Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and every company should be considering how to implement it
Artificial intelligence was one of the standout themes at Posidonia 2026, with industry leaders stressing that AI-powered systems are no longer the future, but the present.
Posidonia 2026 is shaping up to be the most technology-focused edition in the event’s history, bringing together artificial intelligence, energy-efficiency technologies, and cloud-based maritime software under one roof at the Athens Metropolitan Expo.
According to a pre-event survey conducted by Posidonia Exhibitions, more than 40 exhibiting companies have already integrated artificial intelligence into part of their business operations. Such a figure would have been almost unimaginable at Posidonia 2024, when AI-powered maritime technologies were still largely confined to laboratories and pilot projects. From classification societies and software developers to equipment manufacturers and logistics platforms, technology is now permeating every segment of the maritime industry.
The practical dimension of this transformation was clearly demonstrated during a dedicated technology showcase organized through a partnership between the UK Department for Business and Trade and the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI). The event brought together complementary British maritime technology companies offering solutions to the various operational pressures faced by Greek shipowners and fleet operators. These pressures are being shaped by tightening regulations, volatile fuel costs, and accelerating digital transformation.
“Operators Are Drowning in a Sea of Data”
The exhibition highlighted five technology areas of particular importance to the Greek shipping community: wind-assisted propulsion systems and energy-saving devices, digital asset management and operational control, propeller optimization, systems integration, and physical vessel security. Organizers noted that these solutions provide an end-to-end approach to fleet readiness.
Noel Tomlinson, Business Development Lead for Commercial Maritime and Ports at BMT, said:
“The fundamental challenge for operators is achieving clarity in decision-making. The real question is which technology is right for a particular vessel or fleet and when it should be implemented. Operators are drowning in a sea of data. Their confidence in making the right decisions depends largely on the quality of that data and how it is structured.”
Dr. Milad Armin, Chief Executive Officer of Enki Marine, highlighted the benefits of artificial intelligence for marine propulsion systems:
“We have launched Deep Impact, our groundbreaking AI solution positioned at the intersection of decarbonization and digitalization. It is a platform designed for the digital age, helping propulsion systems operate at peak performance at all times.”
According to Armin, the technology can help shipowners save between $200,000 and $500,000 annually in fuel costs, depending on the vessel type.
“AI Allows Us to Systematically Measure the Human Factor”
While the UK session focused on practical technology solutions, the “Navigating the Future: Artificial Intelligence in Global Shipping” panel, held as part of the 5th TradeWinds Shipowners Forum, examined the strategic and regulatory framework within which these solutions will operate. The panel featured speakers representing classification societies, entrepreneurship, and academia.
Joshua Divin, Senior Vice President of Maritime Business Development at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on classification and safety assurance:
“We first began exploring the value of data for shipping in 2017. Today, we are running numerous AI initiatives, including our Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence, which aims to create a meaningful and useful data foundation for operators. We also offer AI consulting services and products such as Plato. Plato is a powerful AI tool designed to accelerate compliance with maritime regulations. It functions as a digital conversational assistant, helping professionals quickly navigate classification rules and regulatory requirements. Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and every company should be considering how to implement it.”
Representing the AI SME community, Maria Kolitsida, Founder and CEO of Signal Fusion, emphasized the human dimension of AI adoption:
“Ships are safer than ever before, but risk has shifted toward the human element of operations, and AI can help us address this challenge. Artificial intelligence allows us to systematically measure the human factor. It transforms fragmented insights into coherent operational signals. AI systems can now help us better understand and predict crew performance under pressure, in specific conditions, and over time. In short, operational behavioral intelligence for maritime crews is now becoming a reality.”
“AI Is the Most Powerful Tool Supporting Decarbonization”
George Kokosalakis, Faculty Member at The American College of Greece and Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Shipping, Logistics and Energy, spoke about AI-powered decision support systems designed to reduce fleet carbon footprints.
“Today, artificial intelligence is the most powerful tool helping us achieve decarbonization. We have identified several gaps preventing the full implementation of AI systems. These include a lack of trust, the automation paradox—where operators rely less on manual skills as AI advances, potentially weakening judgment in critical situations—cybersecurity concerns, and insufficient organizational readiness. However, AI-powered Decision Support Systems are not a distant goal because these solutions are already commercially available today.”
As part of Posidonia Today, German independent financial services and advisory firm HHX.blue also introduced its digital tool, SeaCheck. The system goes beyond simple data collection, focusing on risk assessment, decision timing, and the creation of sustainable financial structures in the age of artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, Greek company Fleetwork showcased the first fully cloud-based maritime ERP platform developed entirely in Greece and designed specifically for the needs of modern shipping companies.
Fleetwork Founder and CEO Giannis Sarris commented:
“At Posidonia 2026, we are introducing the next generation of our platform. Our focus is on a new AI-powered tool, smarter workflows, and cloud-based capabilities that strengthen real-time collaboration between ship and shore operations. Our goal is to help shipping companies become more agile, make better use of their operational data, and improve the efficiency of their day-to-day processes. We achieve this through a modern cloud-based maritime ERP environment that is always focused on the future.”
