take care of our mental health. One powerful tool that has been gaining popularity in recent years is mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness meditation is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By taking the time to quiet the mind and tune into the present moment, many people have found that they are able to reduce stress, improve their mood, and enhance their overall mental well-being.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness meditation is its ability to reduce stress. Studies have shown that regular practice of mindfulness meditation can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. By taking the time to pause and focus on the present moment, individuals are able to release tension and anxiety, leading to a greater sense of calm and relaxation.
In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness meditation has also been shown to improve mood and increase feelings of happiness. By cultivating a sense of awareness and acceptance of our thoughts and emotions, we are able to better manage difficult situations and approach challenges with a more positive mindset. This can lead to a greater overall sense of well-being and contentment in our daily lives.
Furthermore, mindfulness meditation has been found to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. By learning to observe our thoughts and emotions without attaching judgment or negativity to them, we are able to create distance from our inner struggles and gain a greater sense of control over our mental state.
Overall, the benefits of mindfulness meditation for mental health are vast and varied. By incorporating this practice into our daily routine, we can cultivate a greater sense of peace, happiness, and well-being. So why not take a few moments each day to quiet the mind, focus on the present moment, and reap the benefits of mindfulness meditation for yourself?