The prospects of the Maritime Industry for 2023

2023 will see an acceleration of the trends we see already impacting shipping; the transition towards a more efficient and digitalized industry. This is a process of evolution that will see the maritime industry apply ever more innovation as it adapts to a new regulatory climate and positions for the first decarbonization milestone in 2030.

Concrete progress is vital if this reduction in carbon emissions is to be achieved and the scale of the challenge requires that class provides ever more support for shipowners and other stakeholders.

The ABS sustainability program provides guidance across all aspects of the energy transition. This spans the complete range of new fuels, through energy efficiency and sustainable finance, to the emerging trades that are inspiring new vessel designs and their supporting value and supply chains.

Our program of Approvals in Principle and joint industry projects will continue to support and foster innovation among vessel designers and shipyards.

The complementary component of this story is technology and digitalization. In 2023, digital tools and services will continue to contribute to a smarter, more efficient industry. In addition to short term solutions, ABS is looking ahead, publishing an examination of the breakthrough technologies we expect to have a transformative effect on the industry in future.

Some, like digital twins, automation and autonomy are becoming well-known, while concepts like augmented reality and artificial intelligence are more familiar to Silicon Valley. Others, such as additive manufacturing/3D printing and generative design have the potential to transform how the industry designs, develops and implements systems and solutions.

These technologies are changing maritime and must be added to the Rules, standards and the service infrastructure that class provides, ensuring that the industry’s transition to low and ultimate net zero carbon operations is safe and sustainable.

Dionysios Antonopoulos, ABS Director, Business Development

“Owners have a great deal of options available to make their ships less carbon intensive ships. 2023 will see a continued development in the maturity of these technologies. Meanwhile, owners will want to cement their decisions on what digital technology and energy efficiency devices will be right for their fleets. This will be true for newbuilds as well as retrofits”.

Paillette Palaiologou

Vice President Marine & Offshore Division, South East Europe, Black Sea & Adriatic (SEEBA) Zone, Bureau Veritas

President Hellenic Chamber of Shipping