Article Navigating the Tides of Transformation
By Insight UK / 21 Oct 2025 / Topics: Digital transformation
A Strategic Imperative for Maritime IT Leaders
Steve Hemmings, Client CTO – Maritime, at Insight, summarises his takeaways from the “Precision at the Port” event, held on 15th September, in London.
It has been a few weeks since London International Shipping Week, yet the energy from our “Precision at the Port” Executive Briefing still feels as strong as ever. The event brought together more than fifty senior leaders and innovators from across the maritime sector. There was a real sense of momentum in the room, with leaders openly acknowledging the challenges we face and leaning into the opportunities that lie ahead.
What stood out most to me was the openness of the dialogue. People spoke candidly about the pressures of legacy systems, manual processes, regulatory constraints, and cybersecurity risks. But rather than dwelling on the problems, the discussions were forward-looking and solution-focused. It was not about frustration; it was about possibility. That collective willingness to share and to learn from each other was inspiring.
An aviation comparison at the start really set the tone. It highlighted how inefficiencies that have become the norm in maritime, such as underutilised deck space or slow turnaround times, are not inevitable. Other industries, such as aviation, have solved similar issues through data-driven cultures and disciplined precision. There is no reason why maritime cannot achieve the same.
The power of AI
In my session, I shared how AI can act as a practical driver for this shift. Moving operations from reactive to predictive has the power to transform port efficiency, improve asset utilisation, and enhance the overall experience for operators and stakeholders. What really resonated with the audience was the idea that this does not have to remain a long-term vision. With our five-day rapid adoption approach, organisations can go from idea to working prototype in less than a week. It means proving value quickly and reducing risk, something that appealed strongly to those in the room.
Integration is key
A consistent theme across all discussions was that the future must be integrated. Data silos are holding the industry back. By connecting data from vessels, ports, weather systems, and logistics platforms into a single transparent environment, we can achieve better visibility, smarter decision-making, and meaningful progress on sustainability goals. That integration is not optional, it is essential.
Prioritise Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity was another area of focus. The early insights we shared from research into cybersecurity in the maritime sector were sobering, showing both a growing threat landscape and a significant skills gap (73%). Yet the reaction from leaders was not one of alarm, but of determination. There was a clear alignment that strategic partnerships will be critical to build resilience and ensure round-the-clock protection. Outsourcing certain functions is no longer about cost efficiency alone, it is about capability and assurance.
Announcing Maritech
Another highlight for me was announcing the soft launch of Maritech, developed in partnership with HPe. Maritech is designed as a savings-led innovation platform that helps organisations release capital from existing IT and operational spend and reinvest it directly into transformation. It provides a modular foundation for areas such as ESG monitoring, procurement as a service, and enterprise architecture management. This last capability is especially important, giving organisations a structured way to align technology, operations, and investment decisions with their long-term strategy. The positive response confirmed that the sector is looking for practical, cost-controlled ways to innovate without overextending budgets.
A look to the future
As I reflect on the day, what stays with me is the sense of shared purpose. These were not isolated conversations or polite exchanges. They were aligned, energetic, and focused on moving the industry forward together. We were connecting dots, challenging old assumptions, and shaping a common vision of the future.
For me, the conviction is clear. Synchronised operations are the key to building a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable maritime industry. The conversations at “Precision at the Port” were not the conclusion, but the starting point of a collaborative journey. If we maintain the same positivity, openness, and commitment to partnership that was in the room that day, then I am confident we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.
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